He’s been the face of countless blockbusters, walked away with a plethora of awards, and cemented his name in Hollywood history. But when it comes to Michael Douglas, the legendary star believes his proudest achievements have nothing to do with the glitz and glamour of Tinseltown. At a recent celebration at The Paley Center Honors Luncheon in New York City, the star of Falling Down opened up to Closer Weekly about what truly makes him proud.
At 74 years old, Douglas has a lot to reflect on. Yet, he’s not one to dwell on the past. Speaking exclusively to Closer during his appearance at The Paley Center For Media on Thursday, September 12, the veteran actor shared his philosophy. “I’m constantly trying to always look forward rather than back,” he explained. “I try to conduct myself as a good citizen of the planet. It’s not about the awards or the accolades—it’s about making a difference.”
More Than Just a Hollywood Legacy
Michael, who walked the red carpet at the luncheon with his beloved wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, emphasized his commitment to helping others. “I’ve been incredibly fortunate,” he admitted. “But with that fortune comes responsibility. I try to look out for those who are less fortunate than I am. It’s an ongoing process, and one that I think defines who we are as human beings. Maybe you should ask me this question after I’m gone!”
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Stepping Out of Shadows
For Douglas, his career has been marked by iconic moments, but none stand out more than earning the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Wall Street. “Getting that award was a huge deal for me,” he told Closer. “It was like stepping out of my father’s shadow, proving to myself and the world that I could make a name for myself in this industry.” His legendary father, Kirk Douglas, was a towering figure in Hollywood, and Michael has always been mindful of the legacy he inherited.
Family: The Heart of His Life
When it comes to personal achievements, nothing compares to his family. “Meeting Catherine has been one of the most important parts of my life,” he gushed, referring to his partner of many years and mother of his children, Dylan, 19, and Carys, 16. Michael is also the father of Cameron Douglas, 40, from a previous marriage with Diandra Luker. “My kids and my family—they’ve been the foundation of everything I do. Being both an actor and a producer, I’ve been lucky enough to make some great choices in my career, but nothing compares to the love and support of my family.”
