Michael Douglas, the iconic actor known for his versatile roles in Wall Street and The Game, has been open about his health struggles and aging. Now 78, Douglas reflects on his five-decade career and personal battles.
Growing up, Douglas spent summers on film sets with his father, Kirk Douglas. He began acting in his teens, landing uncredited roles before breaking through with The Streets of San Francisco (1972). Producing One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) earned him critical acclaim.
Douglas’s filmography boasts notable performances in Wall Street (1987), Falling Down (1993), and The Game (1997). When asked about his favorite film, he likened his career to baseball, proud of his “pretty good batting average.”
Recent public appearances have sparked discussions about Douglas’s physical transformation. His weight loss and worn appearance were noticed during a 2022 visit to Paris. However, Douglas has been candid about his health issues.
In 2010, doctors discovered a walnut-sized tumor at the base of his tongue, which had gone undiagnosed for years. Successful treatment left him cancer-free in 2011. Douglas attributed his cancer to stress, heavy drinking, smoking, and possibly HPV.
The COVID-19 pandemic affected Douglas’s health, but he denies cannabis use as a contributing factor. Instead, he researches the topic.
Despite challenges, Douglas remains resilient. His marriage to Catherine Zeta-Jones endures, and he continues acting. Embracing life’s changes, Douglas focuses on his well-being and family.