Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Michael Douglas

Discover the career path of Michael Douglas, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Michael Douglas is a highly acclaimed American actor and producer, recognized with prestigious awards including two Academy Awards, five Golden Globe Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award. He has also received the Cecil B. DeMille Award and the AFI Life Achievement Award, solidifying his significant contributions to the film industry.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1999: Funded Michael Douglas Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Center

In 1999, Michael Douglas funded the establishment of UC San Francisco’s Michael Douglas Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Center.

2003: Hosted film on child soldiers

In 2003, Michael Douglas hosted a "powerful film" on child soldiers titled "What's Going On? Child Soldiers in Sierra Leone". The documentary focused on the impact of combat on children in countries such as Sierra Leone, and included interviews with children, estimating around 300,000 worldwide were conscripted or kidnapped and forced to fight.

2006: United Nations-sponsored conference speaker

In 2006, Michael Douglas was a featured speaker for a United Nations-sponsored conference on the trade of illicit arms, especially of small arms and light weapons.

2009: Joined Soldiers of Peace project

In 2009, Michael Douglas joined the project Soldiers of Peace, a movie against all wars and for global peace.

February 2012: FBI public service announcement

In February 2012, following his return to the character of Gordon Gekko, the Federal Bureau of Investigation released a public service announcement video of Michael Douglas calling on viewers to report financial crime.

2016: Described philanthropic giving as the "sprinkle approach"

In a 2016 interview with Town & Country magazine, Michael Douglas described his philanthropic giving as the “sprinkle approach”. He has given to over 70 organizations including Memorial Sloan-Kettering, the hospital where he was treated for cancer.

September 2023: Attended Perelman Performing Arts Center Opening Ceremony

In September 2023, Michael Douglas, as a benefactor and board member, attended the ribbon-cutting opening ceremony of the Perelman Performing Arts Center in New York City.

2023: Executive producer and narrator for America's Burning

In 2023, Michael Douglas served as executive producer and narrator for the political documentary by David Smick, America's Burning, that predicts a coming tidal wave of political, social, and economic division in America.