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 film producer, now retired. He has earned significant recognition for his work, including two Academy Awards, five Golden Globe Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award. Further highlighting his career, Douglas has received the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award and the AFI Life Achievement Award, solidifying his place as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
1980: Became Supporter of Gun Control
Since John Lennon was murdered in 1980, Michael Douglas has been a major supporter of gun control, supporting organizations like Everytown for Gun Safety and the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence.
1983: Starred in "The Star Chamber"
In 1983, Michael Douglas starred in "The Star Chamber" as a court judge who becomes involved with a vigilante group.
1987: Appeared in "Fatal Attraction"
In 1987, Michael Douglas appeared in "Fatal Attraction" alongside Glenn Close, exploring themes of perceived male victimization.
1989: Appeared in "The War of the Roses"
In 1989, Michael Douglas appeared in "The War of the Roses" with Kathleen Turner, exploring themes of perceived male victimization.
1989: Starred in "Black Rain"
In 1989, Michael Douglas starred in "Black Rain", portraying a New York City cop.
1992: Appeared in "Basic Instinct"
In 1992, Michael Douglas appeared in "Basic Instinct" with Sharon Stone, exploring themes of perceived male victimization.
1993: Appeared in "Falling Down"
In 1993, Michael Douglas appeared in "Falling Down", exploring themes of perceived male victimization.
1994: Appeared in "Disclosure"
In 1994, Michael Douglas appeared in "Disclosure" with Demi Moore, exploring themes of perceived male victimization.
1998: Appointed UN Messenger of Peace
In 1998, Michael Douglas was appointed as a UN Messenger of Peace by Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
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 Documentary on Child Soldiers
In 2003, Michael Douglas hosted "What's Going On? Child Soldiers in Sierra Leone", a documentary film focusing on child soldiers and the impact of combat on children in countries such as Sierra Leone. Douglas interviewed children and estimated that around 300,000 children worldwide have been conscripted or kidnapped and forced to fight.
2006: Speaker at UN Conference on Illicit Arms Trade
In 2006, Michael Douglas was a featured speaker for a United Nations-sponsored conference on the trade of illicit arms, especially 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 PSA on Financial Crime
In February 2012, following his return to the character of financial criminal Gordon Gekko, the Federal Bureau of Investigation released a public service announcement video of Michael Douglas calling on viewers to report financial crime.
2013: Starred in "Behind the Candelabra" and "Last Vegas"
In 2013, Michael Douglas played Liberace in "Behind the Candelabra", receiving critical acclaim and several awards. He also starred in the comedy "Last Vegas" alongside Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, and Kevin Kline.
2014: Starred in "And So It Goes" and "Beyond the Reach"
In 2014, Michael Douglas starred alongside Diane Keaton in the romantic comedy "And So It Goes". He also produced and starred in "Beyond the Reach".
2015: Played Hank Pym in "Ant-Man"
In 2015, Michael Douglas played Hank Pym in the film "Ant-Man", a Marvel Comics superhero.
2015: Received Genesis Prize
In 2015, Michael Douglas received the Genesis Prize, a $1 million prize awarded for Jewish achievement. He donated the prize money to activities designed to raise awareness about inclusion and diversity in Jewish life and to find innovative solutions to pressing global and community problems.
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.
2017: Starred in "Unlocked"
In 2017, Michael Douglas starred in the action thriller "Unlocked".
2018: Played Hank Pym in "Ant-Man and the Wasp"
In 2018, Michael Douglas played Hank Pym in the film "Ant-Man and the Wasp", a Marvel Comics superhero.
2018: Starred in "The Kominsky Method", "Animal World", and Received Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
In 2018, Michael Douglas starred in "The Kominsky Method" with Alan Arkin, receiving a Golden Globe Award for his performance as Sandy Kominsky. The same year, he starred in the Chinese film "Animal World". Also in 2018, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
2019: Appeared in RepresentUs Short Film
In 2019, Michael Douglas appeared in a short film for RepresentUs titled "Unbreaking America: Divided We Fall".
2019: Played Hank Pym in "Avengers: Endgame"
In 2019, Michael Douglas played Hank Pym in the film "Avengers: Endgame", a Marvel Comics superhero.
2019: Voiced Guy-I-Am in "Green Eggs and Ham"
Starting in 2019, Michael Douglas voiced the character Guy-I-Am in the Netflix animated series "Green Eggs and Ham".
2021: Reprised role as Hank Pym in "What If...?"
In 2023, Michael Douglas reprised the role of Hank Pym, voicing the character in the animated series "What If...?" (2021–2023).
September 2023: Attended Perelman Performing Arts Center Ribbon-Cutting
In September 2023, Michael Douglas attended the ribbon-cutting opening ceremony for the Perelman Performing Arts Center in New York City, where he is a benefactor and board member.
2023: Played Hank Pym in "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania"
In 2023, Michael Douglas played Hank Pym in the film "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania", a Marvel Comics superhero.
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.
2023: Spoke at American Democracy Summit
In 2023, Michael Douglas was a key speaker at the American Democracy Summit in Los Angeles.
2023: Recognized as Influential Celebrity in Oncology
In 2023, Michael Douglas was featured in the "100 Influential Celebrities in Oncology: The 2023 Edition" by OncoDaily for his contributions to public awareness, focusing on healthcare, nuclear disarmament, and human rights.
2024: Starred in "Franklin" as Benjamin Franklin
In 2024, Michael Douglas starred in the Apple TV+ miniseries "Franklin", portraying Benjamin Franklin during his time in France.
July 2025: Announced Largely Retired from Acting
In July 2025, Michael Douglas announced that he was largely retired from acting, expressing a desire to avoid "dropping dead on the set" and only considering special projects in the future.
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