Early Life and Education of Michael Douglas: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Michael Douglas. From birth to education, explore key events.

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.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1964: Kirk and Anne Douglas founded The Douglas Foundation

In 1964, Michael Douglas' father and stepmother, Kirk and Anne Douglas, founded The Douglas Foundation, which has granted more than $118 million to organizations committed to providing more equitable access to education, healthcare, and the arts.

1978: Birth of Son Cameron

In 1978, Michael Douglas and Diandra Luker had a son named Cameron.

1980: Involved in Serious Skiing Accident

In 1980, Michael Douglas was involved in a serious skiing accident which sidelined his acting career for three years.

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.

September 17, 1992: Entered Treatment for Alcoholism and Drug Addiction

On September 17, 1992, Michael Douglas began a 30-day treatment for alcoholism and drug addiction at Sierra Tucson Center.

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.

August 8, 2000: Birth of Son Dylan Michael

On August 8, 2000, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones had a son named Dylan Michael.

April 20, 2003: Birth of Daughter Carys Zeta

On April 20, 2003, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones had a daughter named Carys Zeta.

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.

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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.

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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.

August 2014: Signatory to Letter Opposing Scottish Independence

In August 2014, Michael Douglas was one of 200 public figures who were signatories to a letter to The Guardian opposing Scottish independence in the run-up to September's referendum on that issue.

January 2015: Identified as a Reform Jew

In January 2015, Michael Douglas stated that he now identifies as a Reform Jew, though he was not raised with a religious affiliation. His son, Dylan, had a Bar Mitzvah ceremony and the Douglas family traveled to Jerusalem to mark the occasion.

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.

2019: Appeared in RepresentUs Short Film

In 2019, Michael Douglas appeared in a short film for RepresentUs titled "Unbreaking America: Divided We Fall".

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.

October 2023: Signed Open Letter Supporting Israel

In October 2023, Michael Douglas signed an open letter expressing support for Israel during the Gaza war.

2023: Spoke at American Democracy Summit

In 2023, Michael Douglas was a key speaker at the American Democracy Summit in Los Angeles.

June 2024: Visited Israel and Met with President Herzog

In June 2024, Michael Douglas visited Israel, toured the sites of the Be'eri and Nova music festival attacks, and met with President Isaac Herzog, criticizing pro-Palestinian protests on university campuses.

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.