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. Throughout his illustrious career, he has garnered significant recognition, including two Academy Awards, five Golden Globe Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award. He has also received prestigious lifetime achievement awards such as the Cecil B. DeMille Award and the AFI Life Achievement Award, solidifying his status as a major 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's 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.

1999: Funding the establishment of UC San Francisco's 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: Hosting a documentary on child soldiers

In 2003, Michael Douglas hosted a "powerful film" on child soldiers and the impact of combat on children in countries such as Sierra Leone. The documentary film, entitled What's Going On? Child Soldiers in Sierra Leone, featured Douglas interviewing children and estimating that 300,000 children worldwide had been conscripted or kidnapped and forced to fight.

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2006: Speaker at UN conference on illicit arms

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.

February 2012: FBI public service announcement

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 a 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.

2016: Describing 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: Attending the ribbon-cutting opening ceremony for the Perelman Performing Arts Center

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