History of Michael Douglas in Timeline
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.
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.
1971: Began Dating Brenda Vaccaro
After filming "Summertree" in 1971, Michael Douglas began dating actress Brenda Vaccaro.
March 1977: Married Diandra Luker
In March 1977, Michael Douglas married Diandra Luker, who was 12 years younger than him.
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.
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.
1989: Alleged Inappropriate Behavior Towards Susan Braudy
In 1989, journalist and author Susan Braudy alleged that while working as Michael Douglas's assistant, he made degrading sexual comments and behaved inappropriately, causing her to wear baggy clothing and recalling an incident where Douglas allegedly undid his pants and fondled himself in her presence. These allegations were made public in 2018.
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.
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.
1995: Diandra Filed for Divorce
In 1995, Diandra Luker filed for divorce from Michael Douglas and was awarded $45 million in the divorce settlement.
1997: Sued by Caddie James Parker
In 1997, Michael Douglas was sued by New York caddie James Parker for $25 million, who claimed distress from being hit by an errant golf ball. The case was later settled out of court.
1998: Received Honorary César
In 1998, Michael Douglas received an Honorary César.
1998: Received First Cesar d'Honneur
In 1998, Michael Douglas received his first Cesar d'Honneur for Career Achievement from the French Cesar Awards; the second was in 2016.
1998: Appointed UN Messenger of Peace
In 1998, Michael Douglas was appointed as a UN Messenger of Peace by Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
March 1999: Began Dating Catherine Zeta-Jones
In March 1999, Michael Douglas began dating Welsh actress Catherine Zeta-Jones.
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.
November 18, 2000: Married Catherine Zeta-Jones
On November 18, 2000, Michael Douglas married Catherine Zeta-Jones.
April 20, 2003: Birth of Daughter Carys Zeta
On April 20, 2003, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones had a daughter named Carys Zeta.
October 2003: Stalker Sent Violent Letters
Beginning in October 2003, Dawnette Knight sent Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones violent letters with threats on Zeta-Jones' life, leading to legal action.
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.
May 2004: Stalker Sentenced to Prison
Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones took legal action against stalker Dawnette Knight. Dawnette was found guilty and sentenced to three years in prison in May 2004.
2004: Received Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award
In 2004, Michael Douglas received the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award.
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.
2009: Received AFI Life Achievement Award
In 2009, Michael Douglas received the AFI Life Achievement Award.
August 16, 2010: Announced Suffering from Throat Cancer
On August 16, 2010, it was announced that Michael Douglas was suffering from throat cancer (later revealed to have been tongue cancer), and would undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatment. The cancer was at stage IV.
November 2010: Put on Weight-Gain Diet
In November 2010, Michael Douglas's doctors put him on a weight-gain diet due to excessive weight loss that left him weak.
2010: Received Film Society at Lincoln Center Gala Tribute
In 2010, Michael Douglas received a Film Society at Lincoln Center Gala Tribute.
January 11, 2011: Announced Tumor Was Gone
On January 11, 2011, Michael Douglas announced that his tumor was gone, though the illness and aggressive treatment had caused him to lose 32 pounds. He required monthly screenings due to a high chance of recurrence.
July 2011: Photographed Smoking
In July 2011, Star magazine published photographs which appeared to show Michael Douglas smoking a cigarette while on holiday. Douglas had attributed his cancer to alcohol abuse and smoking.
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.
May 2013: Began Living Separately from Zeta-Jones
In May 2013, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones began living separately, which was reported in August 2013. They later reconciled in November.
June 2013: Discussed Cause of Cancer
In June 2013, Michael Douglas told The Guardian that his type of cancer is caused by the human papilloma virus transmitted by cunnilingus, leading some media to report this as well. His spokesman denied these reports and portrayed Douglas's conversation with The Guardian as general and not referring specifically to his diagnosis.
August 2013: Separation from Catherine Zeta-Jones Reported
In August 2013, it was reported that Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones began living separately in May 2013, though they did not take legal action. They later reconciled in November.
October 2013: Revealed Diagnosis of Tongue Cancer
In October 2013, Michael Douglas revealed he suffered from tongue cancer, not throat cancer as initially announced. He had announced it as throat cancer upon the advice of his physician due to concerns about the negative prognosis and potential disfigurement, especially before his promotional tour for "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps".
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.
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.
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".
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.
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: Received Honorary César
In 2016, Michael Douglas received an Honorary César.
2016: Received Second Cesar d'Honneur
In 2016, Michael Douglas received his second Cesar d'Honneur for Career Achievement from the French Cesar Awards; his first was in 1998.
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: Received Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
In 2018, Michael Douglas received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
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.
2018: Susan Braudy Allegations
In 2018, journalist and author Susan Braudy alleged that in 1989, when she was Douglas's assistant, he made degrading sexual comments and behaved inappropriately, causing her to wear baggy clothing and recalling an incident where Douglas allegedly undid his pants and fondled himself in her presence.
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).
May 2023: Honored with Honorary Palme d'Or
In May 2023, Michael Douglas was honored with an Honorary Palme d'Or for Lifetime Achievement at the Cannes Film Festival.
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.
November 2023: Received Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award
In November 2023, Michael Douglas received the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award at the 54th International Film Festival of India.
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.
2023: Received Honorary Palme d'Or and Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award
In May 2023, Michael Douglas was honored with an Honorary Palme d'Or for Lifetime Achievement at the Cannes Film Festival. In November 2023, he received the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award at the 54th International Film Festival of India.
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.
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.
2025: Diandra Married the 10th Earl of Dartmouth
In 2025, Diandra, Michael Douglas's ex-wife, married the 10th Earl of Dartmouth.
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