Michael Kirk Douglas is a highly acclaimed American actor and film producer. His illustrious career has garnered him two Academy Awards, five Golden Globe Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, the Cecil B. DeMille Award, and the AFI Life Achievement Award.
1910: Death of Thomas Newbold Dill
Michael Douglas' great-grandfather, Thomas Newbold Dill, passed away in 1910.
1916: Birth of Kirk Douglas
Kirk Douglas, Michael Douglas' father, was born in 1916.
1923: Birth of Diana Dill
Diana Dill, Michael Douglas' mother, was born in 1923.
September 25, 1944: Birth of Michael Douglas
Michael Kirk Douglas was born on September 25, 1944. He is the son of actors Kirk Douglas and Diana Dill.
1947: Birth of Joel Douglas
Joel Douglas, Michael Douglas' younger brother, was born in 1947.
1955: Birth of Peter Douglas
Peter Douglas, Michael Douglas' paternal half-brother, was born in 1955.
1958: Birth of Eric Douglas
Eric Douglas, another of Michael Douglas' paternal half-brothers, was born in 1958.
February 1962: Bryna Productions Acquires "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest"
Bryna Productions, Kirk Douglas' film production company, acquired the rights to the novel "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" in February 1962.
1968: Douglas Graduates from UC Santa Barbara
Michael Douglas graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a B.A. in dramatic art in 1968.
November 24, 1969: Douglas Founds Bigstick Productions
Michael Douglas founded his first independent film production company, Bigstick Productions, Limited, on November 24, 1969.
1971: Relationship with Brenda Vaccaro
After filming "Summertree" in 1971, Michael Douglas began a relationship with actress Brenda Vaccaro, which lasted for nearly six years.
1971: Douglas Acquires Rights to "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest"
Michael Douglas received the rights to "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" from his father, Kirk Douglas, in 1971.
1972: Start of "The Streets of San Francisco"
Michael Douglas began starring in the TV series "The Streets of San Francisco" in 1972.
1975: Douglas Produces "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest"
In 1975, Michael Douglas produced "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest", a film adaptation of Ken Kesey's novel, for which he won his first Oscar as a producer.
December 1976: Douglas Brothers Take Over Bryna Company
Michael Douglas and his brother Peter took over their father's film production company, The Bryna Company, in December 1976.
1976: End of "The Streets of San Francisco"
Michael Douglas left "The Streets of San Francisco" in 1976.
1976: Leaving "The Streets of San Francisco"
Michael Douglas left "The Streets of San Francisco" in 1976.
March 1977: Marriage to Diandra Luker
Michael Douglas, aged 32, married 19-year-old Diandra Luker, the daughter of an Austrian diplomat, in March 1977.
1978: Birth of Son, Cameron
Cameron Douglas, the son of Michael Douglas and Diandra Luker, was born in 1978.
1978: Departure from Bryna Company
Michael Douglas left The Bryna Company in 1978.
1978: Release of "Coma"
Michael Douglas starred in the medical thriller "Coma" in 1978.
June 1979: Jack Brodsky Becomes Executive Vice-president of Bigstick Productions
Michael Douglas appointed Jack Brodsky as Executive Vice-president of Bigstick Productions in June 1979.
1979: "The China Syndrome" Release
Michael Douglas produced and starred in the film "The China Syndrome" in 1979, a film about a nuclear power plant accident.
1980: Gun Control Advocacy
Michael Douglas became a major supporter of gun control after John Lennon was murdered in 1980.
1980: Skiing Accident
Michael Douglas experienced a serious skiing accident in 1980, which put his acting career on hold for three years.
1983: Role in "The Star Chamber"
Michael Douglas played a disillusioned court judge who joins a vigilante group in the 1983 film "The Star Chamber".
1984: Romancing the Stone Release and Success
In 1984, Michael Douglas produced and starred in the hit romantic adventure comedy "Romancing the Stone," which marked a turning point in his career, establishing him as a bankable leading man. The film also brought director Robert Zemeckis his first major box office success.
1984: Douglas Wins Golden Globe for "Romancing the Stone"
Michael Douglas received a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for "Romancing the Stone" in 1984.
1985: Release of "The Jewel of the Nile"
Michael Douglas produced "The Jewel of the Nile" in 1985.
1986: Bigstick Productions Partnership with Mercury Entertainment
In 1986, Michael Douglas's production company, Bigstick Productions, partnered with Mercury Entertainment, a company backed by producer Michael Phillips, to produce independently financed films.
1987: Release of "Fatal Attraction"
In 1987, "Fatal Attraction," a film starring Michael Douglas and Glenn Close, was released. The film explored themes of perceived male victimization.
1987: Douglas Wins Oscar for "Wall Street"
Michael Douglas won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Gordon Gekko in "Wall Street" in 1987.
1987: "Fatal Attraction" and "Wall Street" - A Year of Acclaim
Michael Douglas starred in the thriller "Fatal Attraction" with Glenn Close in 1987. That same year, he delivered an Oscar-winning performance as Gordon Gekko in Oliver Stone's "Wall Street."
1989: Role in "Black Rain"
In 1989, Michael Douglas starred as a New York City cop in "Black Rain," showcasing his ability to take on action-hero roles.
1989: "The War of the Roses" and "Black Rain"
In 1989, Michael Douglas starred in two films: the dark comedy "The War of the Roses" alongside Kathleen Turner and Danny DeVito, and Ridley Scott's international crime drama "Black Rain" with Andy García and Kate Capshaw, filmed in Osaka, Japan.
1989: Release of "The War of the Roses"
Michael Douglas starred alongside Kathleen Turner in the 1989 film "The War of the Roses," which continued to explore themes of male victimization.
1989: "The War of the Roses" Released
Michael Douglas starred in "The War of the Roses" in 1989.
1989: Allegations by Susan Braudy
Susan Braudy accused Michael Douglas of sexual harassment in 2018 based on her experiences working for him in 1989.
September 17, 1992: Treatment for Addiction
Beginning on September 17, 1992, Michael Douglas underwent a 30-day treatment program for alcohol and drug addiction at the Sierra Tucson Center.
1992: Release of "Basic Instinct"
"Basic Instinct" was released in 1992, featuring Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone, further solidifying the trend of perceived male victimization in his roles.
1992: Founding of Third Stone Records
Michael Douglas founded the record label Third Stone Records in 1992, in partnership with record producer Richard Rudolph. The Atlantic Records-distributed label signed artists like Saigon Kick and Nona Gaye, but was short-lived.
1992: Release of "Basic Instinct"
Michael Douglas starred in "Basic Instinct" in 1992.
1993: Release of "Falling Down"
Michael Douglas starred in "Falling Down" in 1993.
1993: Release of "Falling Down"
Michael Douglas starred in the 1993 film "Falling Down," a movie that examined themes of societal breakdown and male frustration.
March 1994: Establishment of Douglas/Reuther Productions
In March 1994, Michael Douglas formed a new film production company, Douglas/Reuther Productions, in partnership with Steven Reuther.
1994: Release of "Disclosure"
In 1994, "Disclosure," starring Michael Douglas and Demi Moore, was released. The film tackled themes of sexual harassment and power dynamics in the workplace.
1995: Divorce from Diandra Luker
Diandra Luker filed for divorce from Michael Douglas in 1995, receiving a $45 million settlement.
1995: Release of "The American President"
Michael Douglas starred in "The American President" in 1995.
November 19, 1997: Formation of Further Films
On November 19, 1997, Michael Douglas established his fourth film production company, Further Films, continuing his entrepreneurial ventures in the film industry.
1997: Lawsuit by James Parker
In 1997, Michael Douglas was sued for $25 million by James Parker, a New York caddie, who alleged Douglas hit him with a golf ball. The case was settled out of court.
1997: Release of "The Game"
Michael Douglas starred in "The Game" in 1997.
1998: UN Messenger of Peace Appointment
In 1998, Michael Douglas was appointed as a UN Messenger of Peace by Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
1998: Crystal Globe Award at Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
Michael Douglas received the Crystal Globe award in 1998 at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, recognizing his outstanding artistic contribution to world cinema.
1998: Appointed UN Messenger of Peace
Michael Douglas was appointed as a United Nations Messenger of Peace in 1998.
1998: First César d'Honneur for Career Achievement
Michael Douglas was first honored with the César d'Honneur for Career Achievement from the French César Awards in 1998, marking early recognition of his cinematic contributions.
March 1999: Relationship with Catherine Zeta-Jones
Michael Douglas began dating Welsh actress Catherine Zeta-Jones in March 1999.
August 8, 2000: Birth of Son, Dylan Michael
Dylan Michael Douglas, the son of Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, was born on August 8, 2000.
November 18, 2000: Marriage to Catherine Zeta-Jones
On November 18, 2000, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones were married.
2000: Critical Acclaim for "Traffic" and "Wonder Boys"
The year 2000 marked a significant one for Michael Douglas as he starred in two critically acclaimed films. He appeared in Steven Soderbergh's "Traffic" alongside Benicio del Toro and his future wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones. He also received acclaim for his role as a professor grappling with writer's block in "Wonder Boys," earning nominations for a Golden Globe and a BAFTA Award. Additionally, Douglas and the cast of "Traffic" were honored with a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.
2000: Release of "Traffic" and "Wonder Boys"
Michael Douglas starred in two movies released in 2000: "Traffic" and "Wonder Boys".
2000: Marriage to Catherine Zeta-Jones
Michael Douglas married actress Catherine Zeta-Jones in 2000.
2001: Starring in "Don't Say a Word"
In 2001, Michael Douglas starred in the thriller "Don't Say a Word," filmed just before his marriage to Catherine Zeta-Jones.
April 20, 2003: Birth of Daughter, Carys Zeta
Carys Zeta Douglas, the daughter of Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, was born on April 20, 2003.
October 2003: Stalking by Dawnette Knight
From October 2003 to May 2004, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones faced stalking by Dawnette Knight, who sent threatening letters.
2003: Documentary on Child Soldiers
In 2003, Michael Douglas hosted a documentary film highlighting the plight of child soldiers, particularly in Sierra Leone. He interviewed children impacted by war and estimated that there were 300,000 children worldwide who were forced into combat.
2003: "It Runs in the Family" and "The In-Laws"
In 2003, Michael Douglas starred in two films. He appeared in "It Runs in the Family," which featured three generations of his family, including his parents, Kirk and Diana, and his son, Cameron. The film, though a personal project, did not achieve critical or commercial success. He also starred in the comedy "The In-Laws."
May 2004: Conviction of Dawnette Knight
In May 2004, Dawnette Knight was sentenced to three years in prison for stalking Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
2004: Death of Eric Douglas
Eric Douglas passed away in 2004.
2004: Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes
Michael Douglas was honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes in 2004, a prestigious lifetime achievement award in film. This made him and his father, Kirk Douglas, the only father-son duo to receive this recognition.
2004: Douglas Presents Malden with Monte Cristo Award
Michael Douglas presented Karl Malden with the Monte Cristo Award of the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center in 2004.
2006: Appearance in "You, Me and Dupree"
In 2006, Michael Douglas played the role of Mr. Thompson in the comedy "You, Me and Dupree."
2006: Starring in and Producing "The Sentinel" and Emmy Nomination for "Will & Grace"
In 2006, Michael Douglas starred in and produced the action-thriller "The Sentinel." That same year, he guest-starred on the sitcom "Will & Grace," playing a gay cop attracted to Will Truman. This performance earned him an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series.
2006: United Nations Conference on Illicit Arms Trade
Michael Douglas was a featured speaker at a United Nations-sponsored conference in 2006 focusing on the trade of illicit arms, including small arms and light weapons.
2006: Nobel Peace Prize Concert Hosting and Honorary Doctorate
On December 11, 2006, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones co-hosted the annual Nobel Peace Prize concert in Oslo, Norway, honoring Iranian human rights activist Shirin Ebadi. In the same year, Douglas received an honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.
December 2007: Announcer for NBC Nightly News and Career Achievement Award
In December 2007, Michael Douglas took on the role of announcer for NBC Nightly News, following the retirement of Howard Reig. That same year, he received the Career Achievement Award from the National Board of Review, acknowledging his significant contributions to cinema.
July 1, 2009: Death of Karl Malden
Karl Malden, Michael Douglas' mentor and co-star in "The Streets of San Francisco", passed away on July 1, 2009.
2009: AFI Lifetime Achievement Award and PGA David O. Selznick Achievement Award
In 2009, Michael Douglas received two prestigious accolades. He was honored with the American Film Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his exceptional contributions to American cinema. Additionally, he received the David O. Selznick Achievement Award in Theatrical Motion Pictures from the Producers Guild of America, acknowledging his outstanding work as a film producer.
2009: Participation in "Soldiers of Peace" Project
In 2009, Michael Douglas joined the "Soldiers of Peace" project, a film advocating against war and promoting global peace.
August 16, 2010: Cancer Diagnosis
It was announced on August 16, 2010, that Michael Douglas had been diagnosed with throat cancer, later revealed to be tongue cancer, requiring chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
November 2010: Weight-Gain Diet
Michael Douglas was put on a weight-gain diet in November 2010 to address significant weight loss caused by his cancer treatment.
2010: Reprising Gordon Gekko in "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps"
In 2010, Michael Douglas reprised his iconic role as Gordon Gekko in the sequel "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps," once again directed by Oliver Stone.
2010: Campaign to Free Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani
In 2010, Michael Douglas supported a campaign to release Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, an Iranian woman sentenced to death by stoning for adultery.
2010: Reprising Gordon Gekko in "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps"
Michael Douglas reprised his role as Gordon Gekko in "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps" in 2010.
January 11, 2011: Tumor Remission
On January 11, 2011, Michael Douglas announced that his tumor was gone, but he would require ongoing monitoring due to the risk of recurrence.
July 2011: Photographed Smoking
In July 2011, despite attributing his cancer to smoking, Michael Douglas was photographed smoking while on vacation.
2011: Voice Role in "Phineas and Ferb," "Haywire" and Ordre des Arts et des Lettres
In 2011, Michael Douglas lent his voice to the Disney Channel cartoon "Phineas and Ferb" as the character Waylon. He also starred in the dramatic thriller "Haywire." Furthermore, he was honored by the French Minister of Culture with the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres with the rank of Commandeur, recognizing his significant contributions to the arts and literature.
February 2012: FBI Public Service Announcement on Financial Crime
Following his reprisal of the role of Gordon Gekko in "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps", Michael Douglas appeared in a Federal Bureau of Investigation public service announcement in February 2012, urging viewers to report financial crime.
2012: Monte Cristo Award for Lifetime Achievement
Michael Douglas was awarded the Monte Cristo Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center in 2012, acknowledging his "monumental achievements and contributions to the American and international theater community."
May 2013: Reconciliation with Catherine Zeta-Jones
Despite the separation in May 2013, reports in November indicated that Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones had reconciled.
May 2013: Appointment of Bishop Nicholas Dill
The Right Reverend Nicholas Dill, a cousin of Michael Douglas, was installed as the Bishop of Bermuda in May 2013.
June 2013: Cancer Cause Discussion
In June 2013, Michael Douglas sparked controversy by discussing the potential link between HPV and his type of cancer, which was later clarified by his representatives.
August 2013: Separation from Catherine Zeta-Jones
In August 2013, it was reported that Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones had separated in May 2013 to work on their marriage.
October 2013: Clarification of Cancer Diagnosis
Michael Douglas clarified in October 2013 that he had been diagnosed with tongue cancer, not throat cancer as initially announced, due to concerns about the stigma and prognosis associated with tongue cancer.
2013: Emmy, SAG, and Golden Globe Awards for "Behind the Candelabra" and "Last Vegas" Release
In 2013, Michael Douglas gave a critically acclaimed performance as Liberace in Steven Soderbergh's "Behind the Candelabra," opposite Matt Damon. This role earned him numerous awards, including the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Golden Globe Award. He also starred in the comedy "Last Vegas" alongside Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, and Kevin Kline.
2013: Emmy Award for "Behind the Candelabra"
Michael Douglas won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2013 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie for his portrayal of Liberace in "Behind the Candelabra".
August 2014: Opposition to Scottish Independence
In August 2014, Michael Douglas joined nearly 200 public figures in signing a letter to The Guardian opposing Scottish independence ahead of the September referendum on the issue.
2014: Starring Roles 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 the thriller "Beyond the Reach."
January 2015: Identification as Reform Jew
In January 2015, Michael Douglas, raised without a religious affiliation, stated that he now identifies as a Reform Jew, influenced by his son's Bar Mitzvah and a trip to Jerusalem.
June 2015: Criticism of Israel Boycott Movement
During a visit to Israel to receive the Genesis Prize in June 2015, Michael Douglas called the boycott movement against Israel an "ugly cancer".
2015: Death of Diana Dill
Diana Dill passed away in 2015.
2015: Debut as Hank Pym in "Ant-Man"
In 2015, Michael Douglas took on the role of Hank Pym, the Marvel Comics superhero, in the film "Ant-Man."
2015: First Appearance as Hank Pym
Michael Douglas first starred as Hank Pym in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the film "Ant-Man" in 2015.
2015: Genesis Prize
Michael Douglas was awarded the $1 million Genesis Prize in 2015 for his contributions to Jewish achievement, which he donated to promote diversity and address global challenges.
2016: Second César d'Honneur for Career Achievement
In 2016, Michael Douglas received his second César d'Honneur for Career Achievement from the French César Awards, highlighting his enduring impact on the film industry.
2017: Starring in "Unlocked"
In 2017, Michael Douglas starred in the action thriller "Unlocked."
2018: Golden Globe for "The Kominsky Method," "Animal World," and Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
The year 2018 saw Michael Douglas take on the role of Sandy Kominsky, an aging acting coach, in the Netflix comedy series "The Kominsky Method." His performance earned him a Golden Globe Award. He also starred in the Chinese film "Animal World," based on a Japanese manga series. Notably, Douglas received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2018, solidifying his iconic status in the entertainment industry.
2018: Reprising Hank Pym in "Ant-Man and the Wasp"
In 2018, Michael Douglas reprised his role as Hank Pym in the Marvel sequel "Ant-Man and the Wasp."
2018: Start of "The Kominsky Method"
Michael Douglas starred in the Netflix series "The Kominsky Method" from 2018.
2018: Allegations by Susan Braudy
Journalist Susan Braudy accused Michael Douglas of sexual harassment in 2018, alleging inappropriate behavior and comments during her employment with him in 1989.
2019: Hank Pym in "Avengers: Endgame"
Michael Douglas continued his role as Hank Pym in the 2019 superhero blockbuster "Avengers: Endgame."
2019: Voice Acting in "Green Eggs and Ham"
Starting in 2019, Douglas lent his voice to the character Guy-I-Am in the Netflix animated series "Green Eggs and Ham".
2020: Death of Kirk Douglas
Kirk Douglas passed away in 2020.
2021: Voice Acting in "What If...?"
In 2021, Michael Douglas reprised his role as Hank Pym, voicing the character in the animated series "What If...?".
2021: End of "The Kominsky Method"
Michael Douglas finished his role in "The Kominsky Method" in 2021.
May 2023: Honorary Palme d'or for Lifetime Achievement
In May 2023, Michael Douglas was honored with an Honorary Palme d'or for Lifetime Achievement at the Cannes Film Festival.
October 2023: Open Letter Condemning Hamas
In October 2023, Michael Douglas was one of over 700 actors who signed an open letter condemning Hamas and demanding the release of hostages held in Gaza.
November 2023: 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.