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Michael Douglas Hints at Retirement from Acting
Legendary actor Michael Douglas, the two-time Oscar winner known for iconic roles in films like “Wall Street” and “Fatal Attraction,” has indicated he’s stepping back from acting. While attending the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Czech Republic on Sunday, the 80-year-old star suggested that future acting roles would be unlikely unless a truly special project came along.
Douglas, who was at the festival celebrating the 50th anniversary of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” which he co-produced, explained his decision. “I’ve been working pretty hard for almost 60 years,” he stated, adding that he wanted to avoid the unfortunate fate of those who “dropped dead on the set.” He expressed contentment with his current break from acting, saying he’s “quite happy just to watch my wife (actress Catherine Zeta-Jones) work.”
Although he has two projects awaiting release – the film “Looking Through Water” and the miniseries “Reagan & Gorbachev” – Douglas emphasized his lack of firm plans to return to acting. His remarkable career, spanning seven decades, began with an uncredited role in the 1966 film “Cast a Giant Shadow.”
He gained widespread recognition for his role in the 1972 television series “The Streets of San Francisco” and went on to win his first Oscar for producing “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” in 1976. His second Oscar came in 1987 for his memorable portrayal of Gordon Gekko in “Wall Street.”
Douglas’s output has slowed in recent years, particularly following his 2010 diagnosis of stage 4 throat cancer. Reflecting on that experience, he described the treatment as “not a holiday,” but acknowledged his fortunate outcome compared to some friends who faced similar battles.
Choosing chemo and radiation over surgery allowed him to preserve his voice and jaw, essential tools for his acting career. Post-recovery, he enjoyed a successful run in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing as Dr.
Hank Pym in several films, including “Ant-Man” and “Avengers: Endgame.” While Douglas’s future acting endeavors remain uncertain, his impressive legacy in film is undeniable.