Michael Douglas Takes a Break from Acting as He Approaches 81

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Michael Douglas Takes a Break from Acting as He Approaches 81

Michael Douglas, the award-winning actor decorated for memorable performances across genres, is hitting the brakes on his acting career. He’ll be 81 come this September. Douglas last graced the big screen in the 2023 Marvel film “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.” He just played Benjamin Franklin in the 2024 Apple TV+ miniseries “Franklin.” For now, he has decided to take a hiatus from his career.

Douglas has been selective about his projects. It was the first time he’d been out of work since 2022, a decision he chalks up to a profound personal realization. “I have not worked since 2022 purposefully because I realized I had to stop,” he stated. He added that after nearly 60 years in the industry, he did not want to become “one of those people who dropped dead on the set.”

Douglas is in pre-production on “one small independent movie.” Additionally, he is set to co-star with his son, Cameron Douglas, in a new movie called Looking Through Water. For all his hard work, he still hasn’t gotten a return date on this venture.

The accomplished thespian has endured monumental obstacles as well – a harrowing one including his fight with stage 4 tongue cancer in 2010. He opted for chemotherapy and radiation over surgery. Surgery would have required resectioning his entire jaw, severely affecting his speech and ability to perform as well. Reflecting on his experience with cancer, he remarked, “Stage 4 cancer is not a holiday but there aren’t many choices, are there?”

In a playful mood, Douglas told the assembled luncheon audience that critical urban problems could lead to a brief return of his marital optimism. Or as he cleverly quipped to his wife, actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, “I am pleased to be playing the female lead.” He said keeping his marriage strong is even more important now in this stage of life.

“If something special came up, I’d go back, but otherwise, no.” – Michael Douglas

Douglas is preparing to enjoy the pleasures of another year of life. He’s putting his health and home life first before his political life – front runner or not. He’s spent a lifetime mastering his craft. Now, his decision to take a break is a big deal in his life. It’s clear that fans will truly feel his absence on screen. Now they can look forward to his exciting upcoming works, particularly the long-awaited collaboration with his son!

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