Michael Douglas opens up about his health battles and aging

I’ve always admired Michael Douglas for his acting skills—Wall Street and The Game are my all-time favorite movies featuring this legendary performer.

However, these days, the 78-year-old actor has undergone noticeable changes, catching the attention of many during his recent public appearances.

Growing up during Michael Douglas’ prime, he was widely recognized as one of the most handsome and charismatic actors, embodying the ideal American male at the peak of his Hollywood breakthrough. Over his five decades in the industry, this veteran actor has demonstrated his ability to master diverse roles and characters.

While he’s earned acclaim for various performances, the Academy Award winner is particularly renowned for portraying characters like the sleazy Gordon Gekko in Wall Street and the depressed millionaire Nicholas Van Orton in The Game.

“I’ve never had to worry about the dark, slick character aspect of some of my parts,” Douglas told Today. “The best compliment I get is, ‘when I see your name, I don’t know what the movie’s going to be about, but I know it’s going to be good.’”

As Michael Douglas approaches 79 in 2023, he can reflect on a remarkable cinematic career with multiple iconic movies in his repertoire.

Michael’s exposure to the acting world began at an early age, spending summers on movie sets with his father, Kirk Douglas. In his teens, he expressed a desire to become an actor, leading to his debut in Cast a Giant Shadow. His breakthrough came with the police series The Streets of San Francisco in 1972.

In 1975, Michael produced the classic One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, earning an Academy Award for Best Picture. He continued to shine in Hollywood with roles in Wall Street (1987), Falling Down (1993), and The Game (1997).

When asked about his favorite movie, Douglas, in 2023, stated, “To use a baseball term: I have a pretty good batting average. I can’t say they are all grand-slam home runs, but I have a lot of hits, singles, maybe doubles, a couple of triples,” in an interview with The Guardian.

However, recent observations of Michael Douglas have sparked discussions about his changed appearance. Aging is a natural process, but according to reports in 2022, his physical transformation drew attention during a visit to France. Observers noted that he looked thin, and his face appeared “much more deteriorated.”

Michael Douglas faced significant challenges in recent years, starting in 2010 when he was diagnosed with tongue cancer. The undetected cancer was at an advanced stage, leading to intense treatment—eight weeks of radiation and chemotherapy. After significant weight loss, he emerged cancer-free in 2011.

In 2013, Douglas surprisingly suggested that oral sex was linked to his cancer, pointing to HPV (human papillomavirus). Despite initial attention, his spokesman clarified that Douglas was speaking generally about HPV and not specifically about his diagnosis.

Post-cancer treatment, Douglas enjoyed life and stayed fit, but the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted his health. Energy loss and memory issues during the pandemic raised concerns. Despite his openness about weed-smoking habits, he attributed his memory issues to other factors, emphasizing ongoing research into the matter.

As Michael Douglas navigates health challenges, he remains a resilient and beloved figure in the world of cinema.