Michael Douglas has revealed that his failing memory was the real reason he decided to write his new memoir, One Helluva Ride. The 82-year-old actor made the admission on Friday night's (October 30) episode of The Graham Norton Show, joined by Glenn Close, Kieran Culkin and Naomi Ackie.
When asked why he had finally agreed to write a memoir after years of being approached, Douglas explained that at 82 he felt it was time to take stock. He noted that his father, Kirk Douglas, wrote nine books including a celebrated autobiography, which got him thinking about legacies. Together, he estimated, the two have appeared in around 135 movies over eight decades, and all three of his children are now actors.
Memory as the driving force
Douglas then gave the real motivation behind the project. He admitted that he had forgotten so much and had reached a point in life where he realised the only things that matter are friends, family, and what you remember. He described the process of going back to 1944 and gathering information about his family as fabulous, adding that he had gained a whole bunch of new memories to keep in his mind for at least a day.
Viewers quickly took to social media to respond to the vulnerable admission. One user wrote: "A lot of beautiful memories; I'm glad he found them in time." Another said: "They're a legendary father and son duo. I hope his children can continue his family's legacy." A third praised him as a great actor, citing A Perfect Murder as one of his finest roles.
Previous health disclosures
The actor has previously spoken about his memory struggles, telling AARP magazine in 2021 that while his long-term memory is fine, his short-term memory is not. He said he used to blame it on marijuana use but noted that friends who have smoked as long as he has still have fabulous memories, so he does not think that is the issue.
Douglas's memoir arrives more than 15 years after he was diagnosed with stage four tongue and throat cancer in 2010. He lives in Westchester, New York, with his wife Catherine Zeta-Jones and their two children, Dylan and Carys.
