Michael Douglas Opens Up About Portraying Reagan and His Father's Influence
In an exclusive interview, Hollywood icon Michael Douglas, aged 81, shares insights into his latest role as President Ronald Reagan in the Paramount TV series Reagan and Gorbachev. Filming in the Arctic Circle, Douglas found the location surprisingly warmer than his native New York, which was experiencing record-breaking snowfall. He laughed, noting, "I have, in fact, just measured the temperature in New York and the Arctic Circle is warmer."
Hair as a Key Element in Acting
Douglas reveals that hair has always been a significant aspect of his acting career. He recalls how fellow actor Jack Nicholson used to tease him about it, saying, "Jack Nicholson always used to give me sh** about my hair and say 'what is it with this hair acting?' But if you look at Jack, he does more work with the hair!" This obsession with hair mirrors that of Reagan, who was never seen with a single grey strand.
Drawing from His Father's Legacy
The actor credits his late father, Kirk Douglas, who passed away in 2020 at age 103, with teaching him to navigate complex characters. "I love the grey area of characters," Douglas explains. "We all like to see ourselves as the hero, but we have all probably done things that we are not proud about." He contrasts his father's era of clear-cut heroes and villains with his own generation's more ambiguous roles, influenced by events like the Vietnam War.
Reflecting on Career-Defining Roles
Douglas also looks back on his career, including his role as Gordon Gekko in Wall Street, which he landed after Warren Beatty and Richard Gere passed on it. He relied on friends in finance to perfect the character, noting, "I understood the lifestyle, so I guess that is why he chose me." The hairstyle for Gekko was inspired by his friend Pat Riley, president of the Miami Heat basketball team.
Personal Life and New York Pride
Married to Welsh actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, 56, Douglas expresses deep affection for New York City, calling it "the greatest city in the world." Despite the harsh winter, he remains enthusiastic about his hometown, emphasizing its role as a melting pot of cultures.
This interview offers a rare glimpse into the life and career of a seasoned actor, blending personal anecdotes with professional reflections on his diverse roles and enduring legacy in Hollywood.
