Michael Douglas Embraces Being a Seasoned Father Despite Teachers' Grandfather Mix-up
Discover how Michael Douglas cherishes fatherhood at an older age, sharing humorous anecdotes of being mistaken as his kids' grandfather by their teachers during school pick-ups.
Closing Ceremony - 7th Canneseries International Festival
Michael Douglas. (Photo by Dominique Charriau/WireImage via Getty Images)
Michael Douglas is comfortable with being an older dad, despite sometimes being mistaken for his children's grandfather.
The 79-year-old Oscar winner shared a funny story about a time when he visited one of his kids at college. In an interview with The Telegraph on April 20, he recalled the awkward moment when he was assumed to be the grandparent instead of the parent. "This is not grandfather’s day, this is parents’ day. I say ‘I am a parent!’,” he jokingly mentioned. "That was a rough one."
Michael Douglas has two children, Carys Zeta Douglas, 20, and Dylan Michael Douglas, 23, with his wife Catherine Zeta-Jones, whom he married in 2000. He also has a son, Cameron Douglas, 45, from his previous marriage to Diandra Luker.
In his view, his 25-year marriage to Zeta-Jones has been a "good ride," and he believes that becoming a father later in life has made him a better parent. Nevertheless, he does have some regrets about his parenting approach.
Michael shared with The Telegraph that Cameron faced a lot of challenges during that time. He admitted that he was too focused on work, putting family in third place after work and country. Unlike when he and Catherine first got together, they were now more focused on work than on enjoying time with the kids.
In May 2023, Cameron opened up about his struggles with drug addiction and a nearly seven-year prison sentence from 2010 to 2016. He revealed that it took a long time for him and his father to rebuild their relationship. Speaking exclusively to We last year, Cameron expressed that it was a journey to reach a place where both of them felt fulfilled and safe.
Premiere Of Walt Disney Pictures And Lucasfilm's "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" - Arrivals
Dylan Michael Douglas, Michael Douglas, Carys Zeta-Douglas. (Photo by Barry King/Getty Images)
Cameron shared with Us that for many years, his behavior contributed to the lack of a close relationship with his father, starting from when he was a young teenager. Despite never having a negative relationship, they simply did not spend much time together because Cameron was not emotionally present.
He mentioned that it took some time for his father, Douglas, to regain trust in him, but he expressed gratitude that they were now able to regularly enjoy each other's company.
Michael shared with The Telegraph that he and Zeta-Jones are now enjoying their time as "empty nesters" with their two youngest children either moving out or going to college. However, he mentioned that as time goes on, it has become more challenging to keep up with the energetic youngsters.
He expressed, "I'm just about managing at the moment. In terms of activities like skiing, I've reached a point where I can't keep up with them anymore. But it's nice to have someone care for you and ask, 'Are you okay, dad?'"
It has been a wonderful time for me, and I feel very lucky. Catherine and I have been together for almost 25 years. I am happy with the choices I have made and now I am taking the time to enjoy life more, traveling and appreciating the little moments. With our children grown and out of the house, we have more freedom to explore and enjoy life in our fifties, sixties, and seventies.
Douglas also mentioned how much joy his children, Dylan and Carys, have brought to him and Zeta-Jones. He described them as extraordinary beings and expressed gratitude to Catherine for their lovely family life. Both children have been a source of joy and there have been no major issues. Dylan has finished school and Carys has one more year of college left.
Editor's P/S:
Michael Douglas's journey as a father is both relatable and inspiring. By sharing his experiences, he highlights the challenges and rewards of parenting at different stages of life. His story resonates with older parents who may face similar misconceptions and concerns about keeping up with their children's energy. Douglas's admission of past regrets serves as a reminder to prioritize family despite the demands of work.
The article also emphasizes the importance of rebuilding relationships after adversity. Cameron Douglas's struggles with addiction strained his bond with his father, but through perseverance and mutual effort, they were able to reconnect and find healing. Their journey underscores the power of forgiveness, understanding, and the enduring nature of the father-son bond.
