Michael Douglas

Michael Douglas

Michael Douglas felt like he was living in his father Kurt Douglas' shadow before winning his second Oscar.

The 69-year-old actor - who won his first Academy Award as a producer of the Best Picture winner 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' in 1975 - admits it wasn't until he was crowned Best Actor for 1987's 'Wall Street' that he felt like he'd become his own star.

He said: "My Best Actor Oscar was extremely important to me because it was the first time I felt that I had stepped out of my father's shadow."

However, Michael insists there are some positives to have a famous parent as he believes his dad has helped him stay grounded.

He explained: "The biggest benefit of being a second-generation actor is being able to watch your father and his friends - i.e. Tony Curtis, Frank Sinatra, Burt Lancaster - as people and seeing their foibles and insecurities. You realise they're like anybody else. They've got their issues. So it keeps you kind of grounded."

The actor still has a close relationship with Kurt and tries to see his parents as much as possible, but admits it can be difficult.

He told People magazine: "We live cross-country and it can be hard to get out here, but I'm conscious of touching bases as much as I can. They're not demanding."


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