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."
Michael Douglas’ second Oscar was important to him
