Hollywood legend Michael Douglas, 80, has hinted at a possible retirement from acting. The two-time Oscar winner revealed that he has “no real intentions” of returning to the industry, sparking speculation about the future of his illustrious career.
Stepping Back After Decades
Speaking at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Czech Republic, Douglas, who co-produced the iconic film *One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest*, explained that he's been deliberately taking time off since 2022. “I’ve had a very busy career. Now, I have not worked since 2022, purposely, because I realised I had to stop,” he said.
His last role was playing Benjamin Franklin in the Apple TV+ series *Franklin*, which was filmed in 2022 and released in 2024. Douglas emphasized that he didn’t want to become one of those actors who “dropped dead on set” after working continuously for almost 60 years.
Health Concerns and Family Time
Douglas's decision also seems to be influenced by health concerns. Having battled throat cancer in 2010, he is prioritizing his well-being. He added that he is “very happy” taking time off and enjoys watching his wife, actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, work.
Not a Definite Retirement?
While Douglas has no immediate plans to act, he stopped short of declaring a full retirement. “I say I’m not retired, because if something special came up, I’d go back. But otherwise, I’m quite happy,” he stated. He also mentioned exploring a “little independent movie” but isn’t actively seeking new roles.
- Last role: Benjamin Franklin in *Franklin* (Apple TV+)
- Reason for break: Avoiding overwork, health concerns
- Future plans: Open to “something special,” enjoying family time
For now, it seems South African fans will have to wait and see if the Hollywood icon decides to grace the screen again.