Michael Douglas on life in the limelight: 'Being yourself on screen is not easy'

NPR | By Tonya Mosley

Published October 5, 2026 at 12:50 PM EDT

Douglas grew up in the shadow of his famous father, Kirk, before establishing himself as an Oscar-winning actor and producer. In One Helluva Ride, he reflects on his early life and Hollywood career.

Tonya Mosley

Tonya Mosley is a co-host of Fresh Air.

See stories by Tonya Mosley

Support nonprofit, fact-based public service journalism

WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.

Contribute now

Related Content

NPR News

Is our fate pre-destined? A new 'East of Eden' adaptation asks again

David Bianculli

John Steinbeck's 1952 epic was first adapted to film in 1955 by director Elia Kazan. Now, Kazan's granddaughter Zoe has directed a new Netflix miniseries, starring Florence Pugh.
NPR News

Dennis Hastert, longtime Republican House speaker who went to prison, dies at age 84

The Associated Press

ennis Hastert, whose political legacy as Congress' longest-serving Republican House speaker was later fouled by allegations that he had molested high school athletes during his prior career as a teacher and wrestling coach, has died, a coroner said Monday. He was 84.
NPR News

Ayad Akhtar's 'The Radiance' addresses provocative subjects head-on

Heller McAlpin

Like his previous work, including Homeland Elegies, The Radiance exposes the fissures of American racial, political and economic identity.
NPR News

Drones buzz overhead, troops hunker underground in Ukraine's hellish kill zone

Greg Myre

The front line in the Russia-Ukraine war stretches more than 700 miles and has barely moved in four years. Yet straddling this line is the kill zone, dominated by constantly evolving drone technology.
NPR News

FBI arrests a woman accused of spying on Taiwan leader's family for China

The Associated Press

The FBI and U.S. prosecutors say Wanying Zhang, also know as Heather, surveilled the Taiwanese president's son and his family.