Cameron Douglas Credits His ‘Supportive’ Grandfather Kirk For Giving Him ‘Secret’ To Success

Apr 13, 2022 by apost team

Kirk Douglas was one of Hollywood's biggest heartthrobs in his heyday, and he was no stranger to chasing women. But it was his wife of 65 years, Anne Douglas, née Buydens, whom he chose to spend most of his life with. Kirk left Anne a widow after passing away at the age of 103 on Feb. 5, 2020. Over one year following his death, Anne passed away at her home in Beverly Hills on Apr. 29 at the age of 102.

Theirs was a love for the ages — amid the storms of infidelity, cancer, and even the loss of their child, Kirk and Anne stuck together through it all in 65 years of marriage.

Michael Douglas, Kirk’s son, is an American actor and producer that has made his own mark on Hollywood and received many accolades. Some of his achievements include two Academy Awards, five Golden Globe Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, and the American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award. 

Michael is best known for several films, including "A Chorus Line," "Fatal Attraction," and "Wall Street." He has also become popular among a younger crowd by joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Dr. Hank Pym. He has appeared in many films, including "Ant-Man," "Ant-Man and the Wasp," and "Avengers: Endgame."

Outside of his career, Michael is a family man. He and Catherine Zeta-Jones have been happily married since 2000 and have two kids. Their lives have changed a great deal since they moved between the US and Bermuda with their children, Dylan Douglas and Carys Zeta-Douglas. Michael is also the father of Cameron Douglas, who was born in 1978 when Michael was still married to Diandra Luker. 

Read on to see how much Cameron looks like his grandfather Kirk, and to learn more about their relationship.

Nearly two weeks after the death of “Spartacus” star, Kirk Douglas, his grandson, Cameron Douglas, spoke with Hollywood Reporter, and admitted how integral his grandfather Kirk was to him:

"Losing him is one of those things that, even when you sort of see it coming — he was 103 — it’s still difficult. I take solace in the pride of being his grandson and having had the opportunity to spend as much time with him as I have."

One of Cameron's memories with his grandfather includes when Kirk appeared at one of Cameron's DJing events in New York, despite his age. Cameron told Hollywood Reporter:

"One night, I was playing at this club called Spa and I didn't go on until 12 at night. He and his wife showed up at around 12:30 a.m. He must've been in his late 80s, early 90s. It really was amazing. I went over to them and couldn't really even talk because the music was so loud, but that’s just what they did.  They always showed up — for everyone in the family."

Cameron went on to say, "he was always there, always supportive and he believed in me even when maybe I had given up on myself. He made sure I knew." Cameron also added that no matter where he moved he was never too far away from his grandfather. Kirk was consistent about seeing his two-year-old great-granddaughter. Cameron said:

"This past couple of years, I moved about 15 minutes away from them and have been spending a lot of time with him, bringing my daughter Vivian over on weekends. Just watching the bond between my daughter and grandfather was extremely special. One of the motivating factors behind bringing my family out to Los Angeles was to spend more time with him."

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Cameron has been previously arrested on substance charges, according to the LA Times. Despite this history, Cameron recalled how his grandfather helped him through everything:

"He also said that says a lot about the man that he was in my life and my desire to get my career going again soon enough so that he would be able to see the trajectory of my life starting to go in a positive direction. It’s what he called 'functioning.'” 

Cameron also noted how Kirk gave him the key to success: 

"He always used to tell me — even before I got this job when I was doing a lot of auditioning — how he thought that I was truly talented and to keep going. To hear that coming from him was enough. He didn't really have a secret about acting to pass along to me. His secret was hard work, being prepared and showing up. Then, if you have the talent and the work ethic, it will work out. That’s what’s ingrained in me from him." 

After his father Kirk passed away, Michael made a touching post on Instagram sharing how much he meant to him. He said: 

"To the world, he was a legend, an actor from the golden age of movies who lived well into his golden years…But to me and my brothers Joel and Peter he was simply Dad, to Catherine, a wonderful father-in-law, to his grandchildren and great-grandchild, their loving grandfather, and to his wife Anne, a wonderful husband. Let me end with the words I told him on his last birthday and which will always remain true. Dad- I love you so much and I am so proud to be your son."

What do you think of Cameron's memories of Kirk? Did someone in your life influence you as much as Kirk did Cameron? Let us know your thoughts and be sure to pass this along to others so they can share their thoughts, too!