Not long ago, actor Michael Douglas sat down with AARP magazine for a little chat about family, his relationship with his wife Catherine Zeta-Jones, and well, his appreciation of Cialis and Viagra.
In the March/April issue of AARP, the two time Oscar winner also reflects on his career, pressures of the Hollywood biz, and the repercussions it can have on a family. Douglas also managed to share a few personal photos, as well as his insight on mistakes he made as a father, and lessons he learned during a career that has spanned decades.
Douglas also spoke about his eldest son, Cameron, who is currently incarcerated in New York on felony drug charges.
Below are some highlights of the interview:
On Raising His Son Cameron, Who is Facing Drug Charges:
"I'll assume whatever responsibilities I have to. Would it have been better to have been around more? Absolutely. There were absences, and I was no angel. Cameron has a lot of life ahead. He now recognizes his own demons and struggles. He's a tough kid...Still, he's in a federal prison, and you've got some big, bad boys down there."
On Family, Life, and Love with Wife Catherine Zeta-Jones:
"I made a conscious effort, with Catherine being younger in her career, to say, 'Do what you've got to do and I'll follow you.' At least in your head, your fire burns as brightly. Let's not kid ourselves. But God bless her that she likes older guys. And some wonderful enhancements have happened in the last few years – Viagra, Cialis – that can make us all feel younger. We have a deep understanding with each other rather than having to worry about fulfilling one another's expectations. She knows what it's like to come back at night wiped out. And it's all right to have silences."
On Parenting at 50+ in Hollywood:
"My career was the most important thing in my life, followed by marriage and children. And it's completely reversed now. I never anticipated starting a family and the joy of raising kids at my age. I wince when I think I'll be close to 75 when my daughter is 16. I'm not going to be able to physically chase the boys away."
On His Relationship with Father Kirk Douglas:
"I was the product of a divorced family. My dad was always torn; he was working really hard and would want to see us. But then, with all his Kirk Douglas passion, he'd try to be a father for a week, a summer, whatever. It was tough."
cover image courtesy: PRN Photos