Michael Douglas has openly discussed the unique challenges and joys of raising children later in life, emphasizing the special dynamics that come with it. In an interview with the Telegraph, the 79-year-old Academy Award winner shared a humorous incident from his children’s university experience, recalling a moment when he was mistaken for their grandfather.
Describing the mix-up, Douglas recounted how someone told him, “‘This is not grandfather’s day, this is parents’ day.’ I say ‘I am a parent!’” Reflecting on the encounter, he admitted, “That was a rough one,” highlighting the humorous side of navigating parenthood as an older father.
Douglas and his wife Catherine Zeta-Jones, 54, have been married for 24 years and are proud parents to two children: 23-year-old Dylan and 21-year-old Carys. Additionally, Douglas has a 45-year-old son, Cameron Douglas, from his previous marriage to Diandra Luker. Despite the occasional humorous mishaps, Douglas cherishes his role as a parent and a grandfather.
In the interview, Douglas also expressed some regrets about not being present for significant moments in his oldest son’s life due to his demanding career in entertainment. However, he expressed gratitude for his children, describing them as “extraordinary beings” who have been with him through his 50s, 60s, and 70s.
As Dylan graduates from Brown University and Carys approaches the end of her college journey, Douglas and Zeta-Jones find themselves transitioning into the role of “empty nesters.” Despite the bittersweet moments, they recently celebrated Carys’ 21st birthday with heartfelt messages on social media, expressing their love and pride for their daughter as she embarks on adulthood.
