Michael Douglas Says He Has No Plans to Act Again
UNITED STATES, JUL 6 – Michael Douglas cited health challenges including tongue cancer as reasons for stepping back from acting after nearly 60 years, with no current plans to return, he said at Karlovy Vary.
- In July 2025, Michael Douglas revealed at the film festival held in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic, that he has intentionally paused his acting career since 2022.
- Douglas revealed he chose to stop working to avoid surgery that entailed removing a portion of his jaw, which would have compromised his speaking and acting abilities.
- He shared he has been working nearly 60 years, does not consider himself retired, and would return only if a special script arises.
- Douglas explained that he does not plan to return to acting, but would consider coming back if an exceptional opportunity arose, and he is enjoying his current break.
- His withdrawal highlights a health-driven career pause, with openness to unique roles while prioritizing wellbeing over continuous work.
126 Articles
126 Articles

Michael Douglas and Danny DeVito revisit ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ for its 50th anniversary
“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest" is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a new 4K restoration and a theatrical re-release.
At 80, the Hollywood star thinks she's given the cinema enough, and prefers to leave room for young people.
The acclaimed Hollywood actor has revealed that he has quietly said goodbye to his acting career after not working for the past three years – and that he has no intention of returning.
Michael Douglas Says He’s ‘Not Retired’ but Also Isn’t Looking for Roles: I Don’t Want to Drop ‘Dead on the Set’
Michael Douglas isn’t necessarily retired, but don’t expect him to be back onscreen anytime soon. The iconic actor/producer said during the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, via Deadline, that he has “no real intentions” of acting again. Douglas’ most recent screen role was in the series “The Kominsky Method.” “I’ve had a very busy career. Now, I have not worked since 2022, purposefully, because I realized I had to stop,” Douglas said. “…
American actor Michael Douglas, winner of the two Oscar prizes, who played in classic films such as "Wall Street" and "Factal Attraction", says he has no intention of playing, except in the case where "something special" appears.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 54% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium