Douglas Attempted to Stop Son Acting

5 months ago 31st May 09:40

Veteran star Kirk Douglas told a teenage Michael Douglas he'd never make it as an actor - because he didn't want him to experience the "rejection"of Hollywood.

The legendary actor was shocked when Michael initially decided to try out drama as a youngster - because his son had always maintained he would study to become a lawyer.

The legendary actor was shocked when Michael initially decided to try out drama as a youngster - because his son had always maintained he would study to become a lawyer

And when Michael took on his first play, Douglas Sr. tried to make him reconsider law school by criticising his performance.

He writes on his official website, "He attended college in Santa Barbara with the intention of being a lawyer. I was very happy. I didn't want him to deal with the rejection in my field. In his sophomore year he suddenly said to me, 'Dad, I'm going to be in a play.'

"I was startled. He never showed any interest in being an actor and I was glad. But I went to see the play at the college. It was a Shakespeare play and he had a very small part.

After the play he said, 'Dad, how was I?' I answered, 'Michael, you were terrible.' And I thought that would squash any desire he had to become an actor.