Michael Douglas Details Wild Hollywood Confessions in Memoir
The actor recounts past affairs, struggles with addiction, and contentious encounters with fellow celebrities in "One Helluva Ride."
Michael Douglas is offering an unvarnished look at his life and career in his new memoir, "One Helluva Ride." The book details past secret affairs, struggles with substance abuse, a tumultuous relationship with his father, and family challenges, including his son Cameron's addiction and imprisonment.
Early Career Encounters
Douglas recounts an incident during the casting of "Romancing the Stone" where actress Debra Winger allegedly bit him. According to Douglas, the filmmakers were trying to convince Winger to take the role, but she remained noncommittal. During a dinner meeting, after they left the restaurant, Winger reportedly leaned over and bit Douglas, leaving teeth marks on his arm. Douglas stated this action, coupled with reports of her being difficult on set, made him decide against casting her, leading to Kathleen Turner taking the role.
In another anecdote, Douglas describes a tense encounter with Julia Roberts at a Golden Globes party when his son Cameron was about 13. Douglas, who admitted to being intoxicated at the time, alleged Roberts was inappropriately close to his son. He confronted Roberts, telling her to "Take your hands off my son and take that Golden Globe and stick it where the sun don’t shine." Douglas later apologized to Roberts and her then-boyfriend, Kiefer Sutherland.
Personal Struggles and Relationships
The memoir also touches on Douglas's personal life, including a secret affair with his married co-star Lee Purcell while filming "Adam at 6 A.M." He also admits to an affair with screenwriter Diane Thomas during his first marriage to Diandra Luker, noting that both were involved in extramarital relationships as their marriage deteriorated.
Douglas's first wife, Diandra Luker, reportedly gave him an ultimatum: "Rehab or divorce." This came amid Douglas's struggles with substance abuse and infidelity. He entered the Sierra Tucson rehabilitation clinic in 1992 for alcohol and substance abuse treatment. Douglas denies being a sex addict, claiming a tabloid sensationalized his treatment, portraying him inaccurately.
Family and Health Battles
Douglas details his complex relationship with his father, Kirk Douglas, describing him as a "flawed man with a ferocious temper and a burning ambition" who instilled fear in him and his brother Joel.
The actor also recounts his battle with stage IV cancer, which he says was misdiagnosed for nine months. Initially treated as an infection with antibiotics, a specialist eventually found squamous cell carcinoma at the back of his tongue. Douglas expressed concern that surgery could have impacted his acting career.
Son's Addiction and Legal Troubles
Douglas describes the difficult period of his son Cameron's addiction to cocaine and heroin. He recounts an attempt to "kidnap" his son and force him into rehabilitation, a plan he abandoned when Cameron resisted. Cameron Douglas later served seven years in prison for a federal drug case. Douglas writes that a relapse and possession of a weapon in prison led to an extended sentence and time in solitary confinement, forcing Douglas to confront his own failings as a father.
Other Revelations
Among other anecdotes, Douglas recounts a night where he and Rolling Stone co-founder Jann Wenner encountered O.J. Simpson at a "Saturday Night Live" after-party. Simpson allegedly offered them cocaine. Douglas also notes the pervasive presence of cocaine in Hollywood during that era.
Additionally, Douglas shares an account of spending a private evening with Princess Diana after a screening of "Wall Street" in London. He describes sitting next to her during the film and spending time together at a private dinner, noting that she appeared to be in an unhappy marriage.