Michael Douglas Rejects 'Nepo Baby' Label, Cites Father's Worries

Michael Douglas has voiced his disapproval of the term "nepo baby," describing it as "unfortunate." In a recent interview promoting his new memoir, "One Helluva Ride," Douglas, the son of the late screen legend Kirk Douglas, reflected on the label and the generational aspects of pursuing careers in the entertainment industry.

"I think it’s an unfortunate title," Douglas told Page Six. "I guess you could say that about any business." He drew a parallel to his own family history, noting, "My father’s father was a junkman."

Douglas explained that his memoir delves into the challenges and triumphs of his career, emphasizing the hard work involved rather than advantages that might be perceived as handed down. He shared that his father, Kirk Douglas, had expressed concerns about his chosen profession.

"I know how worried my father was," Michael Douglas stated.

The actor, whose mother was Bermudian-American actress Diana Douglas, also noted that he feels "blessed with the combination of genes" from both parents. His father, Kirk Douglas, died in February 2020 at the age of 103, and his mother passed away in July 2015 at 92.

Douglas acknowledged that his own children, Dylan and Carys, whom he shares with wife Catherine Zeta-Jones, are pursuing acting careers, as is his eldest son, Cameron Douglas, from his previous marriage to Diandra Luker. He offered straightforward advice to his children: "If you don’t like rejection, don’t do it."

Despite the term "nepo baby" being applied to him and his children, Douglas defended their aspirations, stating that his children have been involved in acting from a young age through school plays and theater camps. He also mentioned that Cameron is currently working.

In his memoir, Douglas reflects on his career and the legacy of his father, who starred in films like "Spartacus." "Much of my story is about finding my way in the world as I carried the weight of my legendary father’s legacy," he wrote. "How could it not be? After all, I am the son of Spartacus."

Douglas previously discussed the "nepo baby" debate, telling People magazine, "Is there any business in the world that the mother or father doesn’t try to get their son or daughter into? We all try to help our kids to some degree."

He also recalled early in his career when people would comment on his resemblance to his father, a sentiment he initially found difficult. "I don’t want to hear that. I’m going to be my own person," he thought at the time.

"One Helluva Ride" is available now.