ABC NewsVideoLiveShowsShopLog InStream onCultureMichael Douglas says he has 'no real intentions' of returning to acting"If something special came up, I’d go back, but otherwise, no," he said.ByShafiq Najib July 6, 2025, 3:46 PM3:24US actor and film producer Michael Douglas poses on the red carpet of the 59th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic on July 5, 2025. Michal Cizek/AFP via Getty ImagesMichael Douglas is pressing pause on acting -- at least for now.While speaking recently at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival in the Czech Republic, where he presented a newly restored print of Miloš Forman’s classic 1975 film "One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest," which Douglas co-produced, the Oscar-winning actor opened up about his future in the industry.What to know about Michael Douglas and his 3 kids“I have not worked since 2022 purposefully because I realized I had to stop,” Douglas said, according to Variety. “I had been working pretty hard for almost 60 years and I did not want to be one of those people who dropped dead on the set.”He continued, “I have no real intentions of going back. I say I’m not retired because if something special came up, I’d go back, but otherwise, no.”US actor and film producer Michael Douglas poses on the red carpet of the 59th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic on July 5, 2025.Michal Cizek/AFP via Getty ImagesDouglas, who will turn 81 years old in September, last appeared on the big screen in 2023’s "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania," and most recently portrayed Benjamin Franklin in the 2024 Apple TV+ miniseries "Franklin."He’s also set to star alongside his son, Cameron Douglas, in the upcoming film "Looking Through Water," which has yet to receive a release date.The conversation during the Karlovy Vary Film Festival press conference also touched on Douglas’ past health struggles. Reflecting on his 2010 battle with stage 4 tongue cancer, he shared that he opted for chemotherapy and radiation over surgery, which would have involved removing part of his jaw and threatened his ability to speak and act.“Stage 4 cancer is not a holiday but there aren’t many choices, are there?” he said. “I went with the program, involving chemo and radiation, and was fortunate. The surgery would have meant not being able to talk and removing part of my jaw and that would have been limiting as an actor.”Editor’s PicksMichael Douglas talks stepping 'out of the shadow' of his late dad, Kirk Douglas Michael Douglas as the Founding Father in 'Franklin' trailer Michael Douglas steps out on red carpet with son Dylan, daughter CarysDouglas, who is married to longtime wife, actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, also revealed that he has “one little independent movie” in the works but joked that these days that “in the spirit of maintaining a good marriage,” he’s “happy to play the wife” to Jones.Sponsored Content by TaboolaPopular ReadsDisney World closes iconic attractions to make way for new landJul 6, 5:02 PMPope Leo on vacation to restore 'body and spirit'Jul 6, 7:26 AM‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ bites off $318 million at the global box officeJul 6, 12:14 PMBrazil hosts BRICS summit, eager to avoid provoking Trump’s ireJul 6, 12:02 AMABC News Live24/7 coverage of breaking news and live eventsABC News NetworkPrivacy PolicyYour US State Privacy RightsChildren's Online Privacy PolicyInterest-Based AdsAbout Nielsen MeasurementTerms of UseDo Not Sell or Share My Personal InformationContact Us © 2025 ABC News, Michael Kirk Douglas (born September 25, 1944) [2] is an American actor and film producer. He has received numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, five Golden Globe Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, the Cecil B. DeMille Award, and the AFI Life Achievement Award., Michael Douglas. Actor: Behind the Candelabra. A legendary actor with 50 celebrated years of film, television and producing experience, Michael Douglas is known for his era-defining roles and enduring cultural impact. In addition to his career accomplishments, Douglas has remained a steadfast public servant, activist and philanthropist dedicated to peace and human welfare, democracy, gun .