Michael Douglas claims he is stepping back from acting

Michael Douglas, the Oscar-winning actor, recently made headlines during a press event at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Czech Republic. Speaking at the festival, he revealed that he has been on a self-imposed hiatus from acting since 2022. The actor cited a realization that after nearly 60 years in the industry, he needed to take a break to avoid burning out or facing health risks associated with the demanding film schedule. Douglas, who turns 81 in September 2025, expressed that he has no immediate plans to return to acting, emphasizing his preference for only taking on projects that are particularly special or meaningful. Douglas openly discussed his decision to step back from acting, acknowledging that it wasn't an easy choice given his extensive career and passion for filmmaking. He reflected on his previous experiences, particularly his battle with stage 4 tongue cancer in 2010, which led to serious health concerns. After opting for chemotherapy and radiation therapy, he successfully avoided surgery that would have inhibited his ability to speak. This experience shaped his perspective on life and his career, reinforcing his desire to prioritize his health over continual performance. Despite not pursuing new acting roles, Douglas remains active in the industry through other avenues. His last film appearance was in the 2023 Marvel movie 'Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania', and he recently portrayed Benjamin Franklin in a miniseries for Apple TV+. He also has an upcoming project titled 'Looking Through Water', in which he will co-star with his son, Cameron Douglas. During the press conference, he expressed contentment with his current pace of life, enjoying the opportunity to watch his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, continue her successful acting career, while he takes a step back from the spotlight. In conclusion, Michael Douglas's return to acting seems unlikely unless an exceptional opportunity arises. His reflections on his career, health challenges, and current life choices showcase an actor who values quality over quantity, a realization that comes after decades of hard work and dedication to his craft. While he may not officially declare a retirement from acting, his current focus is on enjoying life and spending time with his loved ones, rather than pursuing further film projects unless they are uniquely compelling.