In a recent interview, Michael Douglas shared that he’s stepping back from acting, stating he has “no real intentions” of returning to the screen. After a legendary career spanning decades, from Wall Street to Behind the Candelabra to The Kominsky Method, Douglas is choosing a quieter chapter, saying he’s satisfied with what he’s done.
Read the full article here:
https://deadline.com/2025/07/michael-douglas-no-real-intentions-acting-a...
Actors—how do you feel when you hear stories like this? What do you hope your own creative legacy looks like?
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I think that's one of the great things about acting, Ashley Renée Smith. Actors can act when they're 65, 70, etc. I write roles for elderly actors. I'd like to write a script with an elderly lead.
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I don't understand an actor when they say this. I act because I love it. It is my passion. I'm like Ian McKellan, as long as I can talk, I will continue acting. That's awesome that Michael Douglas has enough money that he doesn't need to. I can't imagine not wanting to.
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I recently revisited Fincher's THE GAME and was taken by how effortless Douglas' performance seemed. It wasn't effortless, of course, it was uber confident and nuanced. I have a hunch he'll be back.
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I love THE GAME , RB. I agree with you. there's been many a time when actors have said they've retired only to come back. Because they miss it!
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Vastly underrated Fincher, Suzanne Bronson
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Not wanting to rain on the parade about Michaels' career, I can't help thinking that as a male actor he is in a privileged position. While male actors often continue landing leading roles well into their 50s and 60s, women are quietly pushed aside. The average Oscar-nominated actor is 61—but for women, it’s just 39. Men reach peak earnings around 51; women, by 34. And after 40, women lose access to around 75% of lead roles, while men over 40 still claim half of them. For characters aged 60 and up, over 70% of speaking roles go to men. Stories like Michael Douglas retiring on his own terms highlight how much easier it can be for men to age gracefully in the industry. Of course there are exceptions and things are starting to change. In particular i'm thinking of older women actors (Demi Moore, Nicole Kidman, Jean Smart, Kathy Bates) whoare increasingly flourishing on screen and in awards—driven by streaming, female creators, and older audiences. Yay, good for them!
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That's a really valid point Alexandra Stevens I don't think I have heard of a woman say she was retiring from acting. Even Oscar Winners Meryl Streep and Glenn Close struggle to book roles. How many female actors can say they voluntarily retired?