**Michael Douglas Reflects on Career and Family in New Memoir**
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In a candid interview with PEOPLE, celebrated actor Michael Douglas has opened up about his current role in Hollywood, revealing a shift in focus towards family and personal life. The two-time Oscar winner, known for iconic films such as *Wall Street* and *Fatal Attraction*, shared insights about his new memoir, *One Helluva Ride*, which is now available to the public.
Douglas, who has enjoyed a prolific acting career spanning several decades, admitted that he is “not very active” in the film industry these days. While he has starred in numerous major films, he emphasized that his priorities have changed. “I told my agents that if they found a great director and an exceptional script, I’d be open to it. However, I’m really not that involved in my career at the moment,” he explained.
The actor’s most recent prominent role was in the upcoming Apple TV miniseries *Franklin*, where he portrays Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s Founding Fathers. Additionally, he recently took on a supporting role in Oliver Stone’s anticipated film *White Lies*, showcasing that while he may be more selective, he still remains engaged with intriguing projects.
Family has taken centre stage for Douglas in recent years. He shared his commitment to creating enduring memories, stating, “I’m trying to find beautiful places to enjoy,” as he plans trips for his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and their children, Dylan, 26, Carys, 23, and his eldest son, Cameron, 47, from his previous marriage. Douglas has taken on the role of the family’s travel planner, and he has received high praise from Catherine, who has crowned him “the world’s best travel agent.”
Though Douglas insists he is not officially retired—adding that it would take something “special” to entice him away from his contented life—he reflected on the remarkable journey he has experienced throughout his career. “Even if I never appear in another picture again, it’s been a magical, wonderful career,” he remarked.
*One Helluva Ride* serves as a personal chronicle of Douglas’s career, where he highlights thirteen key projects that have shaped his legacy. Each chapter dives deeply into the making of films like *Romancing the Stone*, *The War of the Roses*, and *The American President*, providing readers with an intimate look behind the scenes.
In discussing the memoir’s purpose, Douglas expressed his thoughts on his life’s narrative: “I don’t think that anybody’s life is that interesting, so I wanted to focus on movies that my audience knows and take them through the whole process.” Alongside engaging stories, Douglas features a wealth of photographs that encapsulate his experiences over the years.
Douglas’s reflections on his life and career, captured within the pages of his memoir, provide an insightful perspective on the balance between professional achievements and personal fulfilment. The book invites readers to not only witness the highlights of his on-screen journey but also to understand the choices that led him to truly savour life beyond the realm of Hollywood.
As Douglas continues to evolve and prioritise his family, he leaves the door open for future creative opportunities, albeit on his terms. His memoir stands as a testament to a life well-lived, filled with both cinematic triumphs and cherished family moments.
For those interested in Douglas’s captivating life story and the filmmaking experiences that have defined his career, *One Helluva Ride* is now available at bookstores nationwide. For an in-depth exploration of his thoughts, readers can also check out the latest issue of PEOPLE magazine, where the full interview is featured.