Michael Douglas Had Such Stage Fright When He Started Acting, He’d ‘Puke’ Before Performances (Exclusive)

**Michael Douglas Opens Up About Journey in New Memoir ‘One Helluva Ride’**

Michael Douglas, the celebrated two-time Oscar winner, has shared insights about his life and career in a recent interview with PEOPLE. The discussion centred around his memoir, *One Helluva Ride*, which captures his experiences both on and off stage. Photographed in New York City on September 17, Douglas provides a candid look at his beginnings in the acting world, including the struggles that accompanied his entry into the profession.

Growing up in the shadow of his legendary father, Kirk Douglas, the star of *Spartacus*, Michael initially felt reluctant to enter the acting field. In his younger years, he resented the time his father devoted to his career, which left little room for family. “I had no interest in following in the footsteps of a man whose legacy also intimidated me,” Douglas confessed. The turning point came while studying at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he was encouraged to declare a major. “What I know best is theatre,” he reflected, despite having never acted before and lacking any initial desire to do so.

Douglas candidly admitted to experiencing debilitating stage fright in his early career. The anxiety was so severe that he would often vomit into a wastebasket before performances. “I was wondering how or why did I stay with this because it was painful. It was really painful,” he shared. A memorable moment occurred during a college production of *A Midsummer Night’s Dream*, when his father attended to support him. Douglas recalls hurrying through his lines and describes his father’s honest feedback: “Dad came backstage afterwards and said, ‘Michael, you were terrible.’ I think he was relieved,” highlighting that his father was initially apprehensive about his pursuing acting.

Despite the challenges, Douglas’s career began to flourish. A suggestion from his mother and stepfather led him to acting coach Wynn Handman, who had worked with many Hollywood stars. This mentorship was pivotal in shaping Douglas’s confidence. “Wynn sensed I was struggling under the shadow of my father,” he explained. Handman encouraged him, offering support that reignited Douglas’s passion for performance. “Sometimes all you need is that pat on the back at the right time,” he remarked, acknowledging how essential that encouragement was in his growth as an actor.

An important breakthrough came when he received advice that transformed his perspective on acting. “The camera can tell when you’re lying,” was the remark that resonated with him while working on *Fatal Attraction*. Playing a New York lawyer involved in an affair, he realised that acting is fundamentally about portraying life and understanding the art of deception. This revelation shifted his approach and made acting a more enjoyable experience. “Once I got that understanding, then it made it so much more joyful,” Douglas noted.

In *One Helluva Ride*, Douglas recounts anecdotes from his life and career, providing readers with a behind-the-scenes look at his notable projects, including *Romancing the Stone*, *Wall Street*, *The American President*, and *Behind the Candelabra*. The memoir’s title reflects the tumultuous yet exhilarating journey he has experienced from childhood to stardom. “I called the book One Helluva Ride because it was a roller coaster starting from childhood,” he explained.

The memoir not only serves as a reflection of his professional journey but also illustrates the personal growth he underwent throughout the years. Douglas’s candid storytelling invites readers to understand the complexities of navigating a career in the spotlight while managing personal insecurities.

*One Helluva Ride* by Michael Douglas is now available for purchase at bookstores nationwide. For a more in-depth discussion, readers can check out the full interview featured in the latest issue of PEOPLE magazine, which hits newsstands on Friday. This memoir promises to be an engaging exploration of a life steeped in cinematic history and personal triumphs.