9 Rare Photos That Prove Michael Douglas Has Always Been a Hollywood Heartthrob

By Joel Marino September 12, 2019

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nostalgia

Out of all the Hollywood power couples (and we know there are plenty to choose from), few are as widely beloved and cherished as Oscar winners Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones. The talented pair has been married for nearly 20 years, and they’ve given birth to two beautiful children who are poised to follow in their parents’ footsteps to stardom (we’ve previously reported that Zeta-Jones is grooming her daughter, Carys, to become a leading lady).

Of course, we’d have to admit that we’ve been fans of Michael Douglas long before he crossed paths with his gorgeous wife. The amazingly versatile actor has been in the business practically since he was a child — which makes sense when you consider that his father is none other than film legend Kirk Douglas, who is still melting hearts around the world at 101 years old. From TV roles to the big screen, Michael Douglas has been part of some of the best entertainment of the last half century, and not always in front of the camera. Besides starring in modern classics such as Wall Street, Romancing the Stone, and Basic Instinct, Michael has produced scores of well-received projects, with his biggest accomplishment being One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.

Though Michael had a major role in this summer’s superhero blockbuster Ant-Man and the Wasp, he’s said that he’d like to step away from his busy career to focus more on his family. “My career was the most important thing in my life, followed by marriage and children,” he said in an interview with AARP magazine. “And it’s completely reversed now. I never anticipated starting a family and the joy of raising kids at my age.”

While we’re happy to know the famous actor is spending more time with his kids, we do feel somewhat nostalgic for the days when Michael Douglas was seen practically everywhere. If you’re as big a fan of Michael Douglas as we are, scroll down and take a trip down memory lane to the time when this son of Hollywood royalty was one of the world’s most popular dreamboats.

Michael Douglas Kirk 1

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Now, we couldn’t reminisce about Michael without first looking back at dad Kirk Douglas. This candid shot taken in 1955 features Hollywood hunk Kirk showing off his strength as he dangles sons Joel (left) and Michael (right) from a pole as they stand on a pool deck. We can definitely see that both talents and good looks run in the family!
Michael Douglas Kirk 2

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Michael began starring with his dad in his teen years, gaining the experience that would eventually catapult him to full stardom. The two are seen chatting here on the set of the 1965 film Cast a Giant Shadow, in which Michael had a bit part.
Michael Douglas Horse 3

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Looking as gallant as ever, Michael shows off for the camera in this still from his very first leading man role, the 1969 drama Hail, Hero!
Michael Douglas Grass 4

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More movie offers followed after his first breakout role. This on-set shot spotlights Michael on break while filming 1972’s Napoleon and Samantha.
Michael Douglas San Fran 5

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Of course, many Michael Douglas fans may best remember him for his time on the gritty TV cop show The Streets of San Francisco, in which he chased down bad guys while keeping his beautiful hair perfectly coiffed.
Michael Douglas San Fran 6

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Sporting a trim frame, Michael Douglas takes a stab at a punching bag while solving a homicide on the pilot episode of The Streets of San Francisco. The young actor would go on to play Inspector Steve Keller for the show’s five seasons.
Michael Douglas Kirk 7

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Michael and his dad Kirk Douglas have had a very warm relationship, both personally and professionally. The two are seen casually chit-chatting here on the set of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in 1975, on a night when Kirk filled in as a guest host.
Michael Douglas Beard 8

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Michael Douglas has had facial hair on and off throughout his career, but as this publicity shot with Jane Fonda from their 1979 hit The China Syndrome proves, he’s rocked an amazing mane no matter the decade.
Michael Douglas Family 9

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These days, Michael is living the role of a lifetime: doting dad to Dylan Michael Douglas (left) and Carys Zeta-Douglas (right), his kids with Catherine Zeta-Jones (he has an older son, Cameron Douglas, through a previous marriage). We can’t wait to see what amazing things these two will accomplish with such a great father looking out for them!