After a stunning Hollywood career that spanned decades, actor Michael Douglas devastated fans when he announced he is retiring from acting.

At the Karlovy Vary Film Festival, where he was presenting a newly restored print of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, the Wall Street star told reporters, “I have not worked since 2022 purposefully because I realized I had to stop.”

Douglas was answering questions about his career when he revealed he’s stepping away from the big screen. “I had been working pretty hard for almost 60 years, and I did not want to be one of those people who dropped d**d on the set,” he said. “I say I’m not retired because if something special came up, I’d go back, but otherwise, no.”

Fans were quick to share their thoughts on his decision. “Michael Douglas announced he’s retiring from acting at age 80,” one X user wrote. “If this is actually it & if we never see Douglas on screen again, it’s been one hell of a ride. All Douglas did in the last 50 years was make hits & take risks. There is no ‘next Michael Douglas’. He’s one of one.”

Another person wrote, “End of an era, but what an actor, what a star,” while a third added: “Wow, end of an era! Michael Douglas, what a legend. Wishing him a happy retirement!”

Douglas last appeared on screen in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023) and Franklin (2024), both filmed in 2021. He hasn’t acted since.

Douglas also mentioned working on “one little independent movie,” trying to “get a good script out of,” but with no additional work lined up.

However, while he might never do any new films, his fans still get to see what’s he’s been up to nowadays thanks to his social media posts through which he offers glimpses into his daily life.

One particular video Douglas shared on Independence Day, resonated deeply with many and went viral in no time. Not only the video gathered many views and admiration, but also plenty of comments. While many praised him for the video, his acting, and the genuine person he is, they also couldn’t help but make comments about his look. A number of people wrote that the actor, who is currently 80 years old, aged visibly. “I didn’t recognize him!” one person commented.

In 2010, Douglas was diagnosed with stage four throat ca**er and had to undergo a gruelling course of radiation and che**therapy. He was given 80% chance of recovery.

Speaking of his disease, the Fatal Attraction star told Guardian that the cancer was caused by a se*ually transmitted disease. “Without wanting to get too specific, this particular ca**er is caused by HPV (human papillomavirus),” he said. “I did worry if the stress caused by my son’s incarceration didn’t help trigger it. But it’s a se*ually transmitted disease that causes ca**er.”

Currently, he’s enjoying his life and supporting his wife’s acting career.

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