Imagine being a Hollywood icon, the star of blockbuster hits like Fatal Attraction, and yet, deep down, you're just like any grandparent longing for more quality time with your little ones. That's the touching reality Michael Douglas, now 81, is opening up about in a candid chat that pulls at the heartstrings. But here's where it gets interesting – his unique nickname from his grandkids reveals a bond that's both sweet and bittersweet. Stick around, because there's more to this family story than meets the eye, including some surprising insights into parenting at different life stages.
Michael Douglas is a devoted dad to three children, each chapter of his life adding layers to his role as a father. He shares Cameron, 46, with his ex-wife Diandra Luker – a son who's now navigating his own journey into parenthood. With his beloved wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, he raised Dylan, 25, and Carys, 22, filling their home with love and laughter. Fast-forward to today, and Michael has stepped into the grandfather role with Cameron's two amazing kids: Lua, a spirited seven-year-old, and Ryder, the adorable four-year-old who's full of energy. It's a family tree that's grown in the most joyful ways, but as Michael revealed during a heartfelt interview on The Drew Barrymore Show back in September 2025, alongside Cameron himself, the road to grandparenthood has its challenges.
What truly captured everyone's attention was the adorable revelation of what Michael Douglas calls himself to his grandchildren. 'They always say "Bubba,"' he shared with Drew Barrymore, his eyes lighting up with genuine warmth. Imagine that – a nickname as endearing as it is personal, turning a legendary actor into simply 'Bubba' for those precious moments. He's over the moon about it, beaming with pride as he watches Cameron step into fatherhood. 'I couldn't be more excited and happy and enjoying it, watching Cameron go through being a father and smiling and having a good time,' Michael explained. It's a testament to how family joys can transcend generations, reminding us all that no matter your fame, the simple act of watching your child thrive can be the ultimate high.
Yet, as with many families, geography plays a tricky role in this heartwarming tale. Michael and Catherine make their home in a stunning penthouse overlooking Central Park West in New York, where the East Coast rhythms set the pace. Cameron, on the other hand, has settled in California with his family, meaning Michael doesn't get to see Lua and Ryder as often as he'd like. 'I don't see them enough. They are on the West Coast, I'm on the East Coast. I hope to see them more often,' he admitted with a touch of vulnerability. For beginners in the world of family dynamics, think of it like this: long-distance relationships in families aren't just about miles; they require intentional effort to keep the connection alive. Michael's openness here highlights how even celebrities face the same hurdles we all do – balancing careers, locations, and heartfelt relationships.
And this is the part most people miss: the foundation of Michael's relationship with his grandkids lies in his strong bond with their dad, Cameron. Reflecting on growing up and maintaining ties as children become adults, Michael offered wisdom that resonates. 'In the spirit of maintaining a good relationship as you're growing on up, there's only so much parenting you can do after a certain age, and then you're either fortunate enough that you have a bond together, or you don't. Both of us cherish the idea of working on keeping a bond together, which you have to do. You can't take it for granted.' It's a gentle reminder that parenthood evolves – from hands-on guidance in early years to nurturing emotional connections later on. For those new to thinking about family bonds, consider it like tending a garden: you plant the seeds early, but regular care ensures it flourishes even as seasons change.
But here's where it gets controversial – Michael's story isn't without its humorous bumps, especially when it comes to mistaken identities that spark debate about aging in the spotlight. While his younger children, Dylan and Carys, don't have kids yet, they once shared a laugh-out-loud incident during their time at Brown University. Michael recounted to The Telegraph how he was accidentally mistaken for their grandfather at a parents' day event. 'This is not grandfather's day, this is parents' day. I say "I am a parent!"' he recalled with a chuckle. 'That was a rough one.' It's a lighthearted anecdote that pokes at the stereotypes of older parenthood – is it a badge of honor or a source of unexpected comedy? Many might argue it's empowering, proving that age doesn't define your role, while others could see it as a reminder of how Hollywood's fast-paced life can complicate family milestones. What do you think: Does becoming a dad later in life truly make you a wiser parent, or does it just add more quirks to the journey?
Speaking of balancing life and family, Michael has been refreshingly honest about how his career impacted his early parenting days. As an older father – he was 56 when Dylan was born and 59 for Carys – he believes it actually made him a better dad the second time around. But he doesn't shy away from the regrets: he admits missing parts of Cameron's childhood because he was 'overloaded' by demanding Hollywood projects. 'Cameron suffered a lot from that time... I was just overwhelmed and overloaded by my work. And family was really taking third place after work, our country, and then the family, as opposed to when Catherine and I got together,' he confessed to the newspaper. For anyone grappling with work-life balance, this is a relatable confession. It underscores how priorities shift – perhaps influenced by life experiences or even the cultural push in industries like entertainment. Controversially, some might wonder if fame inherently leads to such trade-offs, questioning whether stars like Michael can ever fully escape the 'work first' mentality. Does success demand sacrifices that ordinary folks don't face, or is it a universal struggle we all navigate in our own ways?
In wrapping up this peek into Michael Douglas's family world, it's clear his story is one of love, laughter, and learning. From sweet nicknames to heartfelt admissions about distance and growth, it shows that even legends face the same family joys and challenges. But here's a thought to chew on: In an era where work often pulls families apart, is maintaining those bonds worth every effort, or should we rethink how society values family time over career? And regarding that mistaken identity tale – does it challenge our views on aging and parenthood, or just add a fun twist? We'd love to hear your take in the comments: Do you agree that older parents bring unique wisdom, or disagree that work should ever come before family? Share your stories – let's discuss!
