Michael Douglas discusses his memoir, father’s influence and past affair

Actor Michael Douglas, 82, spoke with ABC News host Diane Sawyer about his recently released memoir, which details his Hollywood upbringing, career milestones and personal relationships. He said his father, Kirk Douglas, cast a large shadow over his life both as a parent and as an industry figure. > "I think he meant well, but he was out of that generation where you smacked around a fair amount," Douglas said, describing his father's temper and its effect on his childhood shyness.

Douglas recalled that early in his career he had to turn down his father for a role while producing "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." The studio deemed Kirk too old for the lead, and Michael cast Jack Nicholson, who later won an Oscar. He added that informing his father that he did not get the part was the most difficult conversation he ever had.

The memoir, titled "One Helluva Ride," also reveals an affair with co-star Kathleen Turner that remained secret for four decades. Douglas said he asked Turner and other women mentioned in the book for permission before including them. When asked about the numerous relationships detailed in the memoir, he responded, "These are people I had relationships with over my 82 years and many of them long before Catherine was born," referring to his wife, actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, and their two children. He concluded, "I mean, people date, Diane, they do."