Michael Douglas Says Father Kirk Douglas Physically Disciplined Him, Details Abuse in Memoir
In his new memoir, Michael Douglas describes physical discipline by his late father Kirk Douglas, explaining why he waited until after his father's death to discuss it publicly.
Michael Douglas said his late father, actor Kirk Douglas, physically disciplined him during his childhood, a practice he described as typical of the older generation's approach to discipline. The 82-year-old actor disclosed these details in his memoir, which was published after Kirk Douglas’s death, noting that he felt unable to write about the subject while his father was alive.
"He was of a generation that hit," Douglas said, adding that the experience complicated their relationship but that over time he came to a place of forgiveness. The memoir also reflects on the similarities they shared, such as ambition and a quick temper, and mentions moments like a joke Kirk made after Michael won an Oscar for "Wall Street." Additional passages touch on the family’s legacy in Hollywood and Douglas’s past relationship with actress Kathleen Turner during the filming of "Romancing the Stone."