Entertainment · Celebrity · 1 day ago
Michael Douglas calls ‘nepo baby’ an unfortunate label
Michael Douglas, 82, is promoting a memoir called “One Helluva Ride.”
He said he considers the term “nepo baby,” used for people whose family connections help them, an unfortunate label.
His father, actor Kirk Douglas, was a Hollywood star, while Michael said his own grandfather was a junkman.
Michael said his memoir looks at life’s ups and downs and the work involved in building a career.
He recalled that Kirk worried about him entering acting, where rejection is common.
Michael’s three children are also actors, and he said they are talented and should expect rejection.
His comments add to a debate about how family connections and individual effort shape careers in entertainment.
Michael Douglas called the “nepo baby” label an “unfortunate title” in an interview with Page Six.
He said his memoir, “One Helluva Ride,” explores life’s ups and downs and how hard people work for success.
Douglas said his father, actor Kirk Douglas, was worried about him when he entered acting.
He advised his children that they should avoid acting if they do not like rejection.
His three children are actors, and he said they are talented and that he thinks it will work out.
- Who
- Michael Douglas, actor and son of Kirk Douglas.
- What
- He called the “nepo baby” label an “unfortunate title” and discussed family, acting and his memoir.
- When
- He spoke to Page Six on Wednesday while promoting his memoir; the article was published October 10, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- He said the label was unfortunate and that his memoir discusses life’s ups and downs and how hard people work for success.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
I think it’s an unfortunate title
if you don’t like rejection, don’t do it
They’re very talented, all three of them. I think it will all work out.
I don’t want to hear that. I’m going to be my own person.
Michael Douglas’s mother, Diana Douglas, died at age 92.
Kirk Douglas died at age 103.
Michael Douglas spoke to Page Six while promoting his memoir, One Helluva Ride.
- Memoir
- One Helluva Ride
- Father
- Kirk Douglas, who died in February 2020 at age 103
- Mother
- Diana Douglas, who died in July 2015 at age 92
- Children
- Dylan, 26; Carys, 23; Cameron, 47
- Interview
- Page Six; Wednesday while promoting his memoir







