Michael Douglas Opens Up About Heartwarming—Yet Bittersweet—Bond with His Grandkids
Michael Douglas, the legendary actor known for roles in Fatal Attraction and beyond, may be a proud father of three, but his journey through parenthood hasn’t always been smooth sailing. At 81, Douglas is a grandfather to two adorable children—Lua, 7, and Ryder, 4—thanks to his eldest son, Cameron, from his previous marriage to Diandra Luker. But here’s where it gets emotional: despite the joy they bring him, Douglas admits he doesn’t see them nearly as much as he’d like.
During a heartfelt interview on The Drew Barrymore Show in September 2025, Douglas revealed the adorable nickname his grandkids have for him: Bubba. "They always say 'Bubba,'" he shared with a smile. "Watching Cameron step into fatherhood with such joy has been incredibly rewarding." Yet, beneath the sweetness lies a painful reality—the geographical distance between them. While Douglas and his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, reside in a luxurious penthouse overlooking New York’s Central Park, Cameron and his family live clear across the country in California.
"I don’t see them enough," Douglas confessed. "They’re on the West Coast; I’m on the East Coast. I hope to change that." His honesty about the challenges of maintaining close family ties across such distances is refreshing—and relatable for many grandparents today.
But here’s the part most people miss: Douglas credits his strong relationship with Cameron as the foundation for his bond with Lua and Ryder. Reflecting on parenting adult children, he shared a profound truth: "After a certain age, there’s only so much 'parenting' you can do. Either you’re lucky enough to have a lasting connection, or you don’t." Both he and Cameron consciously prioritize nurturing that bond—a lesson Douglas admits he learned the hard way.
The Controversial Side of Late Parenthood
Douglas didn’t shy away from addressing the complexities of being an older father. When his younger children, Dylan and Carys (now 25 and 22), were born, he was 56 and 59, respectively. He admits this stage of life made him a more present dad—but was it fair to Cameron, who grew up with a father consumed by Hollywood’s demands?
"Cameron suffered a lot back then," Douglas acknowledged. "I was overwhelmed by work, and family came third—after career and even patriotism." It’s a raw admission that sparks debate: Can parents truly make up for lost time with their kids? Douglas believes his later-in-life fatherhood offered redemption, but some might argue the emotional toll on his firstborn can’t be undone.
A Humorous—Yet Awkward—Moment
Adding levity to the conversation, Douglas recalled a hilarious incident when Dylan and Carys were at Brown University. During a parents’ day event, he was mistaken for their grandfather. "I had to say, 'Excuse me, I am a parent!" he laughed. "That was a rough one." The anecdote highlights society’s double standards around aging and parenthood—why is it still surprising to see older dads?
Now, Over to You:
Douglas’s story is equal parts heartwarming and thought-provoking. Do you think physical distance has to weaken family bonds, or can love bridge the gap? And for those with older parents—did their life experience make them better caregivers, or did the generational divide create challenges? Share your take in the comments!
