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Michael Douglas almost missed out on the role that earned him an Academy Award.
At a recent event during the TCM Classic Film Festival on February 15, the 81-year-old actor reminisced about his career highlights, including the making of the iconic 1987 film “Wall Street,” and revealed that the role he became famous for nearly went to someone else.
“I have to admit, we were discussing this just before and prepping a bit, as I haven’t watched the full film in nearly 40 years. I was always so captivated by it,” he remarked. “Recently, I read an article that said Oliver Stone first approached Warren Beatty, who turned it down, and then Richard Gere, who also declined.”
Douglas confessed he was unaware that he wasn’t the initial choice for director Oliver Stone, noting that as an actor, “you like to believe you were the one chosen.”
Reflecting on the missed opportunity for his fellow actors, he added, “But you have to feel for those guys. Imagine how they feel, seeing the success of a film they passed up.”
Douglas went on to win the Oscar for actor in a leading role for his portrayal of Gordon Gekko, a ruthless Wall Street investor, who takes a young stockbroker, Bud Fox, played by Charlie Sheen, under his wing.
The actor returned to the role in the 2010 sequel, “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps.” The sequel finds Gekko newly released from prison and intent on taking down his Wall Street rivals and rebuilding the empire he lost.
“I read the script, and it was, it was serious, serious work. So I was really happy, excited. It was a great part. You don’t get many good parts in your life,” Douglas said. “I’ve always tried to pick, having a producing background, I think are good movies, and I’ll take whatever part I can in a movie that’s good. I don’t worry about my part, but this was a great part.”
The actor recently shared on Instagram that he is releasing a memoir, which will focus on his five-decade career in Hollywood, as well as his relationship with actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, his battle with stage four cancer and other personal struggles.
In his Instagram caption, Douglas shared that the process of writing the book “has brought back so many memories,” joking that “there’s a lot to tell — before I forget.”
Douglas and Zeta-Jones have been married for 25 years, celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary in November 2025.
“25 years ago today, I walked down the aisle,” Zeta-Jones captioned an anniversary slideshow shared on Instagram. “The intoxicating aroma of flowers, the glow of the candles, the resounding harmonious Welsh choir and you at the end of the long walk waiting for me, looking at me the way only you can. I love you today as I did then. Thank you sweetheart♥️”
The second photo in the slideshow featured the actress gazing at Douglas as they sat next to each other at an event. The words, “The first time we met, my gaze…” were written above the photo.
The two first met in 1998 at the Deauville Film Festival in France. They were engaged one year later in December 1999, and tied the knot in November 2000.
Throughout their relationship, the couple has welcomed two children: son Dylan, 25, and daughter Carys, 22.