Michael Douglas Announces ‘Raw’ Memoir for October Release

Michael Douglas is ready to share his life story in his own words. The Oscar-winning actor has announced that his memoir will be released on October 6, 2026, through Grand Central Publishing.

A Personal and Honest Account

Douglas, 81, described the upcoming book as a “raw, sweeping” account of his personal and professional journey. “After being asked for many years, I’ve finally decided it’s time to tell my story on my own terms,” he said in a statement. “Not the highlight reel, not the version shaped by headlines or box office numbers, but the real one.”

He added that the memoir will explore where he came from, what he fought against, and the choices he made for himself. “Fame can blur the truth; this is my attempt to bring it back into focus,” Douglas explained.

Collaboration and Publishing

The book, currently untitled, is being written in collaboration with journalist Michael Fleming. Douglas is represented by Shane Salerno of the Story Factory. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Grand Central Publishing emphasized that the memoir will be unfiltered, tracing Douglas’ journey from living in the shadow of his father, Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas, to achieving stardom in his own right.

A Storied Career

Douglas first rose to fame in the 1970s with The Streets of San Francisco. He went on to star in cultural touchstones such as Fatal Attraction, Wall Street, and Basic Instinct. He also produced One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Over the years, Douglas has survived cancer and substance abuse, while carving out a career distinct from his father’s. His marriage to Catherine Zeta-Jones in 2000, initially met with skepticism due to their age difference, has endured for 25 years.

Triumphs and Legacy

According to Grand Central, Douglas will share both his struggles and triumphs, including his victorious fight against stage-four cancer and his enduring marriage. The memoir will also highlight his philanthropic work and activism, including his appointment as a United Nations Messenger of Peace in 1998. Douglas has won two Academy Awards, five Golden Globes, a Primetime Emmy, and an AFI Lifetime Achievement Award. His memoir promises to be a candid reflection on a career that has spanned decades and a life lived in the public eye.