During the first few years of his movie career Michael Douglas felt like he was living in his father Kurt Douglas’ shadow. But in 1978 he won Academy Award for Best Actor and that was the crucial moment for Michael, as he finally felt like he became his own star.

Speaking to People magazine, he said: ”My Best Actor Oscar was extremely important to me because it was the first time I felt that I had stepped out of my father’s shadow.”

On the other hand, growing up with famous father has its good sides, Douglas insists.

”The biggest benefit of being a second-generation actor is being able to watch your father and his friends – i.e. Tony Curtis, Frank Sinatra, Burt Lancaster – as people and seeing their foibles and insecurities. You realize they’re like anybody else. They’ve got their issues. So it keeps you kind of grounded,” he explained.

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