IN HIS OWN WORDS: Michael Douglas

Michael, 74, plays an ageing acting coach in The Kominsky Method (Netflix, from today). Here’s what the veteran actor has had to say about his life and career so far…

On his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones (centre),

whom he married in 2000: ‘As soon as I met Catherine, I told her I wanted to have babies with her, and the moment I found out that she had the same birthday as me – ta-daah! Then, when I discovered she loved golf, I realised all my fantasies had come true. I’ve lucked out at this time in my life. I just lucked out.

I’m so impressed by her intelligence, sense of humour and work ethic.’ On his cancer diagnosis in 2010:

‘Cancer did not bring me to my knees, it brought me to my feet.’ On his idea of happiness:

‘Do you know what absolute happiness is? For me, it is to wake up my kids in the morning – these little pieces of innocence – to wake them and find they’re so happy to see me!

It is unequivocal love, no question about it.’

On why he’s not a big film fan: ‘I’m not a big filmophile. I don’t watch movies a lot for a hobby. I spend all my time watching sporting events. Because, opposed to movies, you can never tell how they’re going to end.’ On how he chooses his roles: ‘I do pictures for myself, because I figure if I like them, some other crazy people out there might like them, too.

Once you’ve gained your confidence and done some bizarre, strange films with some roles that have been successful, it gives you the confidence to go out there and take more chances.’