Michael Douglas: “The Tumor is Gone”
Former Bermuda resident Michael Douglas told the “Today” show’s Matt Lauer this morning (Jan. 11) he has defeated an adversary far more insidious than any villain he has faced in the movies — the cancer on the base of his tongue is gone.
Two-time Oscar winner Mr. Douglas — who lived in Warwick for many years before relocating back to New York – revealed in August he had been diagnosed with mouth cancer.
But the “Wall Street” star told NBC’s morning show that an intense seven-week regimen of chemotherapy and radiation treatments has eliminated the tumour.
Mr. Douglas told Mr. Lauer the last six months have been a “wild ride” but got through it with the support of his family.
“All of a sudden the affection from my family, from my friends, and from my fans hit me at a much deeper level than I would have ever imagined before,” Mr. Douglas said. “And it gave me a really new appreciation of just how valuable, how precious good friends are and family.”
The actor, who is married to actress Catherine Zeta Jones, with whom he has two children, has strong Bermuda ties.
The celebrity couple lived in Bermuda between 2001 and 2009, raising their two children out of the public eye and enjoying the privacy Bermuda afforded them.
The son of Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas and his first wife, the Bermudian actress Diana Douglas, Mr. Douglas once told “Architectural Digest” the island had been a sanctuary and home-away-from-home for him throughout his life – “My mother’s Bermudian. Her family’s been on the island since 1610, and I’ve been going all my life. In fact, I celebrated my first birthday here. There’s real solace in returning to this tiny island where I have so many relatives, probably 70, in one place. To me, Bermuda is a real family spot”.
The family moved from Bermuda to New York City in 2009 so son Dylan, who has special needs, could receive the treatment he required. They still own their Warwick home and visit regularly.
The veteran Hollywood superstar, 66, said he said he lost 32 pounds during his illness and has only gained back 12 pounds, but is on the track to add another 20 to 25 while he continues to monitor his health.
When Mr. Douglas disclosed his illness, then Premier Dr. Ewart Brown invited Bermudians to sign a “get well book” at the Cabinet Office for the former Bermuda resident.
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God bless micheal douglas and all his family from all of us in bermuda hope you will come to live in bermuda again god bless you???
Good to hear! Anyone in Bermuda that had the pleasure of meeting Michael and his wife Katherine while they resided here in Bermuda would remember two very down to earth – genuinly good people. I remembered trick or treating in warwick and bumping into the family . Glad to hear he is wining his battle.