Douglas To Return Mother’s Ashes To Bermuda
Actor Michael Douglas will be returning his late mother’s ashes to Bermuda, saying Bermuda is a “very special” place that his family has been established in since the 1600s.
Mr Douglas’ mother Diana Dill — an accomplished actress in her own right — passed away earlier this month in Woodlawn California at the age of 92.
Mr Douglas told U.K. TV host Lorraine Kelly, “Bermuda is very special. I was kind of raised there with my mother, who passed away just recently, and I’ll be taking her ashes back to Bermuda soon.”
“My mother’s side of the family, you should know, is Scottish. They were originally privateers and ended up in Bermuda in the 1600s, and so my family established itself in Bermuda in the 1600s.”
Born in Bermuda on January 22, 1923, Ms Dill began modeling and acting, and by the early 1940s she had made international magazine and film appearances.
Actor Kirk Douglas saw a 1943 issue of Life Magazine [below], which featured her on the cover, and declared he would marry her, which he did in November 1943. They had two sons, Michael and Joel, before divorcing in 1951.
Ms. Dill later married actor and producer Bill Darrid, who died in 1992. In 2002, at age 79, Ms. Dill married Donald Webster at the Devonshire Parish Church – the same church where her parents got married in 1902.
The 2003 movie ‘It Runs in the Family‘ featured Ms. Dill and real life family members including her son Michael Douglas.
She is survived by her two sons, Michael and Joel, her grandchildren, and her husband Donald Webster.
Mr Douglas I’m sorry to hear about the passing of your mom, and I do agree Bermuda is very special. My husband and I have made it our second home. We don’t own anything there but we visit often, and we are returning there July 31st thru August the 8th. My husband also wants his ashes in Bermuda.
I do hope we run into you while we are there…safe travels and best wishes
Marion MacPherson (Dottie the Clown)I also sorry to hear this my heart goes out to the family..
I am so sorry for your loss Mr Douglas. I do agree that Bermuda is a special place. I was born and raised there. My mom and I left Bermuda in 1966. My mother passed away in 94, and like you I felt compelled to return her ashes to her home island and church. This was done in 2009. It brings us inner peace when we take our loved ones home to be with their family. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Mr. Douglas, my deepest condolences to you and your family. You never forgot your Bermuda roots. May your mother rest in peace here.
Michael – I offer my sincere condolences on the passing of your dear Mother. Diana was an eloquent and lovely lady, and she is a ‘daughter of the Bermuda soil’. Her family (the Dills) have a long-serving legacy of service to the Island in many areas, and all Bermudians will be proud to have her ‘returned to the soil’. May she Rest In Peace in her native Island.
Very touching, fortunately some can trace their roots and unfortunately some cant, but very touching.