Michael Douglas has opened up about his childhood and growing up as the son of Spartacus star Kirk. The actor admitted it was challenging to follow in his father's footsteps, saying that he "lacked confidence" at the beginning of his career.
Speaking to Ross King in LA, Michael, 71, said: "I lacked confidence I would say. It took me a while to have a sense of security.
"I mean clearly when you have a father like Kirk, he was a big figure to look up to and think, 'wow how do you be the man that he is?' But I'm not complaining you know, everybody has got their strengths and weaknesses and you just try to overcome those situations and improve your lot in life."
© Photo: Getty Images"It took me a while to have a sense of security," said Michael
Michael also revealed that his dad Kirk, who turns 100 this year, wasn't completely convinced by his son's acting abilities.
Recalling his first acting experience, Michael said: "I remember the first show I did he came back and he said, 'Michael you were absolutely terrible.' And he was so relieved because he thought, 'I don't have to worry about my son becoming an actor, he was so bad.'
"And I kind of stayed with it and kept working with it and a few shows later he came back and said 'not bad'."
© Photo: Getty ImagesKirk Douglas turns 100 this year
Michael is the elder son of Kirk and his ex-wife Diana. The couple married in 1943 and welcomed their firstborn the following year. The couple, who also have another son Joel, divorced in 1951.
Michael, who is married to Catherine Zeta-Jones, is set to star in Flatiners and We Have Always Lived in the Castle next year.
