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Michael Douglas attends the opening ceremony gala dinner at the 76th annual Cannes film festival at Carlton Hotel on May 16, 2023 in Cannes, France© Getty Images

Michael Douglas' appearance ahead of 79th birthday sparks reaction from fans

The Ant Man actor shares his big day with his much-younger wife Catherine Zeta-Jones

Hannah Hargrave
US Deputy Editor
September 14, 2023
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Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones are gearing up for a double celebration as they both mark their birthdays on September 25. 

But ahead of their big day - when Michael will turn 79 and Catherine 54 - they have another reason to celebrate. 

The Basic Instinct actor has just been nominated for a coveted award, putting his dashing good looks front and center. 

WATCH: Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas' love story

On Wednesday, it was announced that Michael is nominated for People Magazine's Sexiest Grandpa Alive award in its popular Readers' Choice poll. 

Michael has earned a spot alongside 007's Pierce Brosnan, The Christmas Chronicle's Kurt Russell, and Today show meteorologist, Al Roker

The stars will have to wait until November 8 when the winners will be revealed. 

Michael Douglas standing with Catherine Zeta-Jones© Getty Images
Catherine and Michael first met in 1998

Michael - who has won his fair share of 'sexiest men' awards over his decorated and lengthy career - is a doting grandpa to his two grandchildren, Lua, six, and Ryder, three. 

His oldest son, Cameron, shares his children with long-time girlfriend, Viviane Thibes, and says Michael and Catherine adore being grandparents.

michael douglas catherine zeta jones extended family© Instagram
Michael and Catherine have a large extended family

"I think they're enjoying them just as much as I am," Cameron told People of his dad's relationship with his grandkids. 

"I've been spending a lot of time with them and it's fun being the grandparent, right? Because you don't really have to deal with the disciplining or any of that stuff, you just spoil them and have fun with them." 

michael douglas catherine zeta jones grandchild© Instagram
Michael and Catherine spend plenty of time with their grandkids

Michael and Catherine's children, Carys, 20, and Dylan, 23, are hands-on too. 

Cameron continued: "They love spending time with both of their grandparents and all their uncles and aunts. It's really nice that everybody's been able to spend a lot of time together because it can be difficult when people are living all over the place. Time goes by quickly." 

cameron douglas michael douglas carys douglas dylan douglas© Instagram
Cameron and his siblings have a close bond

Cameron's mom is Diandra Luker, who split from Michael in 1995. She also has three other children from another relationship. With his children all grown up, Michael previously confessed to US Weekly that it makes being a grandparent that much more special. 

"I was telling [Cameron], I love Lua, she's gorgeous. Grandchildren are great when you're an empty-nester and you don't have anybody and then you've got a grandkid - but when you still have kids in the house, it's like, 'Oh, OK. Great." 

Michael and Cameron smiling with their arms around each other at a red carpet event© Getty Images
Michael with his and Diandra's son Cameron in 2018

Michael earned a name for himself as a sex symbol in the 90s and he confessed to UK radio station Heart, he didn't think he would still be in front of the camera at his age. But he feels fortunate that there are roles for him despite battling ageism.

"Ageism affects us all [not just women] but I don’t think it’s as dramatic [for men]," he said."You know guys get to mellow as we get older, whereas women maybe seem under a little more pressure in terms of how they’re seen. But you know as long as there are parts for older actors, I’ll be around."

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