Michael Douglas
Considered Hollywood royalty, this 63-year-old native of New Jersey and son of the legendary Kirk Douglas has won two Oscars – one as producer for “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” and another for best actor in “Wall Street.”Douglas and his family – including his wife, Welsh actress Catherine Zeta-Jones – divide their time between Hollywood, New York, Bermuda and Majorca.Q. Do you read in Spanish?
A. Unfortunately I have pub-level Spanish. I can read but it’s slow going. It helps me that I speak French.
Q. Do you have a favorite book?
A. Don Quixote, but not in Spanish. I read Cervantes at the institute. It was mandatory reading. I like it because it’s a great story. And of course for the musical “Man of La Mancha,” even though it’s not the same.
Q. Why did you learn Spanish?
A. I ’ve been going to Majorca for 25 years and I feel close to its culture, to its life. The food is spectacular. But I have to practice more because I get lost when I’m surrounded by Majorcans.
Q. Do you read in Spanish to your children?
A. First Catherine and I are going to study Spanish again.
Q. How important is it to read?
A. It’s very important but I’m not a good example since I have to suffer through reading too many bad scripts and then I only have time to read magazines and articles. I don’t have much time for books. But I do read the news in Spanish.
