After her daughter Carys’ emotional graduation from Brown University, actress Catherine Zeta-Jones couldn’t hold back her tears as she revealed a piece of news that shocked fans around the world: her husband, veteran actor Michael Douglas, had decided to retire from the entertainment industry completely.

The announcement was made just 30 minutes after the graduation ceremony ended, during a brief sharing session with the media and fans present at the event. Catherine, in an elegant white dress but with red eyes, shared: “I am so proud of my daughter Carys – and today is not just her day. This is also a day of great change in my family’s life.”

Michael Douglas – a chapter closes in Hollywood

Michael Douglas, 79, is one of the biggest icons of Hollywood cinema with a series of memorable roles in Wall Street, Basic Instinct, Fatal Attraction and most recently, Hank Pym in the Marvel Studios Ant-Man series. With more than 50 years of artistic activities, he is not only an actor but also a producer and a social activist with profound influence.

However, in her statement, Catherine Zeta-Jones revealed that her husband had been thinking about this decision for the past year. “Michael told me that it was time for him to step away from the spotlight to focus on his family. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with me and the children.”

Decision for the family

Carys – the couple’s daughter – recently graduated from one of the most prestigious universities in the US. Over the years, both Catherine and Michael have struggled to balance work and parenthood. Now that their children are grown, Michael seems to feel like his mission in the film industry has been fulfilled.

“Carys has made us proud, and that makes Michael feel like he can move on to a new chapter – no more pressure from the set, no more long trips, just family,” Catherine added.

Reactions from fans and colleagues

Soon after the news spread, social media was flooded with well-wishes and condolences from fans around the world. Those who loved Michael Douglas were moved, but most expressed their support for his personal and emotional decision.

Some colleagues in the industry such as Jane Fonda, Danny DeVito, and even Paul Rudd – his co-star in the Ant-Man series – also sent their well-wishes and expressed their appreciation for his contributions to world cinema.

A New Beginning for the Whole Family

Catherine Zeta-Jones confirmed that although her husband is retiring from showbiz, she herself will continue to work in the arts with more selective projects. “We will write a new chapter together – one without the bright lights, but full of love and companionship.”

This news, although sad for fans, is also proof of Michael Douglas’ priority for his family – something rare in the Hollywood entertainment industry.