Video: Michael Douglas Discusses Cancer On Letterman

Douglas arrives at Letterman

Last month word came out the Michael Douglas was battling throat cancer, at which time he said he was optimistic about a full recovery. Now as he makes the press rounds promoting his latest role in Wall Street II, he's talking about the battle some more.

Last night the actor was on Letterman, where he told the late night host he faces an "eight-week struggle," but is still optimistic. He just finished his first week of radiation and chemotherapy, which shocked the host, who declared, "You've never looked better to me, and this proves that you're a tough guy, for God's sakes."

For real! Douglas wasn't just diagnosed with a little bit of cancer, this is late stage-four cancer, which he says is "intense" (he attributes it to drinking). He joked with Letterman about his spirits, saying, "Let's just say... I'm pretty lit up right now." Hopefully that kind of humor, and the fact that it hasn't spread below the neck, will keep the 65-year-old strong enough... so that maybe one day we can see a Wonder Boys II? Watch his appearance below (including the aw-worthy moment where Letterman asks him if he needs anything, and he says, "Ahh, give me a hug.")

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By Jen Carlson in Arts & Entertainment on September 1, 2010 2:14 PM

Comments [rss]

oceanlgirl

I have always loved Micheal and all his movies,,,I think I have them all.I am so shocked that this has happened to him and his young family. I hope he can beat this terrible disease and see his children grow up/ get well soon Michael/ will be praying for you.

nicemarmot

I've never been a huge fan though I loved him in that American President movie when I was a starry eyed teenager. What's really sad is that he has two young kids with CZJ and now he probably won't be around to see them grow up.

Potty Boy

Yeah, that was a good movie and a good character too. Idealistic, but nice. Great theme music. I hear it played in different places.

Potty Boy

I don't know anything about his personal life, but I really loved his characters. Gordon Gekko did more to add flavor to my life than the 2-bit politicians out there.

rdayk

Poor guy, I feel sorry for him and his family. He fully accepts that this was probably caused by his smoking and drinking.

ANGRYGOD11

He doesn't deserve this, but people like him who love to pose with cigars and tell us smoking is cool shouldn't be blaming cancer on drinking at this point.