Michael Douglas, during a special event in New York City on January 31, shared an amusing anecdote involving his longtime friend Jack Nicholson. The two actors have a history of playful banter, with Nicholson teasing Douglas specifically about what Douglas calls his “hair acting.”
At 81 years old, Douglas described how Nicholson would humorously mock his use of hair as part of his performance, highlighting how important Douglas believes hair is in conveying a character on screen. This memory came up before a screening of Douglas’s 1987 film Wall Street.
Douglas said,
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[The character’s] hair has always been an important part of my acting,
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and added,
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It’s just funny how that kind of thing helps.
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Regarding Nicholson’s teasing, he recalled,
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Jack Nicholson always used to give me s–t about hair acting. [He’d say], ‘What’s with his hair acting?’ I said, ‘You should talk,’
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in a joking manner.
Behind the Scenes of Landing the Role of Gordon Gekko
In the same Q&A session, Michael Douglas opened up about his role as Gordon Gekko in Wall Street, revealing that he was not the first choice for the iconic character. Douglas recently discovered that director Oliver Stone initially approached Warren Beatty and then Richard Gere, both of whom declined the role.
Douglas said,
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I saw an article recently that said that [director] Oliver Stone first went to Warren Beatty — who passed on it — and then to Richard Gere, who passed on it. I didn’t know any of that. You always like to think you were [the] one,
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expressing surprise at the news. He also reflected on the serious nature of the movie, stating,
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I didn’t know Oliver and I read the script and it was serious, serious work,
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and added,
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So I was really happy … You don’t get many good parts in your life.
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Douglas believes his selection stemmed partly from his personal background, which aligned with the character’s profile. He explained,
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I guess when Oliver was asked, he [said he] was looking for an actor that had some business acumen, and because I was also a producer, [and] I did grow up in New York City — went to Allen-Stevenson School and then I went to prep schools — so I had a familiarity with [the] East Coast and that kind of life … I understood that lifestyle. I guess that’s why he chose [me].
”
Michael Douglas Reflects on Working with Oliver Stone
Douglas also recounted the intense environment director Oliver Stone created while filming. He noted that Stone’s approach pushed actors deeply, likening it to being “in the trenches.”
Douglas praised Stone’s ability to challenge performers to reach higher levels in their craft.
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And his record of successes with actors is quite impressive. So I’m deeply, deeply appreciative of the fact that it gave me part and the fact that he pushed me to another level.
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In reflecting on Stone’s history of directing strong performances, Douglas referenced several acclaimed collaborators:
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The truth is in Oliver’s career — you start with [James] Woods and Salvador, Tom Cruise and Born on the Fourth of July, Kevin Costner and JFK, Val Kilmer and The Doors, my performance — I’m sure missing a whole slew of actors who have given their best performance with Oliver Stone,
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highlighting the caliber of talent Stone has worked with over the years.
The Cultural Impact of Douglas’s Role and Ongoing Relevance
Michael Douglas’s portrayal of Gordon Gekko remains a defining moment in film, capturing the complex intersection of business savvy and moral ambiguity. His connection to New York City and firsthand knowledge of the lifestyle that inspired the character added authenticity to the role, which continues to resonate today.
Douglas’s candid discussion about his career and experiences offers insight into the collaborative and sometimes challenging nature of acting at the highest level. His recollections also emphasize the importance of personal traits and background in shaping casting decisions within the movie industry.
As Douglas reflects on these moments with a mix of humor and seriousness, audiences are reminded of the enduring influence of films like Wall Street, as well as the relationships and creative pushes behind their making.
