Michael Douglas has overcome a lot in his life including a battle with cancer but the actor has found healing in playing Liberace in a brand new HBO film.
"It was right after my cancer, and this beautiful gift was handed to me," the actor told the Daily News, at Cannes film festival. "I'm eternally grateful."
Douglas plays Liberace in the film entitled "Behind the Candelabra" which also stars Matt Damon as Liberace's long-time love Scott Thorson as well as Dan Aykroyd, Rob Lower, Scott Bakula and Debbie Reynolds.
"For this to come along, when you're wondering if you have a career - you've had this big hiatus, you don't know what repercussions cancer has for being hired," the 68-year old said.
Back in 2010, the "Wall Street" star was diagnosed with throat cancer and begun treatment immediately. He soon announced that the cancer had progressed into the most advanced stage, stage four. In 2011, after months of treatment, Douglas made the announcement that he was cancer free.
"All of a sudden, the affection from my family, from my friends, and from my fans hit me at a much deeper level than I would have ever imagined before," Douglas told Matt Lauer on the "Today Show." "And it gave me a really new appreciation of just how valuable, how precious good friends are and family."
Douglas, who is married to Catherine Zeta Jones, has two children. The actress is also battling health issues of her own. Last month, she checked herself into rehab to treat her bipolar disorder.
"Behind the Candelabra" is scheduled to premiere on HBO on May 26.
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