Michael Douglas reveals role in 'awkward' Simon & Garfunkel reunion
The actor has recently released his autobiography One Helluva Ride
Last updated 5th Nov 2026
Hollywood royalty Michael Douglas has just released an autobiography called One Helluva Ride, and joined Simon Mayo on Greatest Hits Radio for a chat about his new release. The actor also spoke about his connection to the UK, and the impact cancer had on his career.
One Helluva Ride was released in October 2026, and follows Michael's life from his 'fractured childhood and a complex relationship with his superstar father, Kirk Douglas'. It also features an interesting reunion between Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, that Michael recounts in his book.
Simon & Garfunkel's 'reunion'
After playing 'Cecilia' by Simon & Garfunkel, Simon Mayo explained the choice of that song, revealing that it relates to a story told in Michael Douglas' new book. Michael then went on to explain how in the 1970s he had been filming The Streets of San Francisco, in San Francisco with Jimmy Webb (songwriter) and Art Garfunkel.
Simon & Garfunkel had broken up, and Art poured his heart out over the 'sad' situation to Michael, so he suggested they went to Berkeley where Paul Simon was performing.
"And all of a sudden, I said, ‘Well, let's go. Let's go over there and say hello to him'," said Michael.
"At that time, I was very comfortable and well known in San Francisco, and I had access to police cars, undercover police cars, which I used sometimes for driving around.
"So we made it over at, let's say, record time, the sirens going from time to time. And Paul Simon was finishing up his last song, and Art Garfunkel walked onto stage. And of course, the place went wild and they sang one song together."
However, it might not have been the best decision, as Michael explained. "We all went back to this restaurant again to finish our dinner. Paul Simon joined us... Paul wasn't talking, he was very quiet. And finally Paul said, ‘Artie, don't ever do that again.’ And that was the end. They never got close again."
READ MORE: Jenna Ortega and Amy Adams reveal which pop star filmed scenes for their latest movie
Michael Douglas reflects on the impact cancer had on his career
Reflecting about part of his book where he admitted that his cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery had challenged his career, Michael explained the impact it had, admitting he had changed his priorities.
"I mean, it gave me a real sense of mortality," he told Simon. "My career was the most important thing in my life, just as it was for my father.
"I'm saying that more important than my marriage, more important than my children, I don't want to admit that, but when I look at how I conducted my life, that was the way it was.
"And just as my father was going to be a better father than his grandfather and had all this guilt and I was going to be a better father than my father was, because he was so consumed with his career, I did the same thing.
"It allowed me to realise my priorities, I changed my priorities."
Michael Douglas' connection to the UK
Despite being American, Michael has some strong connections to the UK. His wife Catherine Zeta-Jones is from Wales, and his mother was English via Bermuda.
"My mother is from the island of Bermuda, and I can trace our family for 400 years in Bermuda. She went to school in the Isle of Wight," he explained.
"So you're right, I'm ¾ British," he half joked with Simon continuing: "And my grandfather was the crown solicitor of Bermuda."
Michael Douglas' book One Helluva Ride is available to buy now.
Listen back to the full interview below
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Author: Anna Sky Magliola
Anna Sky Magliola is a Digital Content Editor at Rayo, creating content for brands including Hits Radio, Greatest Hits Radio, KISS, Cool FM and Magic Radio. She began her career at Bauer Media in 2007 and has spent almost two decades creating engaging digital content for millions of readers, specialising in music news, celebrity interviews and TV features. A passionate dance music fan, Anna Sky has travelled the world to experience some of the biggest festivals and is always looking for the next great music story.