Michael Douglas’ late father, Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas, made sure his family received meaningful pieces from his estate, and that included a special gift for his daughter-in-law, Catherine Zeta-Jones.
According to TMZ, newly obtained trust documents from Kirk and his late wife, Anne Douglas, reveal how artwork, memorabilia, awards and other personal belongings were divided among their children and grandchildren. Kirk died in 2020 at age 103, while Anne died the following year at 102.
Michael received several pieces from his father’s art collection, including 19 lithographs by famed artist Marc Chagall from “The Bible Series.” He was also left several sculptures and outdoor structures from the collection.
Zeta-Jones was specifically included in the trust as well. Kirk left his son’s wife a piece called “The Friendship Bench,” created by John Kennedy.
Michael Douglas and His Family Received Pieces of Kirk’s Collection
Kirk, best known for movies including “Spartacus,” “Champion” and “Lonely Are the Brave,” had four sons: Michael, Eric, Joel and Peter Douglas. Several members of the family received personal pieces from Kirk and Anne’s collection.
Joel was left Kirk’s honorary Oscar from 1996, a 3-D miniature set featuring Kirk and Anne and several paintings, according to TMZ. Peter was also left a number of paintings.
Michael, Joel and Peter were each given the opportunity to select up to $100,000 worth of memorabilia. Kirk’s grandchildren were included in the estate as well.
Michael’s son Cameron Douglas received his grandfather’s Presidential Medal of Freedom, which Kirk was awarded by President Jimmy Carter in 1981. Another grandson received Kirk’s 1983 Jefferson Award, while other grandchildren were left additional awards and keepsakes. One granddaughter received jewelry.
While the newly revealed documents detail what Michael received from his father’s collection, he had already built a sizable fortune through his own Hollywood career.
According to Parade, Michael’s net worth was estimated at $350 million as of January 2026. Kirk was reportedly worth about $61 million when he died, with approximately $50 million reportedly going to charities, including the Douglas Foundation.
Kirk also played a role in his son’s early success as a producer. He gave Michael the film rights to “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” which Michael produced. The 1975 movie went on to win the Academy Award for best picture.
Catherine Zeta-Jones Shared a Close Bond With Michael Douglas’ Father
Zeta-Jones being personally included in Kirk’s trust comes years after she publicly shared how close she had become to Michael’s father.
According to E! News, Zeta-Jones affectionately called Kirk “Pappy.” The two were photographed together throughout the years at Hollywood events and family outings, including a day at the ballpark. Zeta-Jones, Michael and Kirk also spent time together on the golf course and attended events celebrating their film careers.
For Kirk’s 103rd birthday, Zeta-Jones shared a playful photo of her father-in-law sitting on her knee and celebrated him with a loving message.
“This guy on my knee, is 103!!!!!” she wrote. “Happy Birthday Pappy!!! I love you with all my heart.”
Michael also acknowledged the relationship his wife shared with his father when announcing Kirk’s death in February 2020. Along with remembering the actor as a Hollywood legend and humanitarian, Michael called him “a wonderful father-in-law” to Catherine.
Zeta-Jones shared an emotional tribute of her own following Kirk’s death, telling her father-in-law how much he would continue to mean to her.
“To my darling Kirk,” she wrote. “I shall love you for the rest of my life. I miss you already. Sleep tight…”
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Michael Douglas’ Father Kirk’s Trust Reveals What He Left Catherine Zeta-Jones