The Hollywood veteran has disclosed an extraordinary security scare at the Academy Awards, claiming undercover agents were deployed after authorities received intelligence about a potential attack. His new memoir also explores his marriages, Hollywood relationships, addiction struggles and decades-long acting career.
Michael Douglas has revealed he feared for his life at the Academy Awards after FBI agents warned him of an alleged plot to stab him with an HIV-infected needle moments before he was due to appear on stage.
The Oscar-winning actor, 82, recounts the extraordinary incident in his newly published memoir, One Helluva Ride, describing how he was approached by an FBI agent and a Los Angeles police sergeant at the 1989 ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium.
Michael had been invited to present the best actress award a year after winning best actor for his portrayal of ruthless financier Gordon Gekko in Oliver Stone’s Wall Street, but was confronted with a security warning shortly after arriving at the venue.
Michael wrote in his memoir: “Instead of being greeted by a valet or an event organiser, I was met by an FBI agent and a sergeant from the LAPD.”
The officers told him there was “a credible threat on your life” and warned someone might attempt to attack him during the ceremony.
According to Michael, he was told: “We have information that someone will try to stab you with an HIV-infected needle tonight.”
The incident occurred during the height of the AIDS crisis, when public fear and misinformation surrounding HIV transmission were widespread.
Michael recalled believing an attack involving an infected needle could have fatal consequences.
He wrote: “This was during the height of the AIDS crisis, and getting stabbed with an infected needle would essentially be a death sentence.”
The actor was informed undercover officers had been deployed throughout the auditorium to protect him, although authorities had apparently been unable to identify the individual responsible for the alleged threat.
Michael said the police sergeant attempted to reassure him that security personnel would prevent anyone from approaching the stage.
Rather than immediately withdrawing from the ceremony, the actor decided to step outside.
He wrote he “went outside for a smoke”, accompanied by the police sergeant.
Despite the warning, Michael proceeded with his scheduled appearance, describing how he searched the audience for any sign of danger as he walked towards the stage.
He wrote: “This whole evening felt surreal. When it was time to present the award for Best Actress, as I walked out, I took a quick glance into the crowd to make sure that no one was rushing to the stage.”
He added: “All I could see were blinding lights.”
The alleged threat has also been described by an unnamed friend of Michael, who spoke to Page Six about the actor’s experience.
The pal claimed: “He was advised by the agent not to go out there (on stage.) They knew the person was in (the venue), but they didn’t know where.”
They added: “(They) could have been in the staff, the crew or the crowd.”
According to the friend, Michael was terrified by the warning but remained determined to fulfil his commitment.
The friend said: “Michael was scared s***less. It was a really ballsy move for him to go out there.”
Michael wrote the authorities “never apprehended the source of the threat”.
The incident is among several previously undisclosed episodes in One Helluva Ride, which examines Michael’s six decades in Hollywood, his relationships and his struggles with alcohol and drugs.
The actor, whose films include Fatal Attraction, Basic Instinct, Romancing the Stone and The American President, also discusses growing up as the son of Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas, who died in 2020 aged 103.
Michael’s recent disclosures include an account of his relationship with Kathleen Turner, 72, his co-star in Romancing the Stone, and an affair with Jeanne Tripplehorn, 63, with whom he appeared in Basic Instinct.
Michael Douglas reveals FBI warned him of ‘assassination’ plot at Oscars
