Michael Douglas has made his feelings about the “nepo baby” label unmistakably clear.

During a recent appearance on the “Smartless” podcast, the “Wall Street” actor addressed the debate over family connections in Hollywood while discussing his success with hosts Sean Hayes, Jason Bateman and Will Arnett.

“Well, first of all, you know, Hollywood royalty. I mean… this ‘nepo’ thing really pisses me off,” Douglas said.

Douglas, whose father was the late actor Kirk Douglas, argued that parents helping their children enter the same profession is hardly unique to the entertainment industry.

“I don’t know a career where a father or mother don’t try to help their son or daughter get into their business and this and that, and why they picked on this because of the well-known aspect of it,” he continued.

A celebrated family history

Douglas’ comments come with a significant family legacy behind them. Kirk Douglas died in 2020 at the age of 103 after a film career that included “Spartacus,” “Seven Days in May,” “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,” “Champion,” “The Bad and the Beautiful,” “Lust for Life,” “Paths of Glory” and “Lonely Are the Brave.”

The elder Douglas received three Oscar nominations and was presented with an honorary Oscar in 1996.

Michael Douglas went on to build his own award-winning career, with performances in projects including “Wall Street,” “Fatal Attraction” and “Behind the Candelabra.” He has won two Oscars across acting and producing.

Douglas received the best actor in a leading role trophy in 1988 for “Wall Street.” More than a decade earlier, he won best picture as a co-producer of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” in 1976.

His advice for aspiring actors

The conversation also moved beyond Hollywood’s ongoing discussion of nepotism. Asked about guidance for aspiring performers, Douglas emphasized the importance of being able to identify strong material.

“The problem we all have is we don’t play an instrument, or we don’t paint, or we don’t write,” he said. “We’re standing there. But a good piece of material, man, a good piece of material helps things along well.”

His answer placed the focus on the work available to an actor and the value of recognizing the right project, rather than offering a simple formula for professional success.

What Happens Next?

Douglas is also preparing to tell more of his story in his forthcoming memoir, “One Helluva Ride.” The book is set to be released Tuesday.