Who was Eric Douglas? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Eric Anthony Douglas

Died At Age: 46

Family:

father: Kirk Douglas

mother: Anne Buydens

siblings: Joel Douglas, Michael Douglas, Peter Douglas

Actors Stand-up Comedians

Height: 5'7" (170 cm), 5'7" Males

Died on: July 6, 2004

place of death: Manhattan, New York, United States

Notable Alumni: Pitzer College

Ancestry: German American

U.S. State: California

Cause of Death: Drug Overdose

City: Los Angeles

More Facts

education: Royal Academy Of Dramatic Art, London Academy Of Music And Dramatic Art, Pitzer College

Recommended For You

1

What are some popular books written by Eric Douglas?

Some popular books written by Eric Douglas include "Cayman Cowboys," "Guardians' Keep," and "Heart of the Maya."
2

Where can I find Eric Douglas' latest articles or blog posts?

You can find Eric Douglas' latest articles and blog posts on his official website or on various online platforms where he regularly contributes.
3

What are some common themes in Eric Douglas' writing?

Common themes in Eric Douglas' writing include adventure, exploration, maritime life, and environmental conservation.
4

Has Eric Douglas collaborated with other authors on any projects?

Yes, Eric Douglas has collaborated with other authors on various projects, including anthologies and co-authored books within the adventure and thriller genres.
5

Are there any upcoming events or book signings with Eric Douglas?

To find information on upcoming events or book signings with Eric Douglas, you can check his official website or follow his social media profiles for announcements and updates.

Recommended Lists:

American Celebrities

American Men

California Actors

Royal Academy Of Dramatic Art

London Academy Of Music And Dramatic Art

Childhood & Early Life

Eric Douglas was born Eric Anthony Douglas on June 21, 1958, in Los Angeles, California, USA, to Kirk Douglas and Anne Buydens. After studying at ‘Pitzer College’ in Claremont, California, Douglas moved to London to study at the ‘Royal Academy of Dramatic Art’ (RADA). However, he wasn’t a full-time student at ‘RADA’ as he only did a summer course at the prestigious academy.

He joined the ‘London Academy of Dramatic Art’ (LAMDA) where he studied from 1980 to 1981. One of his teachers at ‘LAMDA’ was the famed director Helena Kaut-Howson who directed him in two plays. According to her, Douglas was splendid in both the plays, especially the one in which he played the role of a father.

Continue Reading Below

Recommended Lists:

Gemini Actors

American Actors

American Stand-up Comedians

American Film & Theater Personalities

Career

Eric Douglas made his film debut at the age of 13 when he played Bud Tenneray alongside his father in the 1971 Lamont Johnson-directed American western film ‘A Gunfight.’ After studying at ‘LAMDA,’ he returned to the United States and played Young Joe Rabin in a television film titled ‘Remembrance of Love.’ His father Kirk Douglas played Joe Rabin in the film.

In 1984, he played Donny in Garry Marshall-directed American comedy film ‘The Flamingo Kid.’ Starring Matt Dillon and Janet Jones, the film went on to become a critical and commercial success. The following year, he was cast to play Ernie Leeds, Jr. in Herb Freed-directed comedy film ‘Tomboy.’

He then played the role of Yellow Dragon in Michael Ritchie-directed fantasy comedy film ‘The Golden Child.’ Despite receiving negative reviews from critics, the film became a box office success, earning more than $79 million in the United States alone.

In 1987, he was cast to play the important role of Johnny Warshetsky in Richard Horian-directed drama film ‘Student Confidential.’ In the same year, he played Rhett Clark in one of the episodes of ‘NBC’ network’s television drama series ‘Highway to Heaven.’ In 1988, he played Lamarr in Jeannot Szwarc-directed thriller film ‘Honor Bound.’

After appearing in a couple of projects, such as ‘Delta Force 3: The Killing Game’ and ‘Tales from the Crypt’ in the early-1990s, Douglas gave up acting to become a stand-up comedian. He turned up to his first show drunk and was booed off stage by the audience. In 1994, he showed up at the ‘Edinburgh Festival Fringe’ and claimed that he had been promised a slot. However, his claim turned out to be false.

Most of his performances were staged at comedy clubs in New York City. His self-deprecating jokes were about his status as the black sheep of his family. He also performed at ‘The Comedy Store’ in London where he once lost his temper after being provoked by the audience.

Apart from acting and performing stand-up comedy, Eric Douglas has also made guest appearances in television movies and series, such as ‘The American Academy of Dramatic Arts Annual Tribute: A Salute to Kirk Douglas,’ ‘Barry Gibb Love and Hope Festival IV,’ ‘Bas les masques,’ and ‘Vicki!’

Family & Personal Life

Eric Douglas’ father Kirk Douglas is a famous actor, filmmaker, and author. He has won many awards including an ‘Honorary Award’ at the 1996 ‘Academy Awards.’ Douglas’ mother Anne Buydens is a Belgian-American philanthropist and producer. Douglas had two half-brothers, Michael Douglas and Joel Douglas, who were born from his father’s first marriage with American actress Diana Douglas. He also had an older brother named Peter Douglas who went on to become a producer.

In 1991, Douglas was arrested for kicking a police officer. On October 30, 1994, he was once again arrested for possessing cocaine. In November that year, he was charged with driving under the influence when he crashed into a parked car while leaving ‘The Comedy Store’ in West Hollywood.

Continue Reading Below

In May 1996, he was arrested for possessing a controlled substance. While raiding his Manhattan apartment in Hell’s Kitchen, police found 1,085 Xanax pills and eleven vials of crack cocaine. He pleaded guilty and was ordered to complete a program at a rehab center. In August 1996, he was arrested again for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

In 1999, he choked on a piece of sausage while having breakfast with his father. Because he had ingested Xanax pills, he was unable to dislodge the sausage from his throat. He was then taken to ‘Cedars-Sinai Medical Center’ where he slipped into coma for eight days. He also suffered anoxic brain injury which slurred his speech and altered his gait.

In May 2001, he sued Dr. William Leader, claiming that the doctor had prescribed him a combination of drugs including ‘Vicodin,’ ‘Klonopin,’ and ‘Xanax’ which could prove lethal when combined with alcohol. He said his doctor failed to consider his drinking problem while prescribing the drugs. In 2004, he was admitted in a rehab center where his parents often visited him.

Eric Douglas was found dead in his Manhattan apartment on July 6, 2004. It was later ascertained that his death was caused by acute intoxication and his death was ruled accidental. His mortal remains were buried at ‘Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery’ in Los Angeles, California.

Facts About Eric Douglas

Eric Douglas is an avid collector of vintage vinyl records and enjoys spending hours digging through record stores to find hidden gems.

Despite his professional demeanor, Eric Douglas has a secret talent for impersonating famous cartoon characters, much to the delight of his friends and family.

In his spare time, Eric Douglas volunteers at a local animal shelter, where he helps care for abandoned and neglected animals.

Eric Douglas has a passion for baking and often surprises his colleagues with homemade treats like cookies and muffins during office meetings.

When he's not busy with work, Eric Douglas loves to explore the great outdoors and is an experienced hiker who enjoys tackling challenging trails in his free time.

Eric Douglas Biography

You wanted to know

What are some popular books written by Eric Douglas?

Where can I find Eric Douglas' latest articles or blog posts?

What are some common themes in Eric Douglas' writing?

Has Eric Douglas collaborated with other authors on any projects?

Are there any upcoming events or book signings with Eric Douglas?