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Passionate about charity, powerful enough to control a room of unruly photographers — and polite to everyone from CEO to tea boy.
They may be one of Hollywood’s most famous celebrity power couples and Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones proved they had it all when they visited Dubai this week.
In town to support Free the Children, a global charity receiving Dh7million from the Nakheel Foundation, the couple exchanged loving glances as Douglas prepared to address a press conference at Dubai’s Emirates Towers on Monday.
"My wife and I cannot help but marvel at what has been achieved by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad here in Dubai. The buildings and architecture speak for themselves but the country has now also proved it boasts great generosity, which is its greatest strength in our eyes.
"Dubai is a true leader in many ways with the Palm islands and impressive infrastructure, but the act of giving and the kindness and compassion of the people is stronger than all of that."
Douglas thanked everyone for coming and said being in Dubai was "a joy for him and Catherine" who were visiting the UAE for the first time.
Smartly dressed in a navy suit and blue tie it was clear Douglas spoke with a passion which could only be gained from first-hand experience of working with children in need around the world.
Douglas, who was working with the UN before it became cool to do so, has visited Africa and India to shine a spotlight on the plight of thousands of youngsters who spend each day struggling to survive famine, drought and disease.
Free the Children, which was founded 13 years ago by then-12-year-old Craig Kielburger and his grade seven classmates in Canada, is the world’s largest network of children helping children. Both Douglas and Zeta Jones said they were "simply touched" by Craig’s appeal and wanted to help.
"I first read about Free the Children when I picked up one four amazing books written by this ‘old’ man. His contagious spirit has catapulted this charity to where it is today and without it there would be fewer healthy children in the world.
"Water is the life blood for all of us but not everyone is privileged enough to have it. Craig is fighting for those girls who are desperate to go to school but cannot because everyday they have to make the long journey to collect water for their family.
"Some of these girls hold dreams of becoming teachers even though they have never been to school themselves."
Stopping briefly to politely request the barrage of photographers to stop "click, clicking" while he spoke, Douglas continued his heart-felt plea while Zeta-Jones, dressed in a summery gold and white floral, knee-length dress, looked on with affection.
"The work of Nakheel is needed but it doesn’t stop there. We will now work to send more than 40 children from Dubai to travel to these countries, roll up their sleeves and witness first-hand the poverty out there.
"They will make a difference but they will also return as ambassadors for Free the Children and raise the awareness among school friends and the people of this country. As a UN messenger of peace, I truly believe if we can change a child’s perspective, we can change the world."
The Nakheel donation, which is part of a long-term partnership with Free the Children, will be spent on programmes addressing water sanitation and access issues in third world countries such as Kenya and Sri Lanka. It is estimated this amount will easily impact the lives of around 200,000 children.
"If I could ask one thing of the media here today, it would be to really think about what page this piece goes on. I want this message to reach as many people as physically possible and would urge you to think about the many people you will help by running this as prominently as possible.
"As actors we are lucky enough to have the power to help. Our films are seen and known by people all over the world and I love what I do. But I also know we can help."
A celebrated ambassador for nuclear weapons disarmament, Douglas laughed off a question about the upcoming elections in the United States and added he certainly wouldn’t be running for office.
"I’d like to ask each and every person out there to do one thing for me. Please visit www.freethechildren.com. That is the best thing we can all do right now."
Did you know?
Michael Douglas will be presented with the American Film Institute’s lifetime achievement award at a tribute event in Los Angeles in June 2009. Kirk Douglas, the 64-year-old’s father, received the same honour in 1991.
Douglas won a best actor Oscar for Wall Street and produced One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, which won all five top Oscars in 1975.
Douglas will soon be seen in Peter Hyams’ courtroom thriller Beyond a Reasonable Doubt and Mark Waters' comedy Ghosts of Girlfriends Past.
Catherine Zeta- Jones, who is married to actor Michael Douglas, won a best supporting actress Oscar for her role in the 2002 musical Chicago.
How it all began...
Michael Douglas met Catherine at the Deauville Film Festival in France in August 1998; they began dating in March 1999 and got engaged on New Year’s Eve 1999.
Little did Zeta-Jones know that when ex-flame John Leslie refused to marry her it’d lead to her skipping off to Hollywood, bagging a lead in the Mask of Zorro, catching the eye of Michael Douglas. They took the vow of "till death do us apart" in 2000. So, he’s got a few years on her.
But he scrubs up well and also has beaten his sex addiction. They have two children Dylan and Carys.
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