Michael Douglas made an appearance on “The Jess Cagle Show with Julia Cunningham” to discuss his latest project, the Apple TV+ series “Franklin,” which delves into Benjamin Franklin’s renowned essay on flatulence, “Fart Proudly.” Catch his entire interview on the weekday show airing on Radio Andy at 2pm ET and via the SiriusXM app with a subscription and free trial.
In the premiere episode of the biographical drama, Douglas, portraying Franklin, is depicted passing gas. The 79-year-old Academy Award winner revealed to Jess and Julia that he personally suggested incorporating the founding father’s flatulence into the script.
“That was my touch to the script,” Douglas mentioned. “Because I came across this book – I mean, there were a few critics of the show who commented on the depiction of [Benjamin Franklin] farting. And I said, ‘Well, I’m sending these critics a copy of this book on Franklin. This is ‘Fart Proudly,’ alright? So you get the full story.’”
The series “Franklin” premiered on Apple TV+ on April 12 and consists of eight episodes. Directed by Tim Van Patten, known for his work on “The Sopranos” and “Game of Thrones,” the miniseries follows Franklin’s time in France, where he persuades King Louis XVI to support the emerging United States during the American Revolutionary War. It also stars Noah Jupe, Daniel Mays, and Ludivine Sagnier.
Michael Douglas Reflects on Kirk Douglas’ Legacy
During the interview, Douglas also reflected on the benefits and challenges of being the son of Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas.
“I think the advantage is that you got to witness your father as a movie star – his buddies like Burt Lancaster, Gregory Peck, Tony Curtis, Frank Sinatra – and you saw them all with their own imperfections… and I believe it helped shape your own life in a more experienced, smoother manner,” he remarked. However, the downside was establishing his own identity. “It took longer for me to find my own identity and to step out of my dad’s shadow.”
Kirk passed away in 2020 at the age of 103.
About “The Jess Cagle Show with Julia Cunningham”
Tune in to join acclaimed entertainment journalist and former People and Entertainment Weekly editor Jess Cagle and co-host Julia Cunningham for the latest updates in pop culture news and celebrity interviews, broadcast live on weekdays from SiriusXM’s Los Angeles studios. The weekday show airs live on SiriusXM’s Radio Andy channel, with episodes accessible on the SiriusXM app.
