Michael Douglas honoured for theatre contribution

Catherine Zeta-Jones paid tribute to her husband Michael Douglas' contribution to the theatre industry as she handed him a top award at a gala in New York on Monday night (16Apr12).

The Wall Street star was recognised for his involvement with the arts at the 12th annual Monte Cristo Award event, held at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, where he is a trustee.

The couple hit the red carpet for the event, and Zeta-Jones told reporters of her partner, "As an actor he's able to have a voice in many different public arenas and I think that's one of his greatest gifts."

Speaking onstage at the prizegiving, the Chicago star added, "Michael has always said his biggest influence in life was his time at the O'Neill, but Michael, the theatre would never ever be the same without you and I know as a silent partner you have been developing in the success of American theatre - so not just the Eugene O'Neill Theater thanks you, American theatre thanks you."

Douglas then accepted the Monte Cristo Award, given to a prominent theatre artist in recognition of a distinguished career, and declared, "This award means a tremendous amount to me, it brings back a lot of memories and it was an integral part and an important part of my growth and development to this day as an actor."

The programme also featured stage and video tributes to Douglas.