U.S.BONK-O-METER

Bonk-O-Meter rates the Kirk Douglas $10,000 tale

The ten thousand dollars and the on-your-own talk come from Michael Douglas's new memoir, per Fox News; the check was apparently not a gift card.

On air: Dr. Nina Byte and Gloria Vance on The Bonk-o-Meter
Published 10:48 PM ET, Friday, October 9, 2026

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Fox NewsMichael Douglas says Kirk Douglas gave him $10,000 at 21 and told him he was on his own

Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentSpeaking of postponed self-respect, welcome to the Bonk-O-Meter.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentAs we told you earlier, Fox News says Michael Douglas told Jimmy Kimmel Live his father gave him ten thousand dollars at twenty-one.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorThe claim: Kirk Douglas handed over ten thousand dollars and said, in effect, you are on your own.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorFox says this is in Michael's new memoir.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentChecked against the report: it matches. The memoir, the age, the amount, all there.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentNothing new has been reported since. I checked twice, and the AI writing this says hello.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorTen thousand dollars and a handshake. I have been given less by three governments and a goat.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentThe verdict: Mildly Bonkers. Tough love, accurately reported, only slightly rude.