Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones’s son, Dylan, has grown up in the public eye, and over the years, fans have noticed how much he looks like his father and his legendary grandfather, Kirk Douglas. Some have said, “So handsome, just like dad!!” and “The Douglas genes cannot be denied!” Others added, “He looks just like you” and “Handsome! Like father like son.“
Yet, there’s one thing missing, and Instagram users were quick to point it out on a picture Michael uploaded. Let’s check out this young man’s transformation and the one thing he didn’t inherit from the other Douglas men.
Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas at the St. Andrews Golf Course during the Alfred Dunhill Cup celebrity tournament in June 2000 | Source: Getty Images
Dylan’s Childhood
Michael and Catherine met in 1998 at the Deauville Film Festival. Their chemistry was undeniable, and by December 1999, they were engaged. Their son, Dylan, was born on August 8, 2000, just a few months before his parents’ wedding. His sister, Carys, was born two years later.
Recently, there were a few intriguing messages about Dylan’s face under Michael’s Instagram posts. But before we venture into what people noticed, let’s take a look at Dylan’s transformation over the years.
The couple with their son Dylan walking on Central Park West and 76th Street on October 28, 2000 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Dylan’s developing years were well-documented by the paparazzi, and the family has also uploaded old photos on social media to celebrate special occasions. One of the earliest public pictures of Dylan dates back to June 25, 2001, when Catherine was seen with him as a baby in a stroller.
Catherine Zeta-Jones out for a stroll with son, Dylan (in stroller) and nanny on Columbus Avenue near their home in New York City on June 25, 2001 | Source: Getty Images
They were accompanied by a babysitter close to their home in Manhattan. Just a year later, a photo captured a tender moment between Michael and Dylan on a boat at the Laureus Regatta.
Michael Douglas and his son Dylan on a boat at the Laureus Regatta in 2002 | Source: Getty Images
As Dylan grew, both their parents continued to share special moments. In one Instagram post from last year, Catherine wrote, “23 years ago today, my boy @dylan__douglas was born. He is the gift that keeps on giving, over and over and over and over again. I love you my love♥️.”
In 2024, she shared a similar birthday message, but this time, the actress uploaded a video showing a tender moment between her and her son when he was still very little.
Screenshot showing Catherine Zeta-Jones with baby Dylan Douglas from a video posted on August 8, 2024 | Source: Instagram/catherinezetajones
The caption read, “Happy 24th Birthday to my son @dylan__douglas. The joy and love you give me every day is insurmountable. To be your Mama is a gift that I never take for granted. I love you, my beautiful boy. ♥️”
Dylan has returned the loving sentiments on several occasions. For example, he posted a Father’s Day message for Michael with an old photo of them in a bathtub. He’s already grown up a lot in this picture! The caption read:
“Dad- every year on Father’s day I find it hard to articulate how much you mean to me. I should really tell you everyday how much I appreciate you, let alone once a year, but the honest truth is that I can’t find the right words. All I can say is that you are my whole world […].”
Clearly, this young man’s connection to his family is strong, as seen in another photo from 2003 during a family trip to Swansea, Wales, when his Grandma Pat held and took him into the Morgans Hotel.
Dylan is carried into Morgans Hotel, Swansea, by his grandmother Pat during a visit to Wales | Source: Getty Images
Here’s another example of their close family outings where they watched the Broadway show, “Shrek: The Musical,” in 2009. Catherine is seen smiling along with her kids and the Shrek actor.
Catherine Zeta-Jones, Brian d’Arcy James as “Shrek”, Carys Douglas and Dylan Douglas posing backstage of “Shrek:The Musical” at the Broadway Theatre on March 21, 2009 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
As Dylan grew, he also suffered some losses. In 2021, he posted a touching tribute to his grandmother when she passed, showing a picture of them together during his childhood. The young man wrote, “Oma, I love you. I miss you. Thank you for the time and love you gave me. I know now you’re hugging Pappy and Uncle Eric.”
Luckily, there are plenty of good memories shared by the entire family. His sister, Carys, posted an old photo in 2018 with a caption that read, “Partner in crime since ’03 @dylan__douglas [sic].”
Just like his sister and plenty of young people these days, Dylan has added several old photos to his Instagram account. He’s seen here as a child at what looks like a beach vacation. He also captioned it with, “‘When I was a young warthog’—Lion King [sic].”
Meanwhile, Michael often posts tributes to Catherine for being a great mother, which includes photos of the kids growing up. This post from 2023 was captioned, “Happy happy #MothersDay darling, you deserve it! You are the best and we love you so much @catherinezetajones ❤️.”
That same year, Catherine shared a nostalgic Halloween post featuring Dylan and Carys and wrote, “Halloween over the years🎃.” Here, her children are dressed up in their costumes and posing with their grandfather.
Dylan at 10
By the time this young man was 10 years old, he had become accustomed to life in the spotlight. On December 31, 2010, he was spotted at JFK Airport with his father. He looked seriously at the camera and looked pretty tired from his flight.
Michael Douglas and son Dylan Douglas as seen at JFK airport on December 31, 2010 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Just a couple of months later, in February 2011, Dylan, along with his sister, accompanied their parents to Buckingham Palace, where Catherine received a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her services to the film industry and charity.
Catherine Zeta-Jones, Michael Douglas, and their children Dylan and Carys at Buckingham Palace in Central London on February 24, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
Dylan at 11
In October 2011, Dylan and Carys were seen backstage at the hit musical “Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark” at The Foxwood Theater in New York City. This moment captured their pre-teen years as they continued to grow up in the public eye.
Carys and Dylan Douglas pose backstage of the hit musical “Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark” at The Foxwood Theater on October 1, 2011 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Dylan at 14
As a teenager, this young man began attending major, more grown-up events with his father. In June 2015, Dylan and Michael were spotted together prior to the commencement of the Formula One World Championship’s Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal.
Michael Douglas and his son Dylan before the start of the race at the Formula One World Championship at the 2015 Canadian Grand Prix | Source: Getty Images
That same year, Dylan and the rest of the family attended the European premiere of Marvel’s “Ant-Man” at the Odeon Leicester Square in London. Michael played the role of Hank Pym in the film.
Catherine Zeta-Jones and actor Michael Douglas with their children Dylan and Carys as they attend the European premiere of Marvel’s “Ant-Man” at the Odeon Leicester Square on July 8, 2015 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Dylan at 15
As he developed well into his teenage years, Dylan found the strength to talk about his challenges. In 2015, his mother posted a video on Facebook showing him speaking at a conference about his dyslexia.
Screenshot of a video showing Dylan Douglas at a conference | Source: Facebook/Catherine Zeta-Jones
The caption read, “My son Dylan at age 15, talking about his dyslexia so eloquently. Hard work with good teachers. Forever indebted. ❤️#educationforall.” He managed to thrive, with the support of his family and those around him.
Dylan at 16
By 2016, this young man was beginning to find more of his own voice and place in the world. Dylan uploaded a photo of a band at an arts camp, for which he was the lead singer. He captioned the post with, “There’s no place like home.” This showed his followers what kind of interests and passions he was developing.
Dylan at 17
In 2017, he shared a special moment with his grandfather, Kirk Douglas, who was still alive at the time. The young man added a photo of them together and wrote, “Happy birthday 101 years and still sexy love you with all my heart Pappy.” Sadly, the legendary actor passed away just a year later.
Dylan at 18
In 2018, Dylan moved out of his parents’ home to study at Brown University. He posted a photo of his dorm bedroom, and captioned it, “A new home.” The room had minimal decorations, except for pillows with the British flag and a poster of the Rolling Stones.
Despite moving away, Dylan still had many outings with his family, including attending the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, Towcester, with Michael a year after starting college.
Dylan and Michael Douglas during the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, Towcester in July 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Dylan at 19
As a fully independent adult, Dylan embraced his adventurous side. In 2019, he went skydiving, an experience his father shared with Ellen DeGeneres on her show.
Screenshot of a video showing Dylan skydiving on August 24, 2019 | Source: Instagram/dylan_douglas
Michael expressed his concern and commented, “I said, ‘Don’t be the first one to jump!’” It’s hard to say if Dylan took his father’s advice, but the video below shows how much fun he had.
A few months later, Catherine visited him at Brown University and posted a photo on Instagram with the caption, “On campus with my boy Dylan.”
Dylan at 20
In 2020, this young man shared several more glimpses of his life through his Instagram. First, he posted a photo of himself in some kind of SUV with the caption, “There’s 150 Navy SEALs with ghillie suit behind me [sic].”
Later that year, he added a heartfelt birthday post for his big brother, Cameron Douglas, and wrote, “Happy happy birthday to a beautiful soul, a brilliant mind, and most of all, an amazing brother. So thankful to have you in my life. I love you [sic].”
Dylan at 21
In 2021, he reached the US legal drinking age and continued sharing how he enjoyed life to the fullest by posting a photo seemingly at a beach party and adding the word “summer” as his caption.
Early in 2022, Dylan posted a photo of him on a boat looking incredibly handsome and added three pirate flag emojis. You can also see traces of Catherine in his features, along with the Douglas genes.
Later that year, Michael posted a family photo with the caption, “Touring The Breakers with the family!”
The actor followed this with another post of a fun weekend at the Miami Grand Prix with Dylan and wrote, “Miami baby! Thank you @f1mia for a fun weekend with @dylan__douglas! It was great meeting and presenting the Pirelli Pole Position Award to @charles_leclerc! #F1 #MiamiGP [sic].”
Just a few days later, the family attended Dylan’s graduation from Brown University. Michael posted a picture of his son in his cap and gown and wrote, “One proud Dad! Congratulations, Dylan! Well done! 👏 @dylan__douglas.”
Catherine Zeta-Jones also shared a heartfelt message to commemorate that special moment. It read, “Graduation congratulations to my boy, my pride, my joy, Dylan. I am inexplicably proud of you and I love you beyond words.”
Dylan at 22
As a graduate, Dylan appeared at more of his parents’ special events. In November 2022, he attended the premiere of Netflix’s “Wednesday” alongside his mother, who played the role of Morticia Addams.
Dylan Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones at the world premiere of Netflix’s “Wednesday” at Hollywood Legion Theater on November 16, 2022 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
The following month, they were also seen together at the premiere of the Disney+ Original Series “National Treasure: Edge Of History,” where Catherine played the role of Billie Pearce.
Dylan Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones at the premiere of the Disney+ Original Series “National Treasure: Edge Of History” at El Capitan Theatre on December 05, 2022 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
In January 2023, Dylan posted a photo taken at the beach and received tons of adoring comments from his followers. He’s all grown up now!
In June 2023, Michael posted a Father’s Day photo with his kids, adding the caption, “Happy Father’s Day to all! Peace and Love ❤️ 📸: @catherinezetajones.” Let’s now check out the most recent photos of this young man!
Dylan at 23
In March 2024, Dylan shared a photo from behind the scenes of a play he starred in. His mother commented, “So good. So happy I could get to see you in the play ❤ [sic].”
Later in May, Michael posted one of his signature Mother’s Day messages with a picture of the family and added, “Happy #MothersDay to you all, and especially you darling! You deserve it and we all love you so much @catherinezetajones ❤️ [sic].”
That same month, Dylan posted a photo with his girlfriend at a Rolling Stones concert. The caption read, “Still got it. @therollingstones.” His mother added a little comment here too, “Can we talk about access all areas!!!! So jealous❤️,” while other users also expressed their envy.
In July, the young man attended the “America’s Burning” premiere with his father and sister. Michael served as the narrator and executive producer for the documentary. Both Carys and Dylan looked comfortable next to their father, which shows that this is their world.
Carys, Michael, and Dylan Douglas at the “America’s Burning” premiere held at the DGA New York Theater on July 10, 2024 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
While Dylan appears at ease in the public eye, he possesses unique features that distinguish him from his famous father. Notably absent is the iconic chin dimple synonymous with the Douglas men.
For Dylan’s 23rd birthday, Michael posted, “Happy birthday Dylan! May YOUR new year, bring you joy, imagination, and love! Your biggest fan, Dad [sic].” One user noted, “He’s adorable 🥰 How did he not get that famous chin dimple like his dad and grandfather?” Another added, “What? No dimple in the chin?! Very handsome.“
Michael’s chin dimple is a feature that has been passed down from his own father, Kirk, but somehow skipped Dylan. On the other hand, it could be the angle of that birthday photo in particular or the lighting because there’s a definite dip in his chin in other photos.
Michael and Dylan Michael Douglas attend “Goodnight, Oscar” Broadway opening night at Belasco Theatre on April 24, 2023 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Regardless, this title detail hasn’t stopped fans from admiring Dylan’s good looks and strong resemblance to his father and grandfather. He even looks like his brother, who’s another carbon-copy of Michael. The Douglas men really conquered Hollywood thanks to their acting talent and handsomeness.
Cameron, Kirk, and Michael Douglas attend the ceremony honoring actor Michael Douglas with a Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame, in Hollywood, California on November 6, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Dylan at 24
Beyond his striking resemblance to his father and grandfather, Dylan is forging his own path. At 24, he’s balancing his political science background with a budding acting career, featuring in projects like “Phineas and Ferb” and “Formula 1: BBC Sport.” Only time will tell if he’ll earn a stellar reputation just like others in the family.
On his 24th birthday just a few days ago, Michael posted a heartfelt message with the caption, “Wow @dylan__douglas! 24! You’re moving fast my son! Wishing you a very happy birthday from a proud Father!” Dylan looks handsome once again in a cowboy hat, and his serious expression reflects the older, more mature man he’s becoming.
What do you think? Does he have a chin dimple or not? In any case, Dylan has grown into an amazing young man that fans and family alike admire. His transformation over the years has been a journey of self-discovery, filled with love, adventure, and a strong connection to his roots as part of Hollywood royalty.c