Dylan Douglas continues his step into the spotlight outside of his famous parents’ legacy with his online show Young American with Dylan Douglas.
The 24-year-old, the son of Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, started his SiriusXM radio show in September, leading up to the 2024 US Presidential election.
He most recently spoke with FAULT Magazine about his ambitions as a political commentator and the power of Gen-Z, specifically in the voting booth, while shedding some light on preconceived notions his famous background has accorded him.
Dylan was asked about maintaining his authenticity in a polarizing political world that also included ideas of his family background, and responded with: “Often, people already have perceptions of who I am before they even meet me.”
“In a world where I’m often being defined by everything under the sun but who I am as a person, I’ve always been driven to be myself and to stay true to my beliefs and principles.”
Dylan had been working with political campaigns behind-the-scenes for quite some time after graduating from Brown University (where his younger sister Carys is now a student).
However, he defined his move into the spotlight with his own radio show as one driven by high stakes, adding: “That’s what inspired me. I felt we were turning our backs on so much of what makes America special.”
“The rhetoric I was seeing, some of the policies being floated — I couldn’t believe this was who we are as a nation,” he continued. “That was very scary, but it also inspired me to do everything I can to stay true to and fight for the ideals I was raised to uphold.”
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He expanded upon his role “uplifting” the voice of young American voters and political enthusiasts, saying: “That took many forms, including uplifting the next generation of American political leaders by working on political campaigns.”
© Instagram“I see my role as host of Young American very much in the same way. Even though I am the host, it’s the guests who are most important — my role, just like in the campaigns I worked on, is to help elevate and amplify their stories, platforms, and messages.”
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He also spoke candidly about balancing differing opinions, especially addressing people with views drastically different from his own. “I listen,” Dylan reasoned. “From the start of my show each week, I try to dive into topics that I myself don’t know much about.”
© Getty Images“I use the show — selfishly, in a way — as an excuse to learn. I’ve been able to learn so much from my generation. With most people I meet, I may not agree entirely, but there’s always common ground. Finding that takes listening and having an open mind.”
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He continued: “A challenge I’ve faced is that the show itself focuses on young Americans — Gen Z — across the country and how we relate to and participate in our political process.”
© Getty Images“Our generation is very broad and diverse, with over 40 million eligible voters. Incorporating so much diversity, lived experiences, perspectives, and political persuasions, while staying true to what I believe in, has been a challenge — but a very rewarding one.”
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