Douglas: Cameron Was 'Trying to Kill Himself'

Michael's letter joins long list of missives by famous pals

(NEWSER) - As Cameron Douglas awaits sentencing today on drug dealing charges, dad Michael is joining other family and friends in begging for leniency. Michael’s handwritten letter paints a picture of a child pressured by the two generations of fame that came before him and surrounded by other family members who struggled with substance abuse, including an uncle who died of an overdose in 2004, PopEater reports. More»

Hollywood life brought 'isolation and loneliness'

(NEWSER) - There are some downsides to being a celebrity’s son (apparently, it can lead you into drug dealing), but it has its upsides—like all the famous friends who will support you when you’re due to be sentenced for said drug dealing. Cameron Douglas’ famous father, grandfather, and stepmom—as well as a few other high-profile family friends, like Miami Heat president Pat Riley—have written letters begging the judge to be lenient, because Douglas’ life was so hard. More»

Now, he's trying to end destructive father-son cycle

(NEWSER) - Michael Douglas’ family has a history of difficult father-son relationships, but as son Cameron faces 10 years behind bars on drug charges, Douglas talks with Vanity Fair about second chances—with his own father, with Cameron, and with his youngest children. “My priorities were very similar” to father Kirk’s, Douglas says, recalling his absence from his son’s childhood. “Career first.” More»

Plus, a Kardashian is pregnant, and more

(NEWSER) - Who’s the boss? For a few Philadelphia 10th graders, it could be Tony Danza. The actor wants to temporarily transition into teaching as part of an A&E reality show, the Inquirer reports. The mayor is on his side, saying Danza “is dedicated to enriching the young people who enter his classroom.” Elsewhere:

• Kourtney Kardashian is pregnant with her first child, MTV reports. The reality star's babydaddy is on-off boyfriend Scott Disick.

And 5 more celebrity couples who used a surrogate mom

(NEWSER) - Following her successful treatment for breast cancer, more good news for E! personality Giuliana Rancic: She's expecting a baby with husband Bill. "We are so thrilled that our prayers have been answered," she tells E! . The couple struggled to conceive and is using a gestational surrogate, who is carrying their genetic child; the baby is due in late summer. Rancic joins these other celebrity parents who used surrogates:

• Sarah Jessica Parker: When the actress and hubby Matthew Broderick were expecting, SJP feared for her surrogate mom's safety, saying the paparazzi harassed her. She later gave birth —safely—to twins.