Photo credit: intern Andrew Dubbs
“Gordon Gekko” and “Liberace” were in the house at The United States Institute of Peace this week posing as Emmy and Academy Award winner Michael Douglas.
Actor Michael Douglas
There as a guest of Ploughshares Fund with Secretary of State John F. Kerry to celebrate victories in reducing nuclear threats, Douglas – the gravelly voiced acting chameleon – was a hit. Ploughshares Fund is a publicly supported foundation that funds, organizes and innovates projects to realize a world free from the threat of nuclear weapons.
Joseph Cirincione, Ploughshares Fund Board Member, with Michael Douglas
“You may think this a non-sequitur,” joked Atlantic’s Editor-at-Large Steve Clemons, “but just think what Liberace (played by Douglas in Behind the Candelabra) might have done to add some mainstream razzle dazzle to nuclear negotiations and chemical weapons destruction far earlier than we have now. Seriously though, the real and consequential purpose of the reception is for Michael Douglas, who is the master of ceremonies, and Secretary Kerry to address the uptick in diplomatic opportunities today to help secure a safer world.”
Michael Douglas, Steve Clemons, Gretchen Toles and Tom Toles
Douglas wasn’t the only actor on board. Farshad Farahat who played Azizi, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in ARGO, was also in the house.
Michael Douglas with Farshad Farahat
Hollywood on the Potomac discussed the nuclear situation in Iran with Farshad.
“After Argo, I had met Joe (Cirincione) in L.A.,” Farahat explained. “It’s pretty clear that the issue for us around here is the rebels, but we also do not believe that nuclear weapons have any room in Iran. Nuclear weapons have no room in Iran’s government or anywhere in Iran. 70% of the population that’s under 30 are vying for no nuclear weapons.
I’m hoping to keep a united society, especially the civil society. Civil society in Iran and civil society here are, in my opinion, the strongest tools to flip to zero. I believe the majority of Americans and Iranians desire a world with no nuclear weapons. The Ploughshares Fund is a strong force for that realization. I am honored to be amongst peacemakers.”
We covered the ARGO DC premiere back in February – a look back here.
ARGO interviews:
For full remarks and video at the Ploughshared Fund Gala with Secretary of State John Kerry, click the link below the photo.
Secretary of State John Kerry
Remarks by Secretary of State and program
The World Must Stand Together video ad: I demand ZERO
“I’ve watched it,” said Farahat. “It’s very inspirational. The more educated people get involved, the more powerful and influential people get involved, I think we can get this message across, especially to the new generation. I’m part of it and I don’t believe we have room for even one nuclear weapon.”
