(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Michael Douglas says he is feeling happier and healthier every day.

The actor announced he was battling throat cancer earlier this year, after doctors found a walnut-sized tumour under his tongue. The 66-year-old underwent intensive radiation and chemotherapy, and he remains optimistic about his diagnosis.

Although he has been photographed looking frail in recent months, Michael insists he is fighting his way back to good health.

Im happy to be feeling the way I do today, he said during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. As opposed to how I felt a week ago.

The actor also revealed he is looking forward to starting work on his next movie role. He will play gay pianist Liberace next summer and has been watching tapes of the entertainer to prepare for the part. Everything shows me he was a lovely man, he added.

Even though Michaels cancer was believed to be at stage four, the star says he always expected to recover and get through the treatment. He will know in January if the tumour in his throat has gone, but he remains confident about his prognosis.

"I didn't think of this as life and death; I just saw it as an illness to get over," he explained.

Michael has been through a tough year personally, after seeing his son Cameron jailed for drug charges and his ex-wife Diandra Luker file a lawsuit in which she claimed she was entitled to some of his earnings from Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps.

However, he is still optimistic about life and feels ready to move on from all the turmoil.

After all the adversity Ive had this year, with my health and my sons incarceration, my ex-wife and the lawsuit to be able to sit here and talk to you, Im so happy, he added. (C) Cover Media