Michael Douglas says he has beaten cancer

Famous Hollywood film star Michael Douglas who was diagnosed with cancer in August 2010 has declared himself cancer-free, following a "wild six- month ride" that ended in him van quishing a life-threatening throat tumor, New York Post reported.

The Oscar-winning actor told the "Today" show's Matt Lauer that he's still going to see doctors regularly for several months - but believes the worst is over.

"I feel good, relieved. The tumor is gone," Douglas said in an interview. "I guess there's not a total euphoria. I'll probably take a couple of months of getting checked out. But it's been a wild six-month ride."

The "Wall Street" star admitted he's still feeling side effects of radiation treatment and his mouth is always dry at night.

"Salivary ducts have been closed down as a result of the radiation, probably for at least a year or two," he said.

He dropped 32 pounds during the life-or-death struggle, but has already regained 12 pounds by hitting the gym and the dinner table.

The illness hasn't dulled Douglas' basic instinct to chow down.

The 66-year-old acting legend is scheduled to begin shooting "Liberace" in May or June, playing the flamboyant pianist.

Douglas promised fans that his fingers will be limber and ready to tickle the ivories when cameras roll.

"I lost a lot of muscle mass, so I'm going to work on that," he said. "I'm going to get my fingers ready for Liberace, you know."

This brush with death, Douglas said, gave him a new appreciation for life.

"All of a sudden the affection from my family, from my friends, and from my fans hit me at a much deeper level than I would have ever imagined before," he said.