Michael Douglas opens up about his 2013 separation from Catherine Zeta-Jones, rejecting claims of winning her back and detailing their mutual reconciliation in his new memoir, One Helluva Ride, released on October 6. The 82-year-old actor also addresses a newly confessed 40-year-old affair with Kathleen Turner.
Michael Douglas Discusses the 2013 Separation and Marriage to Catherine Zeta-Jones
In his autobiography, One Helluva Ride, Douglas recalls that the temporary break came after a decade of marriage filled with mounting challenges that came at them all at once. Douglas moved out to a nearby residence during the trial separation, though they maintained regular communication while taking a purposeful break.
When The Sunday Times asked how he won
his wife back, the actor pushed back against the premise. What, I won her back? It was mutual,
Douglas said during his promotional tour. You know, we had our problems but I love her dearly and, 25 years, you know.
Zeta-Jones had checked into a rehabilitation facility in 2013 to manage bipolar disorder and depression, while Douglas was managing his own cancer diagnosis from 2010. By November 2013, the pair reconciled, with Douglas later expressing regret for embarrassing remarks he made regarding his health struggles during an earlier interview.
Reflecting on the duration of their relationship, Douglas noted that marriage requires ongoing dedication. I mean, I don’t know about your marital status, but marriage is a lot of work, you know,
he stated. Their journey together began after meeting in August 1998 at the Deauville Film Festival in France. Zeta-Jones eventually delivered a clear ultimatum after nine months of dating, telling him she was not interested in continuing if he was seeing other people, which prompted him to immediately make five quick phone calls to end his other connections. The couple subsequently married in an intimate ceremony on November 18, 2000, welcoming son Dylan in the same year and daughter Carys three years later.
Memoir Revelations Involve Past Romances and Romancing the Stone Costar Kathleen Turner
Alongside updates on his present marriage, Douglas uses his book to document past relationships, confirming a 40-year rumor that he and Kathleen Turner had a romantic affair while filming the 1984 adventure film Romancing the Stone. Douglas writes that he was immediately drawn to Turner’s voice and presence while working on the Mexico set, describing her as smart, funny, and sexy with a deep, sultry signature voice. At the time, Douglas was married to his first wife, Diandra Luker, though they were separated and both experiencing extramarital relationships amid a strained home life.
The secret romance ended when Luker visited the production with their son, Cameron, and made it clear to Turner that she viewed their marital boundaries differently. Douglas halted the affair to return to his family, although he and Luker ultimately divorced in 1995 before his eventual marriage to Zeta-Jones. Beyond Turner, the autobiography also touches upon other past relationships, including a passionate affair with Lee Purcell while making the 1970 movie Adam at 6 A.M. and a romance with screenwriter Diane Thomas during the pre-production phase of Romancing the Stone.
“Good heavens what a fuss about something 40 years ago! I love Michael and I look forward to enjoying the book.”
Kathleen Turner, via People
Reflections on Hollywood Royalty and Family Life
During an appearance on Good Morning America with Diane Sawyer, Douglas discussed his famous father, Kirk Douglas, describing him as a towering figure whose strict discipline left him shy in his youth. The actor also recalled having to deny his father the lead role in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest because studio executives felt Kirk Douglas was too old for the character, calling it the hardest thing he ever had to do.
Reflecting across his life and career in the final pages of his memoir, Douglas characterizes himself as fortunate to receive second chances in both his professional pursuits and his personal relationships with his children and his wife.
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