Michael Douglas Admits On-Set Affair with "Basic Instinct" Co-Star
The actor revealed in his memoir that the affair was with Jeanne Tripplehorn, not Sharon Stone.
Michael Douglas has revealed that he had an on-set affair with his "Basic Instinct" co-star Jeanne Tripplehorn, who played his therapist in the 1992 erotic thriller. This disclosure contrasts with widespread speculation at the time that Douglas was involved with his other co-star, Sharon Stone, who played the film's lead suspect.
Douglas, now 82, details the relationship in his new memoir, "One Helluva Ride." He admits to having strong feelings for Tripplehorn, despite a nearly 20-year age difference. At the time of filming, Douglas was married to his first wife, Diandra Luker.
"In fact, I was ready to officially leave my wife for Jeanne," Douglas wrote in his memoir. "I was crazy about her."
He acknowledged, however, that ending a nearly two-decade marriage and beginning a new serious relationship would have been a detrimental step for him. The affair with Tripplehorn reportedly lasted through the production of "Basic Instinct," after which they went their separate ways.
"But I will always think of her as an amazing actress and a truly terrific woman that I was very fortunate to spend time with," Douglas stated.
Douglas eventually divorced Luker and has been married to Catherine Zeta-Jones since 2000. Tripplehorn, 63, married actor Leland Orser, 66, in 2000.
"One Helluva Ride" is now available. A representative for Tripplehorn did not immediately respond to requests for comment.