Michael Douglas Claims Kobe Bryant Competed for Catherine Zeta-Jones' Affection
The actor recounts in his memoir how the NBA star made frequent visits to Zeta-Jones' home.
Michael Douglas has revealed that NBA legend Kobe Bryant once vied for the attention of his now-wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, early in their relationship. Douglas details the competition in his new memoir, "One Helluva Ride."
The couple met at the Deaville American Film Festival in France in 1998. Following their initial encounter, Douglas and Zeta-Jones, who lived on opposite coasts of the United States, faced periods of separation. Zeta-Jones resided in a home in the Pacific Palisades, which was located near Bryant's residence.
"Apparently Kobe kept finding excuses to stop by Catherine's house," Douglas wrote in his memoir, humorously adding, "I’m not sure how many times he ‘lost his dog’ but it was a lot!"
At the time of these encounters, Bryant had not yet met Vanessa Laine, whom he would marry in 2001.
Douglas, 82, and Zeta-Jones, 57, became engaged on New Year's Eve 1999 and married on November 18, 2000. The actor noted that while Zeta-Jones was based in Los Angeles, her burgeoning film career often took her around the world. He recalled their frequent phone conversations that eventually led to their reunion.
Bryant and Vanessa were married for 19 years before his tragic death in a helicopter crash in January 2020, which also claimed the life of their 13-year-old daughter, Gianna.
Following the crash, Zeta-Jones shared a tribute to Bryant, recalling their time as neighbors when they were both young and ambitious. She mentioned that Bryant's dog was the initial connection, as it would wander into her garden. Zeta-Jones expressed her condolences for the "tragic news" and the "unimaginable loss."
Douglas's memoir touches upon various aspects of his life and career, including his first encounter with Zeta-Jones after seeing an early screening of her 1998 film "The Mask of Zorro." He described her as "smart, funny, unpretentious, and, yes, breathtakingly beautiful."
The book also addresses the couple's brief separation in 2013, with Douglas stating he "never gave up hope" for reconciliation. He recently told Page Six that Zeta-Jones has not yet finished reading his memoir but that he has discussed its contents with her. Douglas expressed satisfaction with the candor of his book, saying, "I’m happy I got it out there."