Michael Douglas Details Decades of Infidelity and On-Set Affairs in New Memoir

Michael Douglas, 84, has revealed the extent of his romantic life in his memoir, "One Helluva Ride," detailing numerous affairs and on-set flings throughout his career. The actor described a pattern of infidelity that began in his youth and continued through his marriages.

Douglas recounts a teenage relationship with an older friend of his mother, whom he referred to as his "Mrs. Robinson," a romance that lasted for a couple of years. He credits this experience with teaching him about women and increasing his confidence. His college years also saw him involved in multiple relationships simultaneously, including one with his roommate's girlfriend and another with ski resort heiress Nancy Pfister.

On-Set Romances

The actor's film career became a backdrop for several romantic entanglements. While filming the 1970 movie "Adam at 6 A.M.," Douglas had a passionate affair with co-star Lee Purcell, who was married at the time. Their relationship was kept secret from the cast, crew, and Purcell's husband.

Later, during the filming of "Summertree," Douglas fell in love with co-star Brenda Vaccaro. Their relationship, which included an honorary wedding ceremony, ended when Vaccaro began an affair with actor Don Stroud. Douglas eventually moved out after confronting Vaccaro.

Douglas's marriage to Diandra Luker, whom he met in 1977 and married within eight weeks, was also marked by infidelity. While they were experiencing marital difficulties and having affairs separately, Douglas began an affair with "Romancing the Stone" screenwriter Diane Thomas. He later had another on-set affair with "Basic Instinct" co-star Kathleen Turner. Douglas and Turner denied rumors of their relationship for decades before he admitted to it in his memoir. He sought Turner's permission before publishing these details.

Despite his marriage, Douglas continued other relationships. While filming "The War of the Roses," he had an affair with an unnamed woman, which was revealed when he inadvertently used a speakerphone during a call to make arrangements. Later, during the filming of "Basic Instinct," he had an affair with co-star Jeanne Tripplehorn, which made filming intimate scenes challenging.

Marriage and Reconciliation

In 1992, Douglas entered rehab for drug and alcohol addiction after Luker caught him being unfaithful. She presented him with an ultimatum: rehab or divorce. Although Douglas sobered up, the marriage ended in divorce in 1995.

After his divorce, Douglas dated several women, including Maureen Dowd, a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for The New York Times. He praised her wit and intellect, and they have remained friends.

Douglas met Catherine Zeta-Jones in 1998 on the set of "The Mask of Zorro." He described falling in love with her instantly and famously told her he would be the father of her children. After a period of long-distance communication, they began a monogamous relationship, marrying in 2000. They have two children together, Dylan and Carys.

The couple experienced a period of separation in 2013, with Douglas later attributing his throat cancer to oral sex, a statement his publicist later retracted. Douglas expressed in his memoir that he never gave up hope of reconciliation, valuing Zeta-Jones as his wife, best friend, and life partner. They reconciled within a year and will celebrate their 26th wedding anniversary in November. Douglas has stated that marriage requires significant effort and that their relationship is currently in good shape.