Michael Douglas Recalls Kobe Bryant as Rival for Catherine Zeta-Jones' Affection
In his new memoir, the actor details how the NBA star's frequent visits to Zeta-Jones' home in Los Angeles created early romantic competition.
Michael Douglas has revealed that in the early days of his relationship with Catherine Zeta-Jones, he considered basketball legend Kobe Bryant a rival for her attention. Douglas, 82, recounted in his new memoir, "One Helluva Ride," that he met Zeta-Jones, 57, at the Deauville American Film Festival in France in 1998. Their romance was initially long-distance, with Douglas based in New York and Zeta-Jones in Los Angeles.
Zeta-Jones' home was located directly below the residence of Bryant, who was then 20 years old and had joined the Los Angeles Lakers two years prior. According to Douglas' memoir, Bryant frequently found reasons to visit Zeta-Jones' house. "Apparently Kobe kept finding excuses to stop by Catherine’s house," Douglas wrote. "I’m not sure how many times he 'lost his dog,' but it was a lot!"
One year after meeting Zeta-Jones, Bryant met Vanessa Laine, who would become his wife in 2001. They had four daughters together. Zeta-Jones herself recalled living near Bryant when she posted a tribute to him in January 2020 following his death in a helicopter crash. She mentioned that their initial interactions were sparked by Bryant's dog wandering into her garden.
Douglas' memoir also touches on his and Zeta-Jones' relationship milestones. They welcomed their son Dylan in August 2000, followed by their daughter Carys in April 2003. The couple married in November 2000 at the Plaza Hotel in New York. Douglas' first marriage to Diandra Luker, from 1977 to 1995, produced a son named Cameron.
The couple experienced marital challenges, notably in the early 2010s when Douglas battled throat cancer and Zeta-Jones was diagnosed with bipolar II disorder. They briefly separated in 2013 but reconciled later that year. Douglas has described their marriage as requiring consistent effort. "Marriage is a lot of work, you know. And so, you know, we're good. We're in good shape. It's all I can say," he stated in a recent interview.
Douglas also addressed a controversial comment he made in 2013 about his throat cancer being caused by HPV, which he linked to oral sex. He later apologized for any embarrassment the remark caused Zeta-Jones.
Douglas and Zeta-Jones have maintained a sense of humor regarding their age difference, often joking about it in interviews. Their children, Dylan (26) and Carys (23), have entered the acting profession, a path Zeta-Jones has defended against accusations of nepotism, emphasizing their passion and talent.