Michael Douglas Reflects on Brief 2013 Separation from Catherine Zeta-Jones
The actor shared his perspective on their marital difficulties and eventual reconciliation in a new interview promoting his memoir.
Michael Douglas has spoken candidly about the brief separation he and his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, experienced in 2013, stating that he "never gave up hope" on their reconciliation. The Oscar-winning actor, 82, discussed the period of difficulty in his marriage during a recent interview with The Sunday Times, coinciding with the promotion of his memoir, "One Helluva Ride."
"It was a mutual… You know, we had our problems but I love her dearly and, 25 years, you know," Douglas said, reflecting on their enduring relationship. He acknowledged that marriage requires significant effort, adding, "I mean, I don’t know about your marital status, but marriage is a lot of work, you know." He confirmed that they are currently in a good place, stating, "We’re in good shape. It’s all I can say."
When asked if Zeta-Jones, 57, was concerned about the memoir's release, Douglas mentioned that she had not yet read it.
The couple, who married on November 18, 2000, briefly separated in August 2013, nearly 13 years into their marriage. At the time, Douglas had told People magazine they were "working things out, talking, and we’ll see how she goes." The pair, who share two children, Dylan and Carys, reconciled shortly thereafter. Douglas previously discussed their reconciliation on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" in 2015, noting that the relationship was not a "one-way street" and that "every couple has their difficult times."
Douglas also touched upon the pressures of public scrutiny on celebrity relationships, observing that their private lives tend to be "a little more exposed than most." He concluded at the time by stating, "We’re back stronger than ever."
Last November, Zeta-Jones commemorated their 25th wedding anniversary with a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, reminiscing about their wedding day and expressing her continued love for Douglas.
In his memoir, Douglas also addresses other aspects of his life, including a past extramarital affair with his "Romancing the Stone" co-star Kathleen Turner while he was married to his first wife, Diandra Luker. Douglas described their relationship as occurring while he and Luker were separated and both involved in other affairs.
"One Helluva Ride" is set to be released on Tuesday.