Michael Douglas Reflects on Marriage to Catherine Zeta-Jones: 'It's a Lot of Work'

Michael Douglas has shared candid reflections on his 26-year marriage to Catherine Zeta-Jones, emphasizing that maintaining a long-term relationship requires significant effort from both partners. In a recent interview promoting his memoir, "One Helluva Ride," the 82-year-old actor described his marriage as "a lot of work" but affirmed that he and Zeta-Jones are currently in a good place.

The couple, who met in 1998 and married in 2000, experienced a temporary separation in 2013, a period marked by personal health challenges for both actors. Zeta-Jones revealed her battle with depression and bipolar II disorder in 2011, seeking treatment at a mental health facility. Douglas himself was undergoing treatment for cancer, diagnosed in 2010. Zeta-Jones returned to a mental health facility in 2013 for continued treatment.

During this time, Douglas made controversial remarks in a 2013 interview, suggesting that the type of cancer he had could be caused by HPV contracted through oral sex. He later apologized for any embarrassment these comments may have caused Zeta-Jones. "It was one of those things… and I so regretted any embarrassment that it caused Catherine," he stated in a 2015 interview, referring to their brief split as a "little bump in the road."

Douglas clarified that their marital issues were resolved because "if both people want to work something out and make it better, you can do it. You can’t do it if it’s just one person." He expressed his deep love for Zeta-Jones, hoping the sentiment is mutual.

Zeta-Jones has also spoken about the dynamics of their marriage, noting that their careers, which often involve periods of separation, have contributed to its longevity. "Michael is, like, 'Do that job, that's amazing.' Then he's able to fly in and see me," she said, contrasting it with the potential monotony of daily domestic routines.

The couple share two children: Dylan, 26, and Carys, 23.

Douglas, who recently stepped back from acting after a nearly 60-year career, is now focused on promoting his memoir. Zeta-Jones has continued to work consistently, most recently gaining acclaim for her role as Morticia in the Netflix series "Wednesday" and starring in the spy thriller "Kill Jackie."