Michael Douglas Responds to Wife Catherine Zeta-Jones' Reaction to Memoir Revelations
The actor discussed his wife's awareness of his memoir's candid accounts of past affairs and struggles.
Michael Douglas has shared his wife Catherine Zeta-Jones' reaction to the personal revelations in his new memoir, "One Helluva Ride." The book, released on October 6, includes candid accounts of his past affairs with co-stars Kathleen Turner and Jeanne Tripplehorn, as well as his struggles with addiction.
During an appearance on the "Happy, Sad, Confused" podcast on the day of the book's release, Douglas, 82, stated that Zeta-Jones, 57, had only received the book two days prior. He humorously referred to the events detailed in the memoir as occurring in his life "B.C., before Catherine." He added, "And you know, we have a 25-year age difference, so I'm looking at some of these films, like with Kathleen, and Catherine would have been seven years old." Douglas expressed that he "doesn't feel bad" about the revelations, believing Zeta-Jones "understands."
In "One Helluva Ride," Douglas confirmed an affair with Kathleen Turner in 1983 while they were filming "Romancing the Stone." He noted that he and Turner had maintained for over 40 years that they denied rumors of a romance, despite admitting they "fell hard for each other and began a relationship" during production. Douglas was married to Diandra Luker at the time, though he stated they were separated and both engaged in extramarital affairs. He wrote that he and Turner kept their relationship secret for 40 years to protect Luker and their son, Cameron. After Luker visited the set with Cameron, making it clear to Turner that Douglas was still married, he and Turner decided to end their relationship.
Turner, in a statement to People, responded to the memoir's revelations, saying, "Good heavens, what a fuss about something 40 years ago! I love Michael, and I look forward to enjoying the book."
Douglas also disclosed an affair with Jeanne Tripplehorn during the filming of their 1992 movie "Basic Instinct." He wrote that he was "crazy about her" and was prepared to leave his wife for Tripplehorn. Their relationship lasted through production, but they parted ways afterward. Douglas stated that he had spoken with Tripplehorn before including the details in his book, and she was "was fine" with it.
The memoir also addresses Douglas' struggles with substance abuse, his relationship with his late father Kirk Douglas, and his son Cameron's battle with addiction. Douglas and Zeta-Jones married in 2000 and share two children, Dylan and Carys. The couple experienced a separation in 2013 before reconciling eight months later. Douglas wrote in his memoir that he never lost hope for reconciliation, stating, "She's my wife, my best friend, and my life partner. I could never lose her."