Michael Douglas Reveals On-Set Affairs with Basic Instinct and Romancing the Stone Co-Stars

Michael Douglas has revealed details of on-set affairs he had during the filming of two of his iconic films, "Basic Instinct" and "Romancing the Stone." The revelations come in his new memoir, "One Helluva Ride."

During the production of the 1992 erotic thriller "Basic Instinct," Douglas, then 47 and married to his first wife Diandra Luker, became romantically involved with his co-star Jeanne Tripplehorn, who was 28 at the time. Douglas confessed in his memoir that he was so enamored with Tripplehorn that he considered leaving his wife for her. He noted that he assured Tripplehorn that he and Luker had formally separated, though he characterized his marriage as having "separate lives" and being "in a bad place" with frequent separations.

Douglas described the relationship with Tripplehorn as lasting through production, after which they parted ways. He referred to her as an "amazing actress and a truly terrific woman." Tripplehorn later married actor Leland Orser in 2000, with whom she has a son. Douglas and Luker officially divorced three years after "Basic Instinct" was released, and he married Catherine Zeta-Jones in 2000.

The memoir also addresses an affair Douglas had with Kathleen Turner during the filming of their 1984 adventure film "Romancing the Stone." Douglas admitted that he and Turner were instantly attracted to each other. He stated that his marriage to Luker was in a difficult state, and both he and Luker were having extramarital affairs at the time. He described his relationship with Turner as growing from their close working proximity, mutual respect, and attraction.

Douglas and Turner reportedly maintained a level of discretion regarding their affair. However, rumors reached Luker, who reportedly traveled to the film's set in Mexico. Douglas and Turner maintained a public denial of their romance, a decision Douglas characterized as an effort "to protect my wife and son."

Turner, in past interviews, had acknowledged a strong chemistry and flirtatious dynamic with Douglas but had denied a full-fledged affair, attributing the end of any potential escalation to Luker's presence on set. She has reportedly reacted with equanimity to Douglas's confessions in his memoir, stating, "Good heavens, what a fuss about something 40 years ago! I love Michael and I look forward to enjoying the book."

Douglas and Turner went on to co-star in two sequels, "The Jewel of the Nile" (1985) and "The War of the Roses" (1989).