Michael Douglas has shared the secrets behind his and Catherine Zeta-Jones’ enduring marriage, emphasizing the importance of humor, open communication, and empathy. The couple, who have been married since 2000, experienced a brief separation in 2013 but reconciled the following year.
Douglas told People that a good sense of humor is paramount, stating, “A good sense of humor doesn’t hurt, number one.” He also stressed the significance of talking through issues and avoiding absolutes in arguments. “And talking things out. Never using the words ‘never’ or ‘always’ when you get angry with each other,” he explained.
He further elaborated on the importance of understanding each other’s perspectives before making judgments. Douglas recounted his initial infatuation with Zeta-Jones after seeing her in “The Mask of Zorro” and how he pursued her. “When I first met her, I said, ‘Do you like golf?’ She said, ‘I love golf.’ Well, I melted,” he shared.
Reflecting on their temporary separation, Douglas acknowledged that communication was the key to their reunion. “Communication, talking. It’s an English trait — I know my mother had it — where you don’t talk about things that are uncomfortable,” he admitted. He believes that addressing difficult topics, even without immediate answers, fosters mutual understanding. “I think we have to be able to talk out some things. It’s made it easier for us to understand each other,” he said.
Douglas, who is promoting his memoir “One Helluva Ride,” also mentioned that he never gave up hope of reconciling with Zeta-Jones during their time apart. He described their 2013 separation as a mutual decision stemming from “problems” but affirmed that their love for each other never wavered.
The couple, who share two children, Dylan and Carys, married on November 18, 2000. Douglas recalled meeting Zeta-Jones at a film festival in France shortly after seeing her in “The Mask of Zorro.” He was struck by her intelligence, humor, confidence, and beauty.
In his memoir, Douglas also touches upon past relationships, including those with Kathleen Turner and Jeanne Tripplehorn.