Actor Michael Douglas has revealed that his marriage to Welsh actress Catherine Zeta-Jones remains in remarkably good shape as the couple reflects on their nearly 30-year relationship. Douglas opened up about their long history together, addressing everything from their initial meeting to weathering past challenges, during a recent interview with The Sunday Times.
The couple initially crossed paths at the 1998 Deauville Film Festival in France, where Douglas, then 53, famously told a 28-year-old Zeta-Jones that he was going to be the father of her children. They married in a star-studded ceremony at the Plaza Hotel in New York in November 2000 and share two children, Dylan, 26, and Carys, 23.
Reflecting on a Decades-Long Bond and Past Separation
While the high-profile couple has enjoyed decades in the Hollywood spotlight, their union has faced its share of public tests. Notably, the pair took a brief time-out separation in 2013 before reconciling less than a year later. Rejecting narratives that he had to “win back” his wife, Douglas clarified that their decision to take space was completely mutual.
“What, I won her back? It was a mutual. You know, we had our problems, but I love her dearly and, 25 years, you know. Marriage is a lot of work, you know. And so, you know, we’re good. We’re in good shape. It’s all I can say,” Douglas told The Sunday Times.
In his recent memoir, One Helluva Ride, the 82-year-old actor further explores his life and career, noting that he never gave up hope during their 2013 split that they would successfully mend their relationship.
The Secrets to Their Lasting Hollywood Marriage
Zeta-Jones has similarly echoed sentiments of enduring commitment. In a recent appearance on Today With Jenna & Friends, the Wednesday star celebrated their silver wedding anniversary milestone, emphasizing mutual support and a shared sense of humor as key ingredients to their success.
“We still have fun. After all these years, our sense of humor is still pretty on, and I think that’s one of the keys,” Zeta-Jones said. “We laugh together, we laugh at each other, and I think that is just great.”
Zeta-Jones also noted that maintaining professional independence has allowed them to avoid mundane routines. With Douglas supporting her acting career and flying in to visit her on location, the couple continues to balance demanding professional lives with a solid foundation built over a quarter-century of marriage.
