At 79, Michael Douglas FINALLY Admits the Truth About His Marriage

Michael Douglas, a legendary actor known  for his versatility and profound impact   on the movie industry, has once again made  headlines. This time, it's not for a new film,   but for something far more personal.  Following the widespread internet rumors   of his divorce from Catherine Zeta-Jones,  numerous speculations and assumptions have   surfaced. Although the couple has been silent  on the issue for many years, Michael Douglas   has finally opened up about his  marriage. What truth did he admit? Before we dive into what transpired  between Michael and his wife,   let's explore his early life and  career as an outstanding actor. Early Life Michael Kirk Douglas was   born on September 25, 1944, in New Brunswick, New  Jersey. He was the first child of Kirk Douglas,   a Hollywood icon, and his first wife, Diana Dill,  who was an actress and model. Raised in a family   deeply rooted in the entertainment industry,  Michael's early exposure to the fascinating world   of acting contributed to his later success in the  industry. Despite growing up in a privileged home,   Michael’s life wasn't without challenges. When he was just six years old, his parents   divorced, and this had a huge impact on his  life. As a result, he and his brother Joel   were forced to move in with their mother and her  new husband. Despite this incident, Michael kept   a close relationship with his father, always  visiting him during movie sets. It was during   these visits that he developed a strong attraction  for acting. Watching his father perform stirred   in him a strong desire to follow the same path. Michael attended Allen-Stevenson School in New   York City before transferring to Eaglebrook School  in Deerfield, Massachusetts, where he was about   a year younger than all of his classmates. His  last stop was at the prestigious Choate Rosemary   Hall in Wallingford, Connecticut. At Choate  Rosemary Hall, Michael joined the drama club   and participated in school plays,expenses,  demonstrating his growing love for acting.  While Michael was determined to  follow his father's path as an actor,   his father strongly kicked against it. Kirk  perceived the industry as a maze of ups and   downs that would potentially entangle his son.  Even though he wanted the best for his son,   Michael was bent on becoming an actor. After graduating from high school in 1963,   Michael pursued a higher education at the  University of California, Santa Barbara,   where he majored in drama. During his time  at the university, he dedicated himself to   learning more about acting and stage performance,  a combination that would enhance his skills as an   upcoming actor. It was during his time at UCSB  that Michael's dedication to acting solidified,   setting the stage for his future career. Recognizing the importance of real-world   experience, Michael sought out hands-on  opportunities to advance his career.   Despite the extensive knowledge he gathered  from the university, he knew that hands-on   industry experience was essential to gaining  balance in a competitive field. As a result,   he took up the role of assistant director  for his father, Kirk Douglas. This position   allowed him to learn the intricacies of film  production and the demands of the industry.  Michael’s dedication soon paid off, as he landed  himself a small but significant position as a   jeep driver in his father's film “Cast a Giant  Shadow." This position not only paved the way   for his future career but also equipped him  with the real-world experience he needed to   advance in the industry. Michael gained  first-hand insight into film production,   including the filming process, expenses, and the  charisma and courage required to stand out as an   actor. This experience endowed him with invaluable  skills and a deeper understanding of the industry,   laying a strong foundation for his future career. After earning his bachelor's degree in drama   from the University of California, Santa  Barbara, Michael set out into the world   to pursue his acting career. Despite his  father's popularity in the movie industry,   Michael wanted a name for himself. At the  time, people were already labeling him as   “the next Kirk Douglas,” but he wanted to carve  his path. To achieve this, he deliberately chose   roles that were the opposite of his father's,  opting for wimpy, hippy, and quiet parts.  Michael started taking on roles in small movies  and gradually building himself to the top. In   1969, he landed his first major film role in  the movie “Hail Hero." He portrayed Carl Dixon,   a young student who left school to join  the army in hopes of using love rather than   bullets to combat the Viet Cong. Even though  this movie didn't gain widespread popularity,   it earned him a nomination for the Golden  Globe Award for Most Promising Male Newcomer.  This little milestone was a stepping stone  for his career but despite his little fame,   Michael remained resilient, hoping for  better and brighter opportunities. In 1970,   he starred in “Adams at 6 a.m.,” directed by  Robert Scheerer, where he played the role of   a university professor caught between pursuing  love and returning to his job. Later in 1971,   his dedication and hard work earned him a role  in the movie "Summertree." While these movies   didn't give him the fame he wanted, they helped  him enhance his acting skills and versatility,   paving the way for better opportunities. Michael remained persistent and dedicated   to his craft; he continued to feature in several  other movies, honing his acting skills and gaining   mastery. Little did he know that his next role  would catapult him to stardom. It's safe to   say that success is sometimes unpredictable. Michael’s acting career took a major turn with   his role in the TV series “The Streets of San  Francisco." The show, which aired from 1972 to   1977, featured Michael as Inspector Steve Keller  alongside veteran actor Karl Malden. This time,   the show gained widespread popularity, and  Michael's outstanding performance earned him   three consecutive Emmy Award nominations,  solidifying his position as a prominent   figure in the television industry. Michael also  developed a strong bond with Malden, addressing   him as his “mentor” and someone he “admired  and loved deeply." Even after leaving the show,   Michael maintained a long relationship with  his mentor until he died in 2009. This not only   reveals Michael's nature as a grateful person  but also as someone who recognizes excellent   opportunities and cherishes lasting relationships. While Michael continued to make waves in his   acting career, he decided to  explore a world beyond acting. First Taste of Love and Career Success In 1971, after filming "Summertree,”   Michael got entangled with Brenda Vaccaro,  an American film actress recognized for her   performances in “Once Is Not Enough," “Capricorn  One,” and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood." When   Michael first saw Brenda in the film "The Midnight  Cowboy," he was instantly infatuated with her and   begged his father to feature her in "Summertree." During their relationship, the Hollywood couple   were often spotted together attending star-studded  events, including the 47th and 48th Academy   Awards. By 1973, Michael and Brenda were living  together in Beverly Hills, having the best moments   of their lives. However, their relationship went  south when Brenda fell in love with actor Don   Stroud after promising to marry Michael, leaving  him heartbroken. In an interview, Brenda expressed   her deep regrets for her actions. She said,  “Finally, it came time to say that we were   doing it for real. I said, ‘Yes,’ then wound up  backing out of it. I really messed that one up.”  Despite this heartbreaking experience, Michael’s  determination and passion for acting kept him   moving forward. As his acting career advanced,  he chose to explore different dramatic genres   by taking on a role in the film “Napoleon and  Samantha." In this film, he portrays himself as   a compassionate young man, assisting two kids  in caring for their aging lion, showcasing his   ability to connect with both children and animals. While Michael was still working on "The Streets of   San Francisco," he decided to step up his game by  venturing into film production. After his father   failed to successfully turn Ken Kesey's novel  One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest into a film, he   reached out to his father and acquired the novel's  rights. Michael showcased his creative abilities   by transforming the novel into a cinematic  masterpiece in 1975. The film was a massive   success, winning over five Academy Awards, such  as Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay,   Best Actor, and Best Actress, and grossing over  one hundred and eighty million dollars at the   box office. This achievement not only showcased  Michael's talent as a producer but also marked   the beginning of a brighter career in Hollywood. Despite his success as a producer, Michael resumed   his acting career in the late nineteen seventies.  To cement his name as a well-known figure in the   industry, Michael took on roles that would further  showcase his versatility as an actor. In 1978,   he took on the role of a hospital doctor  in the medical thriller "Coma," a film   that kept viewers glued to their screens with its  depiction of medical conspiracy and malpractice.  After Michael’s separation from Brenda Vaccaro,  he decided to give love a second chance. In 1977,   he married Diandra Luker, who was just  nineteen years old at the time, and in 1978,   their son Cameron was born, creating a special  bond and a sense of fulfillment in his life.  While Michael’s on-screen personality showcased  a man with remarkable talent, his off-screen   personality is filled with addictions that  even his extraordinary talent can’t overcome. Personal Demons and Struggles Behind the scenes, Michael struggled   with substance abuse. The pressures from  Hollywood, combined with the expectations set   by his famous father, Kirk Douglas, contributed  to his reliance on substances and alcohol as a   coping mechanism. His addiction not only strained  his relationship with his wife but also had a   negative impact on his son, Cameron. Regardless of his addictions,   Michael continued to build his portfolio by taking  on more movie roles. In the movie "Runner,” he   played the role of a troubled marathon runner,  a film that delved into the psychological and   physical challenges that athletes face. His  performance captured the intense struggle   and determination of his character, adding  another layer to his growing repertoire.  1979 proved to be a pivotal year for Michael,  not just as an actor but also as a producer.   He produced and starred in "The China Syndrome,"  alongside Jane Fonda and Jack Lemmon. The movie,   which centred around a nuclear power plant  accident, uncannily foresaw the “Three Mile   Island incident” that occurred just twelve days  after its release. The film was considered "one   of the most intelligent Hollywood films of  the nineteen seventies." It was also praised   for its sharp commentary on corporate  malpractice and environmental safety.  Michael's career as an actor and producer in the  nineteen eighties reached new heights, thanks   to a series of commercially successful movies.  He landed his first leading man role in the 1984   romantic adventure movie titled "Romancing the  Stone," directed by Robert Zemeckis. This movie   was particularly special to Michael because he had  started developing the project several years ago.  The movie's blend of romance, humor, and adventure  captivated viewers worldwide and resulted in a   staggering amount of more than a hundred million  dollars at the box office. Michael once again   showcased his ability to take on diverse roles. In  1984, he won the National Association of Theater   Owners' Producer of the Year award for this film. Riding high on the success of “Romancing the   Stone,” Michael teamed up with Turner and  DeVito in 1985 to produce “The Jewel of   the Nile," a sequel to “Romancing the Stone."  Michael’s commitment to producing quality stories   ensured that the movie was another success.  This movie further cemented Michael's status,   not just as a producer but as a leading actor. After a lengthy break from acting, Michael   returned to the screen in 1987, appearing in two  of the year's biggest hits. He starred opposite   Glenn Close in the successful psychological  thriller "Fatal Attraction." The movie's portrayal   of infidelity and obsession left viewers on the  edge of their seats. That same year, Michael   played the role of a ruthless corporate raider,  Gordon Gekko, in Oliver Stone’s “Wall Street.”   Michael, with his unique abilities, brought to  life a character that portrayed the greed and   excess of the nineteen-eighties financial world.  His acting skills were so outstanding that they   earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor, a  testament to his powerful performance. His mantra,   “Greed is good," remains one of the most memorable  lines in the nineteen-eighties financial culture.  Michael continued to showcase his acting  skills throughout the late nineteen eighties   and nineteen nineties. Reuniting with Danny  Davito and Kathleen Turner, Michael starred in   the movie “The War of Roses" in 1989. This dark  comedy about a couple's acrimonious divorce was   directed by Danny DeVito and showcased Michael’s  ability to combine drama and dark humor, earning   him more praise for his versatility. That same  year, Michael entered the world of international   crime drama. In Ridley Scott’s “Black Rain,” he  played the role of a New York cop entangled in a   dangerous investigation. This film was evidence  of Michael's versatility, as he took on a role   that required intense action and killed it,  showcasing his true abilities as a dynamic actor.  In 1992, Paul Verhoeven directed the erotic  thriller "Basic Instinct," in which Michael   portrayed Nick Curran, a San Francisco  homicide detective investigating the   murder of rock and roll musician Johnny Boz. This  movie sparked controversy due to its depiction of   bisexuality and lesbianism. However, Michael  delivered his usual exceptional performance.   This further demonstrates his knack for taking  on even the most complex and controversial   roles. Having played similar roles in “Basic  Instinct” and “Fatal Attraction,” many people   began to perceive Michael as being typecast in  the 'Man against Woman' type roles. However,   one should not judge a person based on a movie,  as it is not a true representation of reality.  Despite the rumors and speculations, Michael  continued to appear in several movies. March   1994 marked another major milestone in Michael’s  career as he announced the formation of his   new film production company, Douglas/Reuther  Productions, in partnership with Steve Reuther.   This new venture showed his ambition to expand  his influence in the Hollywood industry. That same   year, Michael teamed up with Demi Moore in the hit  movie "Disclosure." This movie focused deeply on   indecent harassment and the negativity inherent  in it. Michael portrayed a man who faces sexual   harassment from his new female boss, addressing  common misdeeds in business environments. This   movie resonated deeply with viewers, especially  those who have experienced similar ordeals.  Michael's worldwide popularity and extraordinary  performances earned him several awards,   not just as an actor but as a role model for  upcoming actors. His influence on the industry   was significant and deserved recognition. He  was honoured with the Crystal Globe Award for   his outstanding artistic contribution to world  cinema at the Karlovy Vary International Film   Festival. He also received an Academy Award for  his role in “Wall Street." These awards were   a testament to his status as a top-tier actor  and his enduring impact on the movie industry.  Throughout the nineteen nineties, Michael  continued to dominate the movie industry with   a series of memorable performances. In 1933,  he gave one of his most powerful performances   opposite Robert Duvall in Joel Schumacher's  controversial drama “Falling Down." In this film,   he portrayed the role of a man pushed to  the brink by societal pressures. His deep   portrayal of the character earned him praise,  showing his skills in handling complex roles.   This film received so many positive  reviews and grossed over ninety-six   million dollars against a twenty-five  million dollar budget. In addition to this,   the movie took the top spot at the United States  box office in the first two weeks of its release.  Furthermore, in 1966, Michael starred in  “The Ghost and the Darkness, directed by   Stephen Hopkins. This movie portrayed him  as a skilled hunter tasked with stopping   a pair of man-eating lions, revealing  his brave nature and love for humanity.  On November 19, 1997, Michael hit another major  milestone in his career as a Hollywood power   player by founding his fourth film production  company, “Furthur Films." This move underscored   his understanding of collaboration and commitment  to the Hollywood industry. His collaboration with   director David Fincher in “The Game” was  another hit, as he navigated a more complex   role filled with suspense and psychological  twists. He portrayed Nicholas Van Orton,   an investment banker caught in a mysterious and  life-changing game. His gripping performance   received worldwide acclaim, adding another layer  to his impressive list of thrillers. In 1998,   Michael paid homage to Alfred Hitchcock with his  role in “A Perfect Murder,” a modern remake of   the 1954 classic thriller “Dial M for Murder.”  In this gripping drama, he played a wealthy   man trying to kill his wife, highlighting his  talent for portraying morally complex characters. Michael Douglas's Acting  Career in the Two thousands  With Michael’s extraordinary performances in  several movies, he quickly became a cultural   phenomenon and a favorite actor among  viewers. His mannerisms and on-screen   demeanor became an imprint for younger actors  to follow. As Michael progressed in his career,   he continued to engage viewers with his wide  range of films. The new millennium brought even   more opportunities for Michael to demonstrate his  acting skills. Despite his extensive filmography,   it is his unwavering consistency and dedication  to the industry that will cement his legacy.  Michael’s love for acting continued to steer  him towards taking on more roles in movies   and expanding his repertoire. In the early two  thousand, Michael entered into a phase of diverse   film roles and family collaboration. He starred  in Steven Soderbergh’s critically acclaimed   film “Traffic,” where he performed alongside  Benicio del Toro and his future wife Catherine   Zeta-Jones. Their exceptional performance earned  them a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding   Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. That same year, Michael received widespread   praise for his role in “Wonder Boys,” where he  portrayed a professor and novelist struggling   with writer’s block. His subtle performance  earned him nominations for a Golden Globe   Award for Best Actor in a Drama and a BAFTA  Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role,   reinforcing his status as one of Hollywood’s  most versatile and respected actors.  Despite these major awards, Michael faced several  challenges in his marriage. His drug addiction   continued to strain his marriage, which led to  a divorce from his wife, Diandra Luker. Their   divorce made headlines as one of the most  expensive divorce settlements in Hollywood,   with Diandra receiving a staggering sum of  forty-five million dollars in a settlement. Michael Douglas's Second Marriage After finalizing his divorce from   Diandra Luker in June 2000, Michael rekindled  his relationship with Catherine Zeta-Jones,   whom he met in 1998. Michael and Catherine crossed  paths for the first time at the Deauville Film   Festival in France in August 1998. Immediately, he  set his eyes on her; he was instantly captivated   by her beauty. Michael recalled the awkward moment  when he almost messed up his game. When he first   saw her, the first thing he said was, “I’m going  to be the father of your children.” This statement   didn't sit well with Catherine, who responded.  I’ve heard a lot about you and I’ve seen a   lot about you and I think it’s time that I said  goodnight.” However, Michael remained persistent,   sending her roses and an apology letter  for his comment. After much persuasion,   she finally succumbed to his proposal, despite the  horrible stories she heard about him. Could this   be because of his money, fame, or true love? Well,  we will find out as their love story progresses.  On New Year's Eve in 1999, Michael took the bold  step and proposed to Catherine in Aspen, Colorado,   with a stunning 10-carat diamond  ring. They welcomed their first son,   Dylan Douglas, on August 8, 2000, in Los  Angeles. One year after their engagement,   Michael tied the knot with Cathrine in a lavish  ceremony at the Plaza Hotel in New York City on   November 18, 2000. Despite a lot of people having  reservations about their relationship due to their   age difference and the circumstances surrounding  his first divorce, Michael and Cathrine appeared   to be the most excited couple of the year,  paying no attention to their reservations.  The star-studded wedding was one of the most  talked-about weddings of the year, with guests   including celebrities Goldie Hawn, Jack Nicholson,  Barbara Walters, and Tom Hanks. The couple’s   wedding photos were sold to OK! magazine for a  reported one point four million dollars, with   the proceeds donated to charity. After his wedding in 2000, Michael continued   to pursue his career as an actor. In 2001, he  starred in the psychological thriller “Don’t Say   a Word,” a role he took on just before his highly  publicized marriage to Catherine Zeta-Jones. He   played Dr. Nathan Conrad, a psychiatrist  racing to save his kidnapped daughter.   The movie's gripping storyline and Michael's  intense performances showcased his ability to   delve into the lives of the complex characters. During the filming of “Intolerable Cruelty,”   Cathrine discovered she was pregnant  with her second child. This joyful news   brought excitement and love to the family. The  couple welcomed their second child together,   daughter Carys Zeta Douglas, on Easter Sunday  in 2003. Marking a new chapter in their lives.  That same year, Michael took on a very personal  project, “It Runs in the Family." This unique   movie brought together three generations of  the Douglas family—his legendary father Kirk,   his mother Diana, and his son Cameron—showcasing  the acting abilities of the Douglas family.   Despite the movie's show of family love and  affection, it struggled to gain popularity.   This setback didn't stop Michael from pursuing  his career. That same year, he starred in the   comedy film “The In-Laws,” where he took on  the role of Steve Tobias, a CIA operative. His   performance brought a humorous touch to the film,  showing his skills in mixing drama with comedy.  Michael received recognition for his illustrious  career once again in 2004. He was awarded the   prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 2004  Golden Globes. This award was a testament to   his significant contributions to the cinematic  world, and interestingly, he and his father,   Kirk Douglas, are the only father and son  to have both been awarded this recognition.   This shows how exceptional the duo are. Despite his remarkable achievements,   Michael continued to face numerous  challenges in his life. His struggles   highlighted the fact that even wealthy  people experience difficult and trying times.  In 2003, Michael found himself in the midst of  an intimate misconduct allegation. The incident   drew media attention and sparked widespread  discussion about accountability and transparency   in the Hollywood industry. Susan Braudy, who had  worked for Michael in the late nineteen eighties,   alleged that the actor once played with  himself in front of her during a script   meeting at his home. She also alleged that he  was prone to making vulgar jokes and comments   about her body during their time working together. Michael denied the allegations, calling them “an   unfortunate and complete fabrication." Michael’s  wife also expressed her dissatisfaction with the   allegations; she said, “My children and I were  profoundly devastated by those allegations. And I   was torn about where my absolute morals lie.” This  case was, however, dismissed due to insufficient   evidence. This highlighted the challenges  celebrities face due to public scrutiny.  While Michael prided himself on being a renowned  actor, his addictions and imperfections left a   negative imprint on his son's life. Cameron grew  up in the shadow of his famous family, where   his father and grandfather, Kirk Douglas, were  already Hollywood legends. Despite the privilege   it brought, he struggled to find his path. "How  do you compete with Kirk Douglas? How do you live   in Michael Douglas' shadow?" Cameron questioned. Cameron’s early days were marked by legal troubles   and addiction issues. In 2009, he was arrested  for possession of methamphetamine. He pleaded   guilty and was sentenced to 5 years in prison  in 2010. During his period of incarceration,   he displayed his deviant behavior by smuggling  substances into the prison, showing his strong   addiction to substances, just like his father.  This led to an additional sentence of two years,   leading to seven years in total. This had a  huge impact on Michael Douglas, as he blamed   himself for the path his son had chosen to  follow. Cameron was finally released in 2016.  Following this major hurdle, Michael faced another  challenging moment, one that almost ended his   career. In 2010, doctors diagnosed Michael with  stage IV (four) cancer. It later turned out to   be tongue cancer. The news was devastating for  both his family and his career. Michael underwent   radiation and chemotherapy to treat a tumor  at the base of his tongue. During this period,   Catherine stood by his side, providing unwavering  support throughout his treatment. However,   the stress took a toll on her, especially seeing  her husband through rigorous treatments. "The   hardest part is seeing his fatigue because  Michael is never tired," she shared. "If   there's anything Michael has, it's strength." After several months of receiving treatments,   Michael announced he was free from cancer.  This news brought life and hope to the couple,   who were on the verge of losing hope. Despite  his recovery, he continued to go on regular   medical check-ups to monitor his health status. As the couple celebrated Michael’s victory from   cancer, they were unaware of the storm that was  brewing—one that would put their love to the test. The Epic Breakup In 2013, after thirteen years together,   the couple announced their separation, leaving  fans and the media stunned. Their admirers,   who saw them as Hollywood's most powerful  couple, were heartbroken. The couple gave no   hint as to the reason for their separation.  This generated widespread speculation;   some assumed that the stress from Michael’s cancer  treatment and Catherine's struggle with bipolar   two disorder had taken a toll on their marriage. Michael afterwards disclosed in an interview that   he contracted HPV through oral sex, which led to  his cancer. This revelation further strained their   relationship, as Michael didn't clarify that he  contracted the sickness before he met Catherine.  During their period of separation, Michael  attended the Deauville Film Festival,   the place where the couple first met. His film  “Behind the Candelabra” was scheduled to open   the festival. As the star walked on the red  carpet alone, whispers of their breakup echoed   in the background. However, in September 2013,  Michael attended the Prime Emmy Awards and,   upon winning Outstanding Lead Actor, he took  a moment to thank Catherine in his speech,   saying, “I want to thank my wife Catherine  for her support," showing that they are taking   hopeful steps to improve their relationship. By the end of April 2014, Michael and Catherine   had reunited. They surprised everyone by  walking the red carpet together at the 14th   annual Monte Cristo Awards in New York City. Michael opened up about their reunion during   an appearance on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.”  He said, "It can't be a one-way street, but I'm   crazy about her. And yeah, I think every couple  has their difficult times. The only problem is,   as you well know, we're all in the public eye,  and it tends to get a little more exposed than   most." He continued, "We're back stronger than  ever." This interview further confirmed their   reconciliation. Fans, who had long admired  their relationship, welcomed their reunion.  After their reconciliation, the couple’s bond  deepened. In 2015, they celebrated their 15th   anniversary. Cathrine penned a heartfelt message  for her husband on her Instagram page, saying,   “Happy Anniversary, dearest Michael! Loving  our lives together, here's to the next 15!”.   The couple commemorated this new milestone  by returning to the Rocky's, the very place   Michael had proposed, symbolizing their enduring  love and the strength of their relationship.  Since their reconciliation, Michael  Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones have   remained a strong couple, often sharing  pictures of their memorable moments   on social media. They continued to support  each other’s careers and personal endeavors.   Their enduring love is a testament  to their commitment and resilience. What is your opinion about Michael and  Cathrine's relationship? Let us know in   the comments. Don't forget to like and  subscribe and if you like this video,   ensure to click on the next video on your screen.