Michael Douglas and Catherine-Zeta Jones have been one of Hollywood’s A-list couples for decades; however, their romance certainly hasn’t been smooth sailing.
The movie stars’ love story began in 1998 and has been a roller coaster ride through breakups, makeups, and even health scares.
Michael Douglas was the first to make a move after seeing Catherine’s outstanding performance in The Mask of Zorro, where she starred opposite Antonio Banderas.
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Michael Douglas enlisted his publicist to arrange a date, later leading to the birth of their first child, Dylan Michael, and their extravagant wedding ceremony in New York City in 2000.
A few years later, they welcomed their second child, a daughter, Carys Zeta, as their love story continued.
However, the celebrity pair soon faced challenges in their relationship resulting in their split in 2013.
Michael Douglas opened up about the breakup and the possibility of them getting back together to Extra TV while on the red carpet of the Primetime Emmy awards that year.
“Catherine and I are fine…The press tries to push it along a little faster. We’re taking a little break. We talk. I think everything will be great,” he told reporter Jerry Penacoli.
The Oscar winner’s prediction came true as he and Catherine reconciled just one year after their break.
The 78-year-old again talked about the separation during an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2015.
“It can’t be a one-way street,” Michael told talk show host Ellen. “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 gushed over his longtime love: “We’re back stronger than ever.”
SCARY DIAGNOSIS
Before their split, Michael and Catherine experienced another bump in their life journey, as the Fatal Attraction star was diagnosed with throat cancer.
In September 2010, the duo spoke candidly to People about Michael’s health crisis, with the actor admitting that he was struggling in his battle.
“It’s a fight,” he confessed, adding, “It really knocks you out,” referring to his intense treatment of radiation and chemotherapy he was undergoing at the time.
Catherine, 53, also admitted she had a hard time watching her husband go through his treatment.
“The hardest part is seeing his fatigue, because Michael is never tired,” she said. “If there’s anything Michael has, it’s strength.”
Michael Douglas was optimistic about his prognosis, insisting he would “beat” the illness.
Again, the New Jersey native’s predictions were right on the money as he revealed in January 2011 that he was cancer-free.
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Michael Douglas shared the happy news during an appearance on Today, telling then-host Matt Lauer he felt “relieved” and that the “tumor is gone.”
He further expressed: “All of a sudden the affection from my family, from my friends, and from my fans hit me at a much deeper level than I would have ever imagined before.
“And it gave me a really new appreciation of just how valuable, how precious good friends are, and family.”
He went on: “There’s a much deeper feeling. And I’ve talked to other cancer survivors about this, that — that happens, that you just really, really appreciate what’s important in life.”
Michael Douglas’s cancer diagnosis was the first time the father of three talked about his health since he admitted to his alcohol and drug use years earlier.
The Kominsky Method star went to rehab in 1991, though he previously admitted to RadarOnline that sobriety is “not really” his thing, and he opts for balance.
“Everything is a question of moderations and all of that but just not the way you wake up in the morning anymore (wanting more),” he told the outlet.
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MARRIAGE BLISS
Fast-forward to November 2015, Michael and Catherine celebrated a major milestone in their romance – their 15th wedding anniversary.
They each publicly shared kind words for one another to honor the special day, with Catherine writing on social media: “Happy Anniversary dearest Michael! Loving our life together, here’s to the next 15!”
Michael Douglas had a sweet message for Catherine while accepting the AARP Movies for Grownups Career Achievement award a couple of weeks later.
“I just wanted to thank my wife. I wanted to explain to Catherine that, sweetheart, this is a very exclusive club that maybe in a few years, if you play your cards right, you may be able to [join].”
He added to his wife: “To thank you as we celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary: Thank you for the love and all your support. Thank you so much.”
NEXT CHAPTER
They have since shared many more milestone moments together, including becoming grandparents.
In December 2017, Cameron, Michael’s son from a previous relationship, welcomed his first child with his girlfriend Viviane Thibes, expanding their blended family.
“I’m going to be a grandfather this month, before the end of the year. I’m very excited. It’s about time,” the TV star gushed to CBS before the baby’s birth.
And even when it was just the two of them following their daughter’s high school graduation in 2021, Michael and Catherine managed to keep their bond stronger than ever.
This past November, the lovebirds celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary, again sharing heartfelt messages for one another on social media.
LOVING FAMILY
Most recently, they made an appearance together while at the premiere of Michael’s latest Ant-Man film.
Earlier this week, the couple attended the screening in Los Angeles with their son, Dylan.
The family stunned in their attire with Catherine rocking a black and gold gown, tall black heels, and her dark locks flowing straight down.
Michael Douglas opted for a black suit with a navy blue buttoned-up shirt underneath, while his 22-year-old son also wore a dark suit with a black and white shirt, beneath.
Just weeks earlier, Catherine boasted about her loving family while she and Dylan were at the premiere of her latest project, National Treasure: Edge of History.
“I enjoy every minute with this guy. Well, he’s a good son. It’s just the best. I mean, each year gets better and better and with such good friends, I think, in our family, which is great,” she said.
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