How Michael Douglas Began a Secret Affair on the Set of “Basic Instinct” — But Not with Sharon Stone (Exclusive)

**Michael Douglas Unveils Secret Romance in New Memoir**

Michael Douglas has recently opened the pages of his life in his new memoir, *One Helluva Ride*, revealing previously undisclosed aspects of his personal life during the filming of the iconic 1992 thriller, *Basic Instinct*. Central to his revelations is a secret relationship not with the film’s more widely speculated leading lady, Sharon Stone, but rather with his co-star, Jeanne Tripplehorn.

In the book, which has just hit the shelves, the renowned actor discusses the romance he shared with Tripplehorn while the film was shot in San Francisco. At the time, Douglas was married to Diandra Luker, though they were separated. Despite the persistent speculation surrounding his on-screen chemistry with Stone, Douglas asserts that he and Tripplehorn shared an intimate bond, carefully obscured from the prying eyes of the production crew.

“They were so focused on a possible relationship between Sharon and me, they missed the real relationship happening between me and Jeanne,” he writes. Douglas elaborates on how both actors were meticulous in concealing their connection, spending countless hours together off-set, sharing conversations, and fostering a connection that extended beyond their professional duties.

*Basic Instinct* follows Douglas as detective Nick Curran, who becomes embroiled in a murder investigation that revolves around Stone’s enigmatic character, Catherine Tramell. Tripplehorn plays Dr. Beth Garner, the psychological expert caught in Curran’s complicated web of affections. Douglas describes Tripplehorn as “a special lady,” highlighting that the focus on his relationship with Stone overshadowed the genuine feelings he developed for his co-star.

After all these years, he reflects on the affair with a sense of nostalgia. Although he has had little contact with Tripplehorn since the film wrapped, he made it a point to reach out to her before including details of their past in his memoir. The respected actress has been married to Leland Orser since 2000 and they share an adult son together. In his communication with Tripplehorn, Douglas sought her approval, explaining, “It’s been a long time, but I called her up and asked for her permission.” He emphasised the importance of her perspective, stating, “That’s her business,” to which Tripplehorn consented.

Douglas remembers their time together fondly, acknowledging that even though Tripplehorn had reservations about becoming involved with someone who was still legally married, he assured her that he was living a separate life from Luker. He describes the relationship as passionate, asserting that their chemistry was genuine and reflected in their performances on screen. “I was crazy about her,” he confesses. However, he also recognised the need to proceed with caution, understanding that plunging into a serious relationship following a long marriage could lead to complications.

While the account of his time with Tripplehorn stands out, *One Helluva Ride* delves into various facets of Douglas’ life, spanning his filmmaking endeavours, advocacy work, and his current 25-year marriage to actress Catherine Zeta-Jones. Additionally, Douglas revisits his history with Kathleen Turner, revealing that they were once secret lovers during the making of *Romancing the Stone* in 1984. Turner, now 72, responded to the memoir’s revelations with affectionate fondness, expressing her excitement over reading his account.

As Douglas navigates the narrative of a prolific career filled with intricate relationships, he maintains that his intent was not to merely tally past affairs. Rather, he captures the essence of those connections that have shaped his life journey, describing them with respect.

In *One Helluva Ride*, Douglas shares candid anecdotes and reflections, painting a portrait of an accomplished actor who has experienced love, loss, and everything in between. The memoir is now available at bookstores nationwide, offering fans a chance to understand the personal life behind the Hollywood persona.

For those interested in this and more insights from Douglas, his thoughts are also featured in an interview available through the PEOPLE App, with further details collected in the latest issue of PEOPLE magazine, which hits newsstands this Friday.