In an intriguing revelation from his upcoming memoir, “One Helluva Ride,” actor Michael Douglas, 82, shares candid moments from the early days of his relationship with actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, 57. The memoir reflects on how Zeta-Jones issued an ultimatum that would significantly shape their future together.
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Douglas recalls that he had recently separated from his first wife, Diandra Douglas, when he began dating multiple women simultaneously. He admits to having a rather unconventional dating situation, involving five different partners across various cities. However, this arrangement came to an abrupt halt when Zeta-Jones made her intentions clear.
“When we started dating, Catherine laid down the law: she only wanted a monogamous relationship,” Douglas recounts. He elaborates that she understood he was single but insisted, “I’m not interested in dating you if you’re dating other people. You can either continue with them or end it and be with me.” This unequivocal stance evidently left Douglas with much to consider.
Douglas, now reflecting on that pivotal moment, admits that he was caught off guard. He found himself needing just a moment to process Zeta-Jones’ request but ultimately knew what he had to do. “I said, ‘Wait here; I have to make five quick calls,’” he recalls, humourously noting Zeta-Jones’s incredulity at the number.
While Douglas thought the situation was straightforward, he acknowledges that terminating those relationships was not a small task. “At the time, they all knew I was recently separated,” he explains, detailing how he had thoughtfully ensured that each partner lived in a different city, believing it to be a respectful way to navigate non-monogamy. However, none of these women had sought a deeper commitment or questioned his other relationships.
Once Zeta-Jones made her feelings known, Douglas wasted little time in making the difficult calls to end those connections. “That day, I called each one to say I met somebody and would no longer be able to continue seeing them. They all took it well,” he shares. This moment marked a significant turning point in Douglas’s life as he fully committed to pursuing a relationship with Zeta-Jones.
Their love story continued to blossom after this decisive moment. Douglas details his initial impressions of Zeta-Jones, recalling how he was smitten upon first seeing her in an advanced screening of “The Mask of Zorro.” He later met her at the Deauville American Film Festival while promoting “A Perfect Murder,” where he requested a meeting and was taken aback by her charm.
“She was smart, funny, unpretentious, and breathtakingly beautiful,” Douglas reflects, adding that Zeta-Jones exuded confidence and a self-assuredness that drew him to her even more. Their connection seemed to deepen during a dinner with several mutual friends, where he admits he was more than a little tipsy by the night’s end.
In a moment of unguarded sincerity, Douglas told Zeta-Jones, “I’m going to be the father of your children.” He insists that this heartfelt declaration was sincere rather than just a casual pickup line. The couple eventually married in 1999 and have since welcomed two children, Dylan, 26, and Carys, 23. Douglas also has a son, Cameron, 47, from his previous marriage.
Nearly 26 years into their marriage, Douglas reflects on the enduring bond he shares with Zeta-Jones. He states, “There’s just an unknown at a certain point over time. It goes beyond being attracted to somebody in this matter. It’s just an unknown bond of being close and… a mutual respect.” Clearly, the foundation laid during those initial conversations has only strengthened with time.
For those interested in a deeper insight into Douglas’s life and relationships, “One Helluva Ride” is available in bookstores now. The memoir promises a compelling look at his journey, including the romantic chapters that shaped his life. To catch the full interview and more details, readers can check the PEOPLE App or look for the latest issue of PEOPLE on newsstands.