Douglas Admits 40-Year Secret Affair with Turner in New Memoir

Key points

• Michael Douglas confirmed in an excerpt from his memoir 'One Helluva Ride' that he and Kathleen Turner had a romantic relationship while filming 'Romancing the Stone' in 1984.
• The actors had publicly denied the affair for 40 years, claiming they only had strong on-screen chemistry but never acted on their feelings.
• Douglas stated the affair ended after his then-wife, Diandra Luker, visited the set with their son and confronted Turner, making it clear they were still married.
• The secret was kept from the film's director, Bob Zemeckis, and co-star Danny DeVito, with the couple meeting secretly after filming hours.
• Kathleen Turner responded to the revelation with a statement saying, 'Good heavens, what a fuss about something 40 years ago! I love Michael, and I look forward to enjoying the book.'
• Douglas and Luker finalized their divorce in 2000, after which Douglas married Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Background

The 1984 film 'Romancing the Stone' was a major commercial success, starring Douglas and Turner as a bird hunter and a romance novelist, respectively. The strong on-screen chemistry between the two actors led to widespread speculation about a real-life romance, which both consistently denied for decades. They later reunited for the 1985 sequel 'The Jewel of the Nile' and the 1989 film 'The War of the Roses,' as well as the 2018 series 'The Kominsky Method.' Douglas and Luker's divorce was finalized in 2000, and Douglas subsequently married Catherine Zeta-Jones.

How outlets are covering it

Fox News and The Hollywood Reporter both reported the core facts of the affair and its revelation in Douglas's memoir. USA Today added that Turner consented to Douglas sharing details of their relationship in the book. All three outlets reported Turner's statement responding to the news. The outlets differed in their emphasis: Fox News focused on the details of the affair and the impact on Douglas's marriage, while The Hollywood Reporter highlighted Turner's response and the public denial of the affair. USA Today provided additional context on the couple's subsequent professional collaborations and the timeline of Douglas's marriages.

Why it matters

The revelation sheds light on the private lives of two prominent Hollywood actors and the extent to which they maintained a public facade. It also highlights the impact of the affair on Douglas's marriage and family, and the subsequent reconciliation between the two actors through their professional collaborations.

What to watch

The full release of Douglas's memoir, 'One Helluva Ride,' is scheduled for October 6, 2026. The book is expected to provide further details on Douglas's life and career, including his relationships and marriages.