Michael Douglas admits to decades-long secret romance with Kathleen Turner

Key points

• Douglas revealed the relationship in his upcoming memoir, 'One Helluva Ride,' set for release on October 6.
• The couple kept the affair hidden from colleagues, including director Robert Zemeckis and co-star Danny DeVito, to protect Douglas's marriage to Diandra Luker.
• The relationship ended when Luker, who was separated from Douglas at the time, confronted Turner after suspecting an affair.
• Douglas and Turner had previously denied the romance during press for 'The Kominsky Method' in 2021, calling their chemistry 'terrible flirting' but insisting nothing happened.
• Douglas later married Catherine Zeta-Jones in 2000, while Turner was married to Jay Weiss from 1984 to 2007.

Background

This revelation follows a long history of public speculation about the chemistry between Douglas and Turner, who starred together in three films: 'Romancing the Stone' (1984), 'The Jewel of the Nile' (1985), and 'The War of the Roses' (1989). They also appeared together in 'The Kominsky Method' in 2021. The archive notes no prior coverage of this specific story, but recent celebrity relationship disclosures, such as Raye's denial of rumors regarding Michael B. Jordan, highlight the ongoing public interest in Hollywood romances.

How outlets are covering it

TV Insider and The Independent both report the core facts from Douglas's memoir, but The Independent emphasizes the legal status of the affair, noting Douglas was 'technically married' to Diandra Luker at the time. TV Insider provides more detail on the logistics of the secret relationship, such as Douglas sneaking into Turner's hotel room after filming. Both outlets agree that the denial lasted 40 years and that the affair ended due to Luker's confrontation.

Why it matters

The confession breaks a 40-year silence on a widely rumored Hollywood romance, providing closure to a long-standing piece of entertainment trivia. It also highlights the lengths to which celebrities went to protect their public images and families during the pre-digital era, when there were no cameras in elevators or cell phones to capture private moments.

What to watch

The memoir 'One Helluva Ride' is scheduled for release on October 6, which may contain further details about Douglas's life and career. There is no indication of any new public appearances or statements from Kathleen Turner regarding the confession.