Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones have been through difficult times since marrying fifteen years ago. Now, with their relationship stronger than ever, the Wall Street actor has revealed how they saved their marriage, saying: "It took work on both our parts."
The 71-year-old and his actress wife married in 2000 but briefly separated in 2013 due to stress caused by Michael's cancer battle and Catherine's struggles with bipoler disorder.
Michael and Catherine have been married since 2000
During an interview with AARP, Michael opened up about their reconciliation. "I don't think there's much chance of fixing a relationship if one of you is already out the door," he said. "I think we're both mellower and wiser. That comes naturally with time. We count our blessings."
Michael also touched upon being a hands-on parent to his two youngest children, Carys Zeta Douglas and Dylan Michael Douglas. However, he told the publication he regrets not being more present in the life of his oldest child from his previous marriage, Cameron, who is currently in prison.
"When you're busy all the time, you don't think about a whole lot of things other than the realities that are in front of you," he admitted.
The couple separated briefly in 2013
His 37-year-old son has been in prison since 2010 due to drug charges. Cameron has had his sentence extended several times because of drug-related infractions, meaning he will remain in prison until early 2018.
"I see him twice a month now because he's incarcerated closer to our home," Michael revealed. "He's a drug addict, but he's done more than his fair share of time for it."
Until Cameron is released from prison, Douglas is dedicating his time to his youngest children while he's healthy. "It's been five years, and I feel really good, but you have a new appreciation," he says of beating cancer. "I'm more motivated, more responsible. My younger kids could be my grandchildren. I want to be here a while."