Michael Douglas has been married twice, having tied the knot with ex-wife Diandra Luker in 1977, before exchanging “I do’s” with Catherine Zeta-Jones in 2000. But, what’s rarely talked about is the A-lister’s unofficial wedding to his ex-girlfriend and famed actress, Brenda Vaccaro. Keep reading for all the details…
Who is Michael Douglas’ ex-girlfriend Brenda Vaccaro?
Brenda Vaccaro is an American stage, television, and film actress recognized for her performances in Once Is Not Enough (1975), Capricorn One (1977), and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019).
© GettyMORE: Michael Douglas' bittersweet reaction to 'unexpected' family change involving daughter Carys
READ: Michael Douglas' sweet bond with famous mother revealed
Michael Douglas and ex-girlfriend Brenda Vaccaro’s relationship and wedding
Michael Douglas and Brenda Vaccaro were in a relationship from 1971 to 1976.
© GettyAccording to Brenda, they’d crossed paths after Michael had asked his father, Kirk Douglas, to cast her in the 1971 drama, Summertree. Michael had reportedly seen Brenda in another movie – Midnight Cowboy – and had fallen for her, thus asking Kirk to make the introduction.
During their five-year relationship, the Hollywood couple were often spotted attending star-studded events, including the 47th and 48th Academy Awards. By 1973, Michael and Brenda were living together in Beverly Hills, but the actress wasn’t ready to be married.
© Getty“This was the 1970s. No one got married,” Brenda told Closer in 2017. “Then we decided to have a ‘hippie wedding’ at my agent’s house. We said vows that we loved each other and would be together forever.
© Getty“Finally, it came time to say that we were doing it for real. I said, ‘Yes,’ then wound up backing out of it. I really messed that one up.”
Brenda admitted that her decision to end her relationship with Michael came with her newfound feelings for actor Don Stroud – a decision that she has since come to regret.
© Getty“I fell madly in love with someone else, [actor] Don Stroud. There was this really strong connection,” she said.
“My dear friend Robert Shaw, who was making Jaws, told me what I was doing was rash and I was making a mistake — that momentary pleasures like the one with Don would lead to lasting regrets if I broke up with Michael. I regret all of it. Everything was different back then.”
© GettyFollowing their split, Brenda went on to find love with her husband of 37 years, Guy Hector, while Michael is happily married to Welsh actress, Catherine Zeta-Jones.
The Hollywood power couple met in 1998, and Michael was immediately “bowled over” by Catherine.
© Getty Images"Catherine was a tremendous surprise in my life,” he told The Guardian in 2010. “After my divorce from Diandra, I was puttering along quite well as a single guy and couldn't believe how honest you could be with ladies as long as you didn't date two of them in the same town at the same time.
"Then I got struck down. I was just bowled over by Catherine. The first time I saw her I was watching The Mask of Zorro. I just sat forward and said, 'Who is that?' We met for the first time later that year at a film festival. I was smitten with her, no doubt. I wasn't quite the son-in-law her parents had envisioned!”
© InstagramFollowing their lavish wedding ceremony, held at the New York Plaza Hotel in 2000, Catherine and Michael have gone on to welcome two children – son Dylan and daughter Carys.
