Michael Douglas Confirms Secret Romancing The Stone Affair With Kathleen Turner
Michael Douglas confirmed he and Kathleen Turner engaged in a secret romantic relationship during the 1984 production of Romancing The Stone, ending four decades of public denials. The 82-year-old actor detailed the affair in an extract from his memoir, One Helluva Ride, shared by People magazine, revealing that they maintained the cover story to protect his then-wife Diandra Luker and their son Cameron.
The pair starred alongside each other in subsequent titles, including Jewel of the Nile and 1989’s War of the Roses. Douglas wrote that their on-screen chemistry translated off-camera following exhausting days of jungle shooting in Mexico, during which he would sneak into Turner’s hotel room after everyone fell asleep. Neither director Robert Zemeckis nor costar Danny DeVito knew about the relationship at the time, according to the book excerpt.
The Impact of Family Visits on the 1980s Romance
The off-screen relationship concluded after Diandra Luker brought their son Cameron to Mexico for a visit, during which she grew suspicious of the dynamic between Douglas and Turner. Douglas wrote that Turner chose not to interfere, prompting him to return to his marriage for his son’s sake, though he acknowledged they should not have reunited. Following that visit, the dynamic between the co-stars shifted permanently.
Turner, now 72, acknowledged the historical relationship in a brief statement over the weekend, telling Closer magazine that she had been “yearning” for a future with Douglas because he was separated from Luker at the time. “Good heavens what a fuss about something 40 years ago!” Turner said, adding that she loves Douglas and looks forward to enjoying his book. Douglas noted in his memoir that he sought Turner’s permission before including the story in print.
Timeline of Marriages and Later Divorces
Douglas and Luker ultimately finalised their divorce in 2000, and Douglas married fellow actor Catherine Zeta Jones later that same year. Turner was married to real estate developer Jay Weiss at the time of the 1980s films, with whom she shares a 38-year-old actress daughter, Rachel Ann Weiss. Turner and Weiss divorced in 2007, and Turner has not remarried since.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Memoir Release
When is Michael Douglas releasing his memoir?
Michael Douglas shared extracts from his book, One Helluva Ride, via People magazine over the weekend, detailing the 40-year-old secret relationship.
Did Kathleen Turner agree to share the story in the book?
Yes, Douglas included a note in his memoir confirming that he specifically asked Kathleen Turner for her permission before publishing details about their past relationship.
How did the relationship between Douglas and Turner finally end?
The romance ended in Mexico after Diandra Luker visited the set with their son Cameron, leading Douglas to return to his marriage for the sake of his child.
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