Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones: When Love Knows No Barriers

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

This famous couple was born on the same day - September 25, but 25 years apart. Quarter of century. For some, this is a whole era, for others, half a lifetime. But love is not measured by age and time. And the story of Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones is a vivid proof of this.

Catherine Zeta-Jones

Kat was born to shine on stage. This was evident even in childhood. The girl began to study vocals and dancing at a young age and did it with zeal and pleasure. She has participated in amateur theatrical performances more than once, and at the age of 14 she was invited to audition for a TV show. In 1987, Catherine made her debut in London in the musical that brought her popularity. Soon the girl was offered the role of Scheherazade, which she succeeded brilliantly.

In 1991, Zeta-Jones starred in the television series Lovely May Buds, which brought her even greater fame. Kat was not going to stop there, her goal was to conquer the Dream Factory. At the age of 30, it is difficult to gain recognition in Hollywood, but not for Katherine, with her talent, beauty and charisma.

In addition, she has established herself as a "eater of men", and it is unlikely that the actress would not have been noticed by titled male persons in Hollywood. Career Catherine Zeta-Jones developed rapidly: a lot of offers, samples, filming. In 2003 she won an Oscar for her supporting role in the musical Chicago, and became one of the most sought-after actresses.

Michael Douglas

Michael was born into a famous acting family, and his future was probably predetermined by this. His father Kirk Douglas was known for his irrepressible love of love - he constantly left the set with a new passion.

Michael's mother was also not distinguished by chastity, she even managed to get married at 79 years old. Genes are a terrible force! Not surprisingly, Douglas Jr. so easily won women's hearts. After his parents divorced, Michael lived with his mother and attended military school.

He always dreamed of an acting career and for this he even interrupted his university education. Since 1972, Douglas has made an amazing career, establishing himself as a genius producer and an extraordinary actor.

In 2013, he was awarded an Oscar, all the key US TV awards (Emmy, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild of the USA), having millions of fans, dozens of novels and two marriages. And nothing would have disturbed this idyllic picture if it had not been for the meeting at the Deauville American Film Festival …

Love of convenience

Catherine and Michael were introduced by Danny DeVito, an old friend of Douglas, with whom they had shared an apartment and other pleasures of life for many years in their youth. At the festival, Zeta-Jones presented her first victory in Hollywood - the film "The Mask of Zorro" starring Antonio Banderas, in which she starred.

Catherine always very carefully concealed her addiction to wealthy and successful men with connections and, probably, not only in appearance, but also with well-played indifference, conquered the famous heartthrob Douglas.

De Vito was extremely surprised: after all, his goal was to help his friend simply unwind and take a break from Michael's marriage, which was breaking at all the seams. At that time he was married to the daughter of a famous diplomat, the beautiful Diandra, who bore him the heir to the Douglas acting dynasty Cameron.

The spouses no longer lived together due to the countless betrayals and libations of the actor, but Dee was not officially going to divorce. Michael lost his head when he saw Catherine. On the very first day of his acquaintance, he said: "I want you to become the mother of my children," and vowed that he would never look at any woman in his life.

The star agreed to become his wife, but put forward several requirements: an official divorce from Diandra and the signing of a marriage contract. In case of Michael's betrayal - $ 2, 8 million for each year lived together, plus five and a half million on top. Despite the desperate advice of a lawyer and friends, Michael agreed to her terms. Then no one believed in the strength of this union.

In joy …

Contrary to the expectations of scoundrels and envious people (and some even bet on the longevity of this union), the star couple have been together for 17 years, having gone through difficult trials by the vicissitudes of fate. Their wedding took place in an old hotel in New York in November 2000.

Despite the royal splendor of the celebration - a chic Lacroix dress, a two million dollar wedding ring, eighteen thousand roses, a choir of forty people and hundreds of guests - the celebration was "a very family and intimate event," as the bride noted. But here, too, Catherine's English practicality was evident.

Instead of gifts, Zeta-Jones asked to donate money to a charitable foundation for her and Michael's first-born, who at that time was three months old. After the wedding, the couple moved to Bermuda, where Douglas reconstructed the family mansion he inherited from his mother. Magnificent nature, huge golf courses - a paradise for a quiet family nest. Kat was a child, knitting and gardening.

Michael also reconsidered life priorities, and became a real father. The stars decided that they would take turns filming: when the wife worked in the professional field, Douglas did an excellent job of the baby sitter. Finally, Katherine's professional dream came true. In 2004, she received the long-awaited Oscar for her role as Velma in the musical "Chicago" and cried with happiness, clutching a gold statuette to her chest.

Perhaps it was Douglas' position in Hollywood that predetermined this fateful decision. Even before their wedding, the Chicago producer heard Michael's girlfriend play the piano and sing. Plus she looked very sexy. Later, when the studio could not decide who to approve for the role (including considering Madonna's candidacy), he said his final word in favor of Zeta-Jones.

… and in grief

It seemed that cloudless happiness would last forever. But fate presents difficult moments when the strength and reliability of family relationships are tested. When a period began in their life, which Michael characterized as follows: "It was as if someone had cursed us," - Katherine proved to be a faithful wife, best friend and guardian angel of the family hearth. First, Douglas's eldest son from a previous marriage was convicted of drug possession and distribution.

The actress supported her husband by all means and turned on all connections so that the guy was given the shortest possible time. She was always there when Michael fell into depression, and even when the doctors diagnosed the star actor - laryngeal cancer - Catherine, like a tigress, fought for his life. And she did not give up, did not abandon her beloved. Michael knew why she shouldn't show her despair. I heard how Kat inspires the children that dad will cope with the disease, you just need to be attentive and tolerant of him.

Only by closing herself in her room and making sure that her husband did not see her, this strong woman could cry, drinking her tears with whiskey … In 2011, Michael Douglas completely defeated a fatal illness, thanks to God and his wife. The actor got to work again. Katherine also starred in two films. They have wonderful children - Dylan and Carey. Life is back on track.

BONUS

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