A rare diamond in a world of short-lived Hollywood marriages, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas have proved one of the most enduring golden couples in showbiz.
However, just months before they celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary in November, the famous pair could now be set to face their biggest challenge yet after acting legend Michael officially confirmed he had retired.
Looking tanned and dapper in a cream linen blazer as he attended a film festival in the Czech Republic earlier this month, the two-time Oscar winner – who rang in his 80thbirthday on the same day Catherine celebrated her 55th last September – candidly told fans, ‘I’ve had a very busy career. Now, I have not worked since 2022, purposely, because I realised I had to stop.'
He added, ‘I’d been working pretty hard for almost 60 years, and I did not want to be one of those people who dropped dead on the set.’
But now a source tells us that after decades of juggling their busy work schedules and bustling family life with children – Dylan, 24, and Carys, 22 – spending so much time just the two of them together has proved to be an unexpected challenge for Catherine who, like for so many ‘empty nesters’, feels the time has come sooner than she expected.
An insider tells Heat, ‘It’s a challenge for Catherine having Michael around so much. The marriage has worked best when they had space from each other between living as a bustling family with their children. She’s not begrudging him the right to give up his career, but knows it means they’ll spend more time together and she’s not going to get the quiet and peace of mind she likes.
‘She’d like more space but she’s not going to get it and he’ll be around needing her to take care of him, which has increasingly happened over time. She knew the day would come when the marriage would face such a time with their 25 year age gap, but now that it’s here it’s daunting.’
The couple first met at a film festival in 1998, before becoming engaged the following year and tying the knot in a lavish bash at the New York Plaza Hotel in 2000.
And after two decades of being photographed impeccably dressed on the red carpet, it’s clear that their mutual careers have been a vein that has always run through their marriage.
It was in her role in 1998’S The Mask of Zorro that Michael first laid eyes on her and knew she was The One – later famously telling her on their first date, ‘You know, I’m going to be the father of your children.’
And when Catherine was pregnant with their daughter, she accepted an Oscar for her role in Chicago, dedicating the gong to her then toddler Dylan and Michael.
Now the source says that Michael’s retirement has been a poignant turning point for them both. ‘It hasn’t been an easy road emotionally for either of them,’ they tell us.
‘Michael’s life has been so intertwined with making movies, it’s such a huge part of his identity. To have to step away from that is sad for him, there’s no denying it.
'Catherine understands it's the right decision and she knows how lucky they are to have this time together and is still incredibly devoted to Michael. It’s just a matter of figuring out this new normal and learning how to enjoy the slower pace together.’
The pair also have a history of working through their challenges. In 2010, the couple stuck together through one of the hardest times when Michael underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy for throat cancer, receiving the all-clear the following year.
However, two years later, it was revealed the couple had split, with insiders reporting that the stress of Michael’s cancer treatment and Catherine’s Bipolar Disorder had sparked an incredibly difficult period in their marriage.
Their loved ones were delighted when they reunited in 2015, with Michael opening up about their reconciliation on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. He said at the time, ‘I'm crazy about her. And yeah, I think every couple has their difficult times…We’re back stronger than ever.’
Now the source says that while Catherine is ready to gracefully accept another new chapter with her long term spouse, the sudden challenge to her independence has proved ‘tough’.
‘It’s also a new dynamic. As much as she loves him, there’s no doubt having him underfoot all the time is tough for her. She’s so used to having her independence because of all the years he spent away on set, so it’s a big adjustment.
‘She’s leaning on her close friends for support and carving out time for self-care, which helps her stay centred. And Michael, for all his neediness, is making an effort to give her space.’
Michael also praised Catherine’s career during his retirement announcement, telling guests, ‘I just like to watch my wife work.’
In what could prove to be perfect timing, Catherine is now set to return to her home country of Wales to film for the upcoming Prime revenge drama, Kill Jackie, which will see her take on the lead role.
And the source says Catherine hopes her new project will encourage both her and Michael to remember all of the things, including their mutual love of the industry, that keep the fires burning in their relationship.
‘The saving grace is she’s still working and when she goes off on location for a shoot they get their old rhythm back,’ the insider says.
‘She flies in and out to see Michael when she has breaks, to save him the stress of travel, and those times apart help a lot because she gets a little breathing space, they both do, and that fans the flames of their spark. Time apart has always helped them appreciate each other more.’
Alongside their children, the source says the much-loved couple’s friends and family are also encouraging them to adapt to this new challenge and have every belief the duo will make it through as they always have.
They tell us, ‘It’s a work in progress, and this is undoubtedly one of the tougher phases in their long marriage, but everyone believes they’ll get through it.
‘Their marriage has always gone through phases, and this is just another one.’