Michael Douglas said he “never gave up hope” that he’d “reconcile” with wife Catherine Zeta-Jones after their brief 2013 breakup.
The Oscar winner, 82, was asked how he “won [Zeta-Jones] back” at the time in a new Sunday Times interview while promoting his memoir, “One Helluva Ride,” out Tuesday.
“It was a mutual … You know, we had our problems but I love her dearly and, 25 years, you know,” Douglas explained.
After allegedly narrowing his eyes, the “Kominsky Method” star told the reporter, “I mean, I don’t know about your marital status, but marriage is a lot of work, you know.”
“And so, you know, we’re good,” he added about their relationship. “We’re in good shape. It’s all I can say.”
When asked if Zeta-Jones, 57, is nervous about his book coming out, Douglas replied, “She hasn’t read it.”
Douglas and Zeta-Jones tied the knot on Nov. 18, 2000, the same year he finalized his divorce from his first wife, Diandra Luker.
The couple shares two children, Dylan, 26, and daughter Carys, 23, who are both actors.
In August 2013, nearly 13 years into their marriage, news broke that Douglas and Zeta-Jones were “taking a break.”
At the time, Douglas told People, “We’re working things out, talking, and we’ll see how she goes.”
However, the “Traffic” co-stars reconciled shortly after, and Douglas opened up about the brief split on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” in 2015.
“It can’t be a one-way street,” the “Basic Instinct” star said. “But I’m crazy about her. And yeah, I think every couple has their difficult times.”
Douglas noted that since the couple is “in the public eye,” their private lives “tend to get a little more exposed than most.”
He added, “We’re back stronger than ever.”
Last November, Zeta-Jones shared a special tribute to Douglas on Instagram to mark their 25th wedding anniversary.
“25 years ago today, I walked down the aisle,” she wrote. “The intoxicating aroma of flowers, the glow of the candles, the resounding harmonious Welsh choir and you at the end of the long walk waiting for me, looking at me the way only you can.
“I love you today as I did then,” Zeta-Jones continued. “Thank you sweetheart.”
In his memoir, Douglas confirmed he had a secret relationship with his “Romancing the Stone” co-star Kathleen Turner while he was married to Luker, 70.
Douglas claimed the exes, who share son Cameron, 47, were separated at the time but “both having extramarital affairs.”
“One Helluva Ride” hits bookshelves Tuesday.
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