Michael Douglas offered a candid insight into a turbulent period in his family life with his wife Catherine Zeta Jonesrevealing how an “incredibly difficult” separation affected their family – more than a decade before the couple began trying to offload their sprawling New York estate.
Douglas, 82, reflected on the ups and downs of his 25-year marriage to Zeta-Jones, 57, in his new memoir, “One Helluva Ride,” revealing intimate details about the couple’s decision to temporarily separate in 2013.
The Hollywood stars, who married in November 2000, share two children: a son Dylan26 years old, and her daughter Carys23.
According to Douglas, he and his wife had been married for over a decade when a number of challenges arose at the same time, ultimately leading them to reevaluate their relationship.
After returning from vacation in 2013, Douglas recalled that he and Zeta-Jones had a serious conversation about their marriage and decided that spending time apart was best.
Despite their decision to part ways, Douglas stressed that there was still a lot of love between them.
“We still loved each other very much, but we had to make sure that being married was the right thing for all of us. This whole ordeal has been incredibly difficult,” he wrote.
The “Wall Street” star explained that he and Zeta-Jones were also aware of the effect the split could have on Dylan and Carys, and worked to reassure their children that they were not responsible for what was happening between their parents.
Douglas eventually moved out of the family home and rented another property nearby, allowing him to stay close to their children while he and Zeta-Jones took some space from each other.
He revealed that he remained in regular contact with his wife during their separation, although they deliberately avoided speaking to each other every day.
The actor admitted the split had been difficult for their children, but praised Dylan and Carys for how they handled the upheaval.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding their marriage at the time, Douglas said he remained hopeful that he and Zeta-Jones would eventually get back together.
As they continued to cross paths while caring for their children and attending school events and activities, the two began spending more time together and realized how much they had missed each other.
In 2014, they reconciled. Douglas now says that difficult chapter ultimately strengthened their relationship and the couple recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.
“Today our marriage is stronger than ever,” he wrote. They always love being together and doing everything from golfing to walking on the beach to just spending the day chatting at home.
The revelations offer new insight into the couple’s home life as they continue to attempt to part ways with one of the properties that once served as a backdrop to their family.
Their historic Irvington, New York estate, known as Longmeadow, is currently listed for $9.75 million. The couple initially listed the Hudson River property for sale in June 2024 at a price of $12 million, less than five years after purchasing it for $4.5 million.
The listing was removed in April 2025 before returning a month later with its asking price reduced to $10 million. The home was taken off the market again, before returning for a third attempt in March 2026, this time with an asking price of $9.75 million, a reduction of $2.25 million from its original price.
Built in 1929, the sprawling 11,653-square-foot estate offers eight bedrooms and more than 10 bathrooms, according to its current listing.
Spanning nearly 12 acres, the property offers expansive views of the Hudson River and approximately 130 feet of river frontage.
The grand residence spans four levels and includes a 30-foot gallery, formal living and dining spaces, a two-story wood-paneled library, a home gym and an indoor swimming pool.
There is also a 100-foot west-facing deck with river views, guest quarters and a four-vehicle garage.
Despite its secluded location, the estate is approximately 25 miles from Midtown Manhattan and within walking distance of the village of Irvington.
Zeta-Jones previously explained that the couple’s decision to sell came as their family entered a new stage of life.
When Longmeadow first came on the market in 2024, she said they had many happy family times at the estate, but their needs changed after Dylan and Carys left.
With both children having “left the nest”, the actress said it was an appropriate time to sell the sprawling property.
She also revealed that she and Douglas plan to spend more time in Bermuda and Europe.
Longmeadow is just one part of the couple’s extensive real estate portfolio. They also maintained residences in Manhattan, Canada and Spain.
Although the Irvington estate has yet to find a buyer, Douglas made it clear that the relationship at the center of the house has emerged from its most difficult period intact.
Reflecting on his marriage today, he described Zeta-Jones not only as his wife, but also as his best friend and life partner – more than a decade after the couple’s temporary separation left their family’s future uncertain.
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