Michael Douglas Reveals Secret Relationship With Kathleen Turner in Memoir

Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner engaged in a secret romantic relationship while filming the 1984 Romancing the Stone, according to an exclusive excerpt from Douglas’s upcoming memoir One Helluva Ride published by People on Oct. 2, 2026. The 82-year-old actor revealed that he and his then-wife, Diandra Douglas, were separated during production in Mexico and both having extramarital affairs, prompting him and Turner to fall hard for each other despite maintaining a public denial for four decades.

Memoir Disclosure Details Forty-Year Secret

Douglas wrote in his book that the intense on-screen chemistry between the two leads was mirrored off-camera, and that they denied being in a relationship through four projects, including Romancing the Stone, Jewel of the Nile, War of the Roses, and The Kominsky Method. He explained in the excerpt that they kept the affair hidden from director Bob Zemeckis and co-star Danny DeVito to protect his wife and son. During a set visit in Mexico, Diandra Douglas grew suspicious and spoke privately with Turner to clarify the marital status between the actor and his estranged wife, according to USA Today. Douglas wrote that this intervention caused Turner to step back, leading the two co-stars to end their relationship so he could return to Diandra. Douglas is 82 years old and married Catherine Zeta-Jones in 2000, while he and Turner have remained friends.

Kathleen Turner Responds to Revelation

Turner offered a response to the memoir excerpt, telling People in a statement on Oct. 3, 2026, that the public attention is overblown. Good heavens what a fuss about something 40 years ago! Turner wrote in her statement, adding that she loves Michael Douglas and looks forward to reading the book. The 72-year-old actress confirmed her affection for her former co-star.

Memoir Publication Date Set for October 2026

One Helluva Ride is scheduled for official publication on Oct. 6, 2026, when the complete memoir will become widely available to readers following the initial rollout of exclusive excerpts by People.