Michael Douglas has confirmed that he and Kathleen Turner had an affair during the filming of Romancing the Stone in 1984, ending 40 years of denials about their relationship. Douglas, 82, shares details of the relationship in his upcoming memoir, One Helluva Ride, which is scheduled for release on 6 October 2026.
He stated that the affair was kept secret to protect his then-wife, Diandra Luker, and their son, Cameron. The announcement has prompted renewed online discussion, though Turner has downplayed the attention.
That chemistry you felt was REAL.
— Don Winslow (@donwinslow) October 3, 2026
After 40 years of denials, MICHAEL DOUGLAS *and* KATHLEEN TURNER confirmed their passionate love affair while making ROMANCING THE STONE.
The full story including how they went from the bedroom to the courtroom when making the sequel can be… pic.twitter.com/40QYn9Gsb3
'That Was a Lie'
For years, Douglas and Turner credited their on-screen chemistry to being 'terrible flirts'. However, Douglas now admits this explanation was false. 'The chemistry I had with Kathleen Turner was so strong, audiences have been certain for years that we were in a relationship together while making the film,' he said.
The couple repeatedly denied any relationship while promoting Romancing the Stone, The Jewel of the Nile, The War of the Roses, and later The Kominsky Method–projects they worked on together. 'Yes, we confessed; we had amazing chemistry. Yes, we were both, as Kathleen said, "terrible flirts" and yes, we were both tempted, but nothing ever happened between us,' he said.
'That was a lie. It was a lie meant to protect my wife and son, a lie we told the world for 40 years.' He added that they 'fell hard' for each other during production and began a relationship.
Online Reaction Follows
Several social media users criticised the admission, pointing out that Douglas was still married to Luker when the relationship began. 'Kathleen Turner has responded to Michael Douglas finally confirming their secret love affair, noting, 'Good heavens, what a fuss about something 40 years ago'.
One X user reacting to Turner's response wrote, 'Ummm yeah, Kathleen, time doesn't make a bad call any better! Getting involved with a married man still sucks; now or 40 years ago!' A different commenter expressed a stronger opinion, writing, 'A woman or man who knowingly sleeps with a married person is a whore, and so is the married person who has zero morals. Nothing will ever change my mind; it is lowest of the low in my opinion.'
Woman or man who knowingly sleep with a married person is a whore and so is the married person who has zero morals. nothing will ever change my mind it is lowest of the low in my opinion
— Kaydee66 (@Kaydee661) October 4, 2026
Other reactions criticised both Douglas and Turner, with some suggesting that responsibility should not rest solely with Turner.
How It Began
Douglas recalls being immediately drawn to Turner while considering her for the role of Joan Wilder in Romancing the Stone. 'Kathleen was smart, funny, and sexy, with a deep, sultry voice that became her signature,' he writes. 'I instantly liked her, and we were immediately attracted to each other.'
When production moved to Mexico, Douglas and his wife, Diandra Luker, were separated but still legally married. Douglas noted that both he and Luker had extramarital relationships during this time. However, his relationship with Turner developed as they worked closely together.
Douglas writes that he visited Turner's hotel room after the cast was asleep, keeping their relationship secret from director Robert Zemeckis and co-star Danny DeVito.
Female on the left, Male right
— Bill Facio (@37Lemons) October 3, 2026
Michael Douglas & Kathleen Turner pic.twitter.com/WPrRj7WN9s
Why They Called It Off
The affair ended when Luker visited the set with Cameron. Douglas states that Luker, suspecting the relationship, spoke privately with Turner and clarified that they were still married. Subsequently, Turner ended the relationship.
Douglas reconciled with Luker for their son Cameron's benefit but later expressed regret. The couple separated in 1995 and finalised their divorce in 2000. He married Catherine Zeta-Jones in 2000. Turner married Jay Weiss in 1984 and divorced in 2007.
Turner previously acknowledged her attraction to Douglas but did not confirm the affair. In a 2023 interview, she said there may have been feelings, but Luker's arrival made it clear that Douglas was still married.
After Douglas confirmed the affair, Turner addressed the renewed attention, telling PEOPLE, 'Good heavens, what a fuss about something 40 years ago! I love Michael, and I look forward to enjoying the book'.
