Michael Douglas… used his publicist to set up a date, and though their first meeting wasn’t perfect, they later welcomed a child and got married in 2000.

How They Met

1998: Deauville Film Festival

Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones met at the Deauville Film Festival in 1998. Zeta-Jones was promoting “The Mask of Zorro,” and Douglas was promoting “A Perfect Murder.” Douglas had been smitten with Zeta-Jones after seeing her in “The Mask of Zorro.” He asked his publicist to set up a meeting with her.

Douglas later shared on “The Jonathan Ross Show” in 2016 that he tried to charm Zeta-Jones during their first meeting. He invited her for a nightcap and boldly told her, “I’m going to be the father of your children.” Zeta-Jones wasn’t impressed initially and said goodnight. However, Douglas persisted and sent her roses while she was filming “Entrapment” in Scotland.

The Engagement

December 1999: A Romantic Proposal

Douglas proposed to Zeta-Jones on a New Year’s Eve trip to Aspen, Colorado. Their engagement was a significant milestone in their relationship.

Building a Family

2000: Expecting Their First Child

In 2000, Douglas and Zeta-Jones announced they were expecting their first child together. Douglas confirmed the news to PEOPLE, expressing their happiness about starting a family.

Marriage and Children

November 2000: Wedding Bells

Douglas and Zeta-Jones married in November 2000. Their wedding was a grand event, marking the beginning of their life as a married couple.

Dylan and Carys

The couple welcomed their son, Dylan, and later their daughter, Carys. The children became a central part of their lives and relationship.

Challenges and Reconciliation

August 2013: A Brief Separation

In August 2013, Douglas and Zeta-Jones separated. The separation was a difficult period for the couple. However, they reconciled in 2014, coming back stronger than before.

Douglas spoke about their reconciliation on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” in 2015. He emphasized the importance of mutual effort in their relationship. “It can’t be a one-way street,” Douglas said. “But I’m crazy about her… We’re back stronger than ever.”

Celebrating Milestones

November 2023: 23 Years of Marriage

In November 2023, Douglas and Zeta-Jones celebrated 23 years of marriage. Their long-lasting relationship is a testament to their enduring love and commitment.