Michael Douglas is extending support to his co-star Kathleen Turner, whose rheumatoid arthritis of over three decades is reportedly getting worse. The duo played side by side in ‘80s hits like Romancing the Stone, The Jewel of the Nile, and The War of the Roses, and have enjoyed a lasting off-screen friendship ever since.
A source revealed that Douglas is worried about Turner, who was last seen in New York moving with a cane, and later a wheelchair. They added that Douglas wants Turner to be aware that he is always there, and is willing to help as much as he can.
Michael Douglas sets aside rivalry to help Kathleen Turner
Douglas is reportedly offering Turner his presence and, possibly, his car and chauffeur anytime she needs to get around. The 80-year-old has experienced health issues of his own in the past, making him feel sorry for his co-star. He had throat cancer more than a decade ago, which he attributed to having oral sex.
The insider added that Turner is happy to receive help from Douglas, whom she appreciates for not making her feel like an invalid. As her condition worsens, she can no longer take long walks or even hold a glass well. The illness affected her career as she started to opt for less-tasking roles in her 30s until her forced retirement.
Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner’s relationship
Turner admitted to having a crush on Douglas while filming Romancing the Stone, and at that time, the actor was separated from his first wife, Diandra Luke. To Turner’s shock, Diandra showed up on set, blurring the idea that they were not together anymore.
Turner backed off from her co-star and pursued friendship instead, noting that she could never date another person’s lover. She soon met and married her first husband, Jay Weiss, but their marriage lasted 25 years. Luker eventually filed for divorce from Douglas, and the actor moved on to his current wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones.