The 50-something Douglas had something of a reputation when he first met the younger Zeta-Jones, who was just making a name for herself in Hollywood with the film The Mask of Zorro.
After nine months of dating, largely long-distance, Zeta-Jones reportedly told Douglas she was “not interested in dating you if you’re dating other people”, to which he responded: “Wait here, I have to make five quick calls.”
The high-profile romance that followed inevitably captured public attention and press scrutiny.
In 2013, the pair underwent a brief separation, but – unlike many other film star couples, they were back together within a year.
Douglas denied “winning back” his wife, adding: “It was a mutual… You know, we had our problems but I love her dearly and, 25 years, you know.”
The veteran actor has regularly travelled to Wales with his wife, now 57, and family, and has previously said he was enamoured with the people and countryside but found the weather “brutal”.
His forthcoming memoir, One Helluva Ride – released this week in the UK – divulges behind-the-scenes details of his life, including his childhood, Hollywood career, and relationships.
But, when asked what his wife thought of the book, he admitted “she hasn’t read it”.