Couples
Kirk Douglas Shares Secrets Behind His 60-Year Marriage
In an exclusive interview with 'Closer,' Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas, 98, shares the secrets behind his 60-year marriage to his beloved wife, Anne.
“I never thought of our marriage as unique,” Kirk tells 'Closer.' “I fell in love with a girl, and after 60 years, I still love her.”
So it’s no surprise that Kirk still knows how to turn up the charm. His new book of love poetry, 'Life Could Be Verse,' was written for Anne, he says. “There’s a poem in there I like that starts, ‘Romance begins at 80,’” Anne, 84, tells 'Closer' of her husband’s 11th tome. She winks. “It took him a long time.”
Kirk and Anne in September 2013.
Anne’s playful wit is one of the first things that attracted Kirk, and it continues to keep him guessing. “She’s unpredictable,” he confides to 'Closer.' “I don’t know what she’s going to say or do. I love the intrigue.”
Kirk tells 'Closer,' “Marriage is not just about love, but friendship.”
Related Story: Michael Douglas and His Long-Time Stunt Double are Great Friends!
Over the years, however, they faced serious challenges to their union. Kirk had affairs, but Anne forgave him. “After 60 years of marriage, you go through a lot of obstacles — and all of them were beautiful!” she says knowingly.
Kirk and his son Michael in October 2011.
Kirk and Anne’s relationship is a rare example of an enduring Hollywood marriage, which has inspired son Michael Douglas. “We have a very close, loving and supportive relationship,” Michael exclusively tells 'Closer,' adding that his dad and stepmom “have been a great lesson in how to conduct and live your third act.”
For their 60th anniversary, Michael feted the couple by transforming Greystone Manor into an old-timey Cocoanut Grove–style nightclub. “It was easy to see my son is rich,” Kirk tells 'Closer.' “It was so lush. Michael is guilty of liking to do the unexpected.”
“That was the most emotional and loving evening — so fantastic,” Anne gushes. “The 60 years we spent together were all represented; they had photos and mementos from way back. Michael is very romantic, and he organized it with all the affection and love he has for both of us.”
For the full interview with Kirk and Anne, pick up the new issue of 'Closer,' on newsstands now!
