Let me tell you a story about friendship and resilience. Michael Douglas, the legendary actor who faced his own cancer battle, is now turning his attention to help his dear friend Kathleen Turner. Kathleen, a powerhouse in her own right, has been dealing with mobility issues because of her long-standing battle with rheumatoid arthritis. An insider exclusively tells Closer, “Michael looks on and worries about Kathleen.”
Life's Challenges and the Bond Between Stars
Michael Douglas, who recently turned 80, has overcome incredible obstacles in his life. After surviving a harrowing bout with stage four tongue cancer, he now channels his energy into supporting others, especially those close to him. Kathleen Turner, 70, has been spotted recently using a cane and even leaning on a wheelchair during a walk in New York City. Despite her feisty spirit, it’s clear her health is taking a toll, and her body is showing signs of the disease’s progression. According to an insider, “Her rheumatoid arthritis has kicked up a bigger stink in her life. She’s leaning on a cane and needs a wheelchair for those long stretches.”
Michael's Commitment to Kathleen
For Michael, Kathleen’s plight strikes a chord. He’s determined to provide her with any form of support she needs, whether emotional or practical. “Anything that the Wall Street actor can do for her—in the way of support, emotionally or practically, he’ll do,” says the insider. “Whether it’s a talk, finding her work, or the loan of his car and chauffeur.” This kind of loyalty speaks volumes about their bond, a connection that dates back decades.
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A Friendship Tested by Time and Circumstance
Michael and Kathleen’s friendship goes way back. They first became incredibly close while starring together in the 1984 classic Romancing the Stone. Their chemistry on screen translated into a real-life camaraderie, which only deepened when they reunited for the 1985 sequel The Jewel of the Nile. However, their professional relationship hit a rough patch when Kathleen refused to commit to the project due to issues with the script. At the time, Michael was not only acting but also producing the film. Despite those tensions, their friendship has endured.
These days, Michael spends quite a lot of time in New York, and he’s always had a soft spot for Kathleen, starting from when they worked together on Romancing the Stone. Even when they were at odds, their mutual respect never wavered. Kathleen relies on Michael’s friendship now more than ever, and she appreciates how he makes her feel valued. “Kathleen relies on Michael’s friendship now more than ever and how he gets a chuckle out of her blustery candor and appreciates that he never makes her feel like a total invalid,” the insider adds.
Michael's Own Health Journey
Earlier this month, another source told Closer that Michael is equally concerned about his own health. “People tend to forget he had cancer, but Michael remembers his horrendous ordeal—the chemo, the nausea and pain—and lives in constant worry of getting sick again,” a source said of the Academy Award-winning actor, who celebrated his birthday last month.
Michael was diagnosed with stage four tongue cancer in 2010. Initially, he told the public he had throat cancer, following his doctor’s advice. If they had to perform surgery for tongue cancer, it could have led to facial disfiguration and jeopardized his prolific career. After aggressive chemotherapy and radiation treatment, he was declared tumor-free in January 2011. He credits the medical team at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York for “saving” his life.
Since then, Michael has made significant lifestyle changes to keep his health in check. “That’s why he’s changed his life around—to keep that fear from becoming a reality,” the source said. “He sticks to a gluten-free diet and avoids booze, cigarettes, and caffeine. He won’t even have dessert for the most part because he’s cut way back on sugar. Plus, he gets regular check-ups and takes vitamin supplements to boost his immune system and exercises every day to keep his stamina levels up and maintain muscle mass.”
