When life throws curveballs, it's always the true friendships that shine through. Michael Douglas, who battled cancer and came out on top, is now channeling his energy into helping his dear friend Kathleen Turner. Kathleen, who has been grappling with rheumatoid arthritis, has seen her mobility issues escalate, and Michael is deeply concerned. “Michael looks on and worries about Kathleen,” an insider exclusively tells Closer, painting a picture of a man who genuinely cares for his friend's well-being.
Turning the Spotlight on Kathleen Turner's Struggles
Just last month, the 70-year-old actress was photographed in New York City, visibly using a cane as she entered a building downtown. Later, she was seen relying on a wheelchair for support. The stark reality of Kathleen's condition is not lost on those who know her best. “Even though she’s still feisty as ever mentally, it appears her illness has taken a turn for the worse and that her body is buckling from under her,” the source elaborates. “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 Douglas: A Friend Who Steps Up
For Michael Douglas, who has experienced his own health battles, Kathleen's struggle resonates deeply. The Wall Street actor, now 80, has made it clear that he’s there for Kathleen in any way she needs. “Anything that he can do for her in the way of support, emotionally or practically, he’ll do,” the insider reveals. This could mean offering a listening ear, helping her find new opportunities for work, or even providing the loan of his car and chauffeur to ease her daily life.
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A Friendship Forged in Hollywood
Michael and Kathleen's relationship dates back to the 1980s when they starred together in the blockbuster Romancing the Stone and its sequel The Jewel of the Nile. Their bond was tested when Kathleen decided not to commit to the project due to script issues, a decision that strained their professional relationship. Despite these challenges, their friendship endured. These days, Michael, who spends considerable time in New York, maintains a soft spot for Kathleen. “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 Douglas: Battling His Own Health Fears
While Michael is deeply concerned about Kathleen's health, he's also vigilant about his own. Earlier this month, a different source revealed to Closer that Michael remains wary of a potential cancer recurrence. “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,” the source explained. Diagnosed with stage four tongue cancer in 2010, Michael underwent aggressive treatment and was declared tumor-free in January 2011. He credits the team at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York for saving his life.
Since then, Michael has transformed his lifestyle to mitigate his health risks. “That’s why he’s changed his life around — to keep that fear from becoming a reality,” the source notes. Michael adheres to a strict gluten-free diet, steering clear of booze, cigarettes, and caffeine. Desserts are a rarity now, as he's cut back on sugar significantly. Regular check-ups, vitamin supplements, and daily exercise are all part of his routine to boost his immune system and maintain muscle mass.
