Catherine Zeta-Jones Says This Is the Secret to Her 20-Year Marriage to Michael Douglas

Catherine Zeta-Jones is spilling the secrets to making a marriage work. Her 20-year union with Michael Douglas hasn't been without its “ups and downs,” she tells the WSJ Magazine in a recent interview. However, the Chicago actor attributes their long-lasting marriage to maintaining a strong connection.

“First of all, we have a lot of fun together,” Zeta-Jones reveals about her marriage to Douglas. “My husband is 25 years older than me; that's not a secret…. The constant is love and respect. We've never, ever lost our sense of humor, and we enjoy each other's company."

She adds, “My husband and I spend a lot of time together because, unlike so many couples, we've never had a 9-to-5 job where it's consistent. We're either on or we're off. I'm really working 16 hours a day, or I'm not. He's doing the same, or not. So we've had in our relationship huge amounts of time where we've been just us.”

Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas tied the knot in 2000 and have two children: son Dylan, 20, and daughter Carys, 17. Despite working as actors, they've spent years out of Hollywood in order to raise their children for 12 years in Bermuda. Now they call Westchester County, New York, home.

Their marriage hasn't been without its hardships. In 2010, Douglas was diagnosed with stage IV squamous cell carcinoma oral cancer, also known as throat cancer. Then, in 2013, they separated after 13 years of marriage. Their rep told Us Weekly at the time that they were “taking some time apart to evaluate and work on their marriage.”

Ultimately, they did find their way back together. Zeta-Jones continues, “We respect each other's space, and our humor is just long-lasting.”

I guess the age-old saying is true: A couple who laughs together stays together.

Originally Appeared on Glamour