Their relationship, marked by mutual admiration and respect, has been one of Hollywood’s enduring love stories. Even their age gap hasn’t been a factor as the “Zorro” actress is over two decades younger than him.

When asked whether he has concerns about his daughter Carys potentially marrying an older man like her mother did, Michael admitted that, based on her experiences so far, it’s a possibility. “Her father is an older guy, so that could very well be. People follow the patterns, so she might be attracted to older guys. Not the worst thing that can happen, by the way,” said the filmmaker.

Michael noted that his wife is 25 years younger than him and expressed that he’s a much better husband now than he would have been 25 years earlier. Despite having a harmonious marriage, Michael, who was previously diagnosed with throat cancer, and Catherine, who has bipolar II disorder, have faced challenging times together.

In August 2013, insiders reported that the couple had separated, as the stress from each of their diagnoses had put a strain on their 13-year marriage. Catherine’s publicist at the time revealed that the couple had decided to separate in order to “evaluate and work on their marriage.”