Brenda Vaccaro, acclaimed actress and current star of the Netflix film “Nonnas,” is opening up about her past romance with Michael Douglas, offering fresh insights into their significant relationship from decades ago. Speaking candidly to reporters, Vaccaro reflected on the late 1970s when she and Michael Douglas shared a connection that, despite its eventual end, left a lasting impact on both their lives.
According to Vaccaro, her relationship with Michael Douglas spanned seven years throughout the 1970s, a time she remembers intensely and fondly. “Everything was wonderful,” Vaccaro said, describing the period as one of beauty and excitement. She recalled,
Her remarks reflect both nostalgia and genuine admiration for Michael Douglas, who would later marry Catherine Zeta-Jones and build a family of his own.
The memories, while mostly positive, are also tinged with regret and reflection for Vaccaro. The relationship did not come to a gentle close. Instead, she fell deeply in love with another actor, Don Stroud, which created a tumultuous emotional situation. Vaccaro explained,
She admitted receiving advice from her friend Robert Shaw, who warned that following such fleeting passions could lead to lasting regrets, especially if it meant ending things with Michael Douglas.
Reflecting on those years, Vaccaro acknowledged the challenges and temptations of the era.
she shared, highlighting the whirlwind nature of that chapter in her life with Michael Douglas.
The couple’s time together involved major milestones, including their move to California after acting in a film together.
said Vaccaro, illustrating how their dreams seemed to unfold in tandem during their partnership.
Though they never formalized their relationship in a traditional sense, Vaccaro noted that they participated in a symbolic “hippie wedding” at her agent’s house, reciting vows and promising to remain together, a gesture emblematic of the spontaneous spirit of the 1970s.
Vaccaro revealed that Michael Douglas’s father, Kirk Douglas, played a part in bringing them together, recalling how the legendary actor was asked to introduce her for a role in “Summertree.” Ultimately, the relationship did not lead to marriage, but Vaccaro shared,
The recollections from Brenda Vaccaro offer a rare and moving perspective on her years with Michael Douglas. Their time together touched careers, friendships, and the course of their lives, creating memories that continue to resonate decades later. Looking ahead, Vaccaro’s reflections invite renewed interest in the stories behind Hollywood’s iconic relationships, showing how formative these experiences can be, for stars and audiences alike.
