Michael Douglas Talks Surviving Cancer and Rebuilding His Marriage to Catherine Zeta-Jones - Closer Weekly

Michael Douglas is getting candid about striving to be a better husband and father since surviving cancer.

“You’re a fool if you don’t get a little more conscious at my age of how you want to spend your days,” the the 71-year-old actor told AARP The Magazine in a new interview. “It’s been five years [since I was diagnosed with tongue cancer], and I feel really good, but you have a new appreciation. I’m more motivated, more responsible. My younger kids could be my grandchildren. I want to be here a while.”

The Ant-Man star added he now plans to put his showbiz career on the back-burner to instead focus on his personal life, specifically his 15-year-marriage to Catherine Zeta-Jones.

catherine zeta-jones michael douglas getty images

Catherine and Michael in July 2015.

“It took work on both our parts,” Michael said of mending his relationship with Catherine, 46, after their 2013 separation. “I don’t think there’s much chance of fixing a relationship if one of you is already out the door.”

Michael and Catherine married in November 2000 and briefly split to “take some time apart to evaluate and work on their marriage” in May 2013, the actress’ rep confirmed at the time. By November 2014, the A-List couple had reconciled and continue to live together with their children, Dylan, 15, and Carys, 12, in NYC. “I think we’re both mellower and wiser,” Catherine told AARP of their marriage now. “That comes naturally with time. We count our blessings.”