Catherine Zeta-Jones, born 25 September 1969 in Swansea, Wales, is an Academy Award-winning actress known for her roles in Chicago, The Mask of Zorro, and the Netflix series Wednesday. Married to Michael Douglas since 2000, she remains active in film and television through 2025 and beyond.
Her journey from a child dancer in Wales to a Hollywood star with an Oscar is marked by carefully chosen roles and a high-profile personal life. Today she balances new projects like The Gallerist (2026) with a strong social media presence.
Below we answer the most common questions about her age, filmography, family, and current work, using verified facts from reliable sources.
How Old Is Catherine Zeta-Jones and What Is She Doing Now?
- Catherine Zeta-Jones rose to fame in the late 1990s with roles in The Mask of Zorro and Entrapment.
- She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Chicago (2002).
- She is married to actor Michael Douglas since 2000 and has two children.
- Contrary to popular belief, she did not appear in the 1997 film Titanic; the role was played by Kate Winslet.
- She played Morticia Addams in the Netflix series Wednesday (2022–2025).
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Catherine Zeta-Jones |
| Birth date | 25 September 1969 |
| Birthplace | Swansea, Wales |
| Height | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) |
| Spouse | Michael Douglas (m. 2000) |
| Children | 2 |
| Academy Awards | 1 win (Chicago, 2002) |
| Notable roles | Zorro, Velma Kelly, Morticia Addams |
As of 2025, Zeta-Jones is actively working. She continues to appear in projects such as National Treasure: Edge of History and has upcoming films The Gallerist (2026) and the thriller series Kill Jackie (post-production, 2026), filmed in her hometown of Swansea [Wikipedia].
What Are the Most Famous Movies and TV Shows of Catherine Zeta-Jones?
Breakthrough and Zorro Role
Her first major film role came in 1998 with The Mask of Zorro, where she played Elena opposite Antonio Banderas and Anthony Hopkins. The performance caught the attention of Steven Spielberg [Britannica]. She reprised the character in the 2005 sequel The Legend of Zorro.
She did not play Zorro herself but rather the character Elena, the love interest and later wife of the masked hero.
Oscar-Winning Performance: Chicago (2002)
Zeta-Jones played the homicidal entertainer Velma Kelly in Chicago, a role that earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress at the 75th Oscars [Oscars.org]. She sang and danced in the film, showcasing her musical theatre background.
Other Notable Films
She starred in Traffic (2000) opposite future husband Michael Douglas, Entrapment (1999) with Sean Connery, Intolerable Cruelty (2003) with George Clooney, Ocean’s Twelve (2004), The Terminal (2004) with Tom Hanks, Red 2 (2013), and Side Effects (2013).
Television Work
Her TV credits include Queen America (2018–2019), Feud (2017) as Olivia de Havilland, Cocaine Godmother (2017) as Griselda Blanco, a recurring role in Prodigal Son (2021), and National Treasure: Edge of History (2022–2023) as Billie Pearce. She also starred in the 1996 miniseries Titanic as Isabella Paradine [IMDb].
The 1996 miniseries Titanic is often confused with James Cameron’s 1997 film. Zeta-Jones was in the miniseries, not the film. Kate Winslet played Rose in the 1997 blockbuster.
Who Is Catherine Zeta-Jones Married To?
She has been married to actor Michael Douglas since November 18, 2000. The couple met in 1998 at the Deauville Film Festival, where Douglas was promoting a film [Britannica]. They have two children: son Dylan Michael (born 2000) and daughter Carys Zeta (born 2003).
The 25-year age difference between them has been a frequent topic in the press. In 2010, Douglas revealed in an interview that they had taken time apart to evaluate their marriage but later reconciled [Biography].
Zeta-Jones has spoken about the challenges of balancing a high-profile marriage with her career. The couple remains together and often appear at public events.
While the 2010 separation was publicly acknowledged, the exact timeline and cause of the marital strain have not been fully detailed by either party. Reports rely on interviews given at the time.
How Tall Is Catherine Zeta-Jones?
Her height is commonly listed as approximately 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 m) in entertainment databases and media profiles. This measurement is not explicitly confirmed in official biographical sources but is widely cited and considered standard public knowledge.
For comparison, her husband Michael Douglas is approximately 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m).
Did Catherine Zeta-Jones Win an Oscar?
Yes. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress at the 75th Academy Awards in 2003 for her performance as Velma Kelly in Chicago [Rotten Tomatoes]. She has not been nominated for any other Oscars as of 2025, and no nomination has been announced for the 2025 ceremony.
Her upcoming projects The Gallerist and Kill Jackie (both scheduled for 2026) may place her in contention for future awards.
Key Milestones in Catherine Zeta-Jones’s Career
- 1969: Born in Swansea, Wales.
- 1998: Breakthrough role in The Mask of Zorro.
- 2000: Marries Michael Douglas.
- 2002: Wins Oscar for Chicago.
- 2003: Stars in Intolerable Cruelty.
- 2010: Public disclosure of time apart from husband; later reconciled.
- 2018: Stars in TV series Queen America.
- 2022: Plays Morticia Addams in Wednesday.
- 2025: Wednesday ends after three seasons; new projects announced.
Clarifying Common Misconceptions About Catherine Zeta-Jones
| Claim | Status |
|---|---|
| She played a role in the 1997 film Titanic. | False. She was not in that film. Kate Winslet played Rose. The confusion may arise from the 1996 miniseries Titanic in which she starred as Isabella Paradine. |
| She is a natural redhead. | Myth. She is naturally brunette; she dyed her hair red for certain roles. |
| She played Morticia Addams. | True. She portrayed Morticia Addams in the Netflix series Wednesday (2022–2025). |
How Has Catherine Zeta-Jones’s Career Evolved Over the Decades?
Zeta-Jones successfully transitioned from stage to film in the late 1990s, becoming one of the few Welsh actresses to win an Academy Award. Her career has spanned musicals, dramas, thrillers, and television. In recent years she gained a new generation of fans through Wednesday, showing her ability to adapt to streaming platforms.
Her marriage to Michael Douglas has been a consistent subject of public interest, but she has maintained her own identity as a working actress. The persistent online myth about her role in Titanic highlights how easily misinformation spreads, underscoring the importance of checking primary sources.
Her decision to executive produce and star in Kill Jackie, shot in her hometown of Swansea, reflects a desire to return to her roots while remaining active in Hollywood [Official biography].
Where Can I Find Reliable Information About Catherine Zeta-Jones?
Authoritative biographical data is available from Britannica and Wikipedia. Filmography and career credits are well-documented on IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes. Her official Oscar win is confirmed by the Academy at Oscars.org.
“Catherine Zeta-Jones is a Welsh-born actor who won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Velma Kelly in the musical Chicago.”
– Britannica
“She met Michael Douglas in 1998 and married him in 2000. They have two children.”
– Biography.com
For updates on her current projects, her verified social media accounts provide the most direct source of information, though they lack structured biographical detail.
What Is the Most Important Thing to Know About Catherine Zeta-Jones?
Catherine Zeta-Jones is a versatile Welsh actress who rose from a childhood of dance lessons in Swansea to win an Academy Award, build a lasting marriage to Michael Douglas, and remain a relevant figure in Hollywood through both classic films and modern streaming series. Her career exemplifies longevity and adaptability.
For more on other Welsh-born stars, read Emily Blunt – Biography, Net Worth, Husband, and More or James Marsden – Career Highlights and Iconic Roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Catherine Zeta-Jones sing in her movies?
Yes, she sang in Chicago (her character Velma Kelly performs “All That Jazz”) and demonstrated dancing skills from her early training.
How many children does Catherine Zeta-Jones have?
Two: Dylan Michael Douglas (born 2000) and Carys Zeta Douglas (born 2003).
What is Catherine Zeta-Jones’s net worth?
Estimated at around $30–50 million as of 2025, largely from film earnings and endorsements.
Does Catherine Zeta-Jones have a health diagnosis?
She has publicly spoken about living with bipolar II disorder and advocates for mental health awareness.
Was Catherine Zeta-Jones in the movie Titanic?
No. She appeared in the 1996 miniseries Titanic but not in James Cameron’s 1997 film.
What is Catherine Zeta-Jones doing in 2025?
She is active with upcoming projects including the film The Gallerist (2026) and the thriller series Kill Jackie (post-production).
Does Catherine Zeta-Jones have any upcoming awards nominations?
As of 2025, no new nominations have been announced. Her 2026 projects may lead to future recognition.
How old is Catherine Zeta-Jones now?
She was born on 25 September 1969, making her 55 years old in 2025.
What role did Catherine Zeta-Jones play in Wednesday?
She played Morticia Addams, the mother of Wednesday Addams, in the Netflix series that ran from 2022 to 2025.
Is Catherine Zeta-Jones a natural blonde?
No, she is naturally brunette. She has dyed her hair for various roles, including red for some performances.
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David Harwood is Editor-in-Chief at Headlines UK, overseeing editorial policy, corrections, standards and publication decisions across UK news coverage.