Michael Douglas: Mind the Gap
It's an undeniable fact that Harrison Ford has been an object of affection for teen girls the world over - but if you don't mind the gap, how to nab the older man? Elli Lewis takes Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones as a case study where age is no barrier to love.
While some girls and guys spend their teens pining after the latest boy band or pop princess, others look further along the age range to find their fantasy fix. Whether it was a schoolgirl crush on that special teacher or inappropriate thoughts about Harrison Ford (no, you weren't alone), many of us have experienced feelings towards somebody of the mature variety.
The more precocious amongst us may have thrown caution to the wind and tried to attract our chosen older beau. However, given that a schoolgirl’s ideas of a 'come hither' stare usually resembles the latter stages of fatigue rather than anything alluring, it is unlikely that the object of your childhood affections had any idea of how you felt. Let’s face it; it was probably best they didn’t know given the wider implications of such a relationship.
Yet, there are more advanced creatures amongst us. There are those who bide their time, waiting until they reach the perfect level of maturity at which point they strike, grabbing the attention of their intended squeeze. In 1998, Michael Douglas fell prey to just such a campaign, spearheaded by the Welsh wonder that is Catherine Zeta Jones.
In fact, Jones is a veteran of the age gap game, having admitted that she’s never dated anybody of her own generation. It therefore follows that the dark haired minx knows a thing or two about wooing the older man.
So what did Jones do to draw in the legendary Douglas? In actuality, this was a case of something Jones had ‘prepared earlier’.
You see, the shrewd starlet had done her homework. In addition to growing into a stunning Hollywood actress, she gained a lead role in ‘The Mask of Zorro’ (1998). By the time she met Douglas at a film festival, the ageing actor had little choice but to fall under her spell. By the end of 2000, Douglas was so enamoured that the pair’s 26 year age gap was cemented by one of the most publicised weddings in Tinsletown.
Yet, what lesson can mere mortals possibly draw from this tale? Put simply, when your one true love is out of reach, make sure that you plan well in advance, persevere (this is not code for stalking) and stun them with your ability to manipulate puberty to your advantage. We would also advise you to keep a pot of smelling salts handy for when the shock gets to be too much for the poor old soul…
Elli Lewis
While some girls and guys spend their teens pining after the latest boy band or pop princess, others look further along the age range to find their fantasy fix. Whether it was a schoolgirl crush on that special teacher or inappropriate thoughts about Harrison Ford (no, you weren't alone), many of us have experienced feelings towards somebody of the mature variety.
The more precocious amongst us may have thrown caution to the wind and tried to attract our chosen older beau. However, given that a schoolgirl’s ideas of a 'come hither' stare usually resembles the latter stages of fatigue rather than anything alluring, it is unlikely that the object of your childhood affections had any idea of how you felt. Let’s face it; it was probably best they didn’t know given the wider implications of such a relationship.
Yet, there are more advanced creatures amongst us. There are those who bide their time, waiting until they reach the perfect level of maturity at which point they strike, grabbing the attention of their intended squeeze. In 1998, Michael Douglas fell prey to just such a campaign, spearheaded by the Welsh wonder that is Catherine Zeta Jones.
In fact, Jones is a veteran of the age gap game, having admitted that she’s never dated anybody of her own generation. It therefore follows that the dark haired minx knows a thing or two about wooing the older man.
So what did Jones do to draw in the legendary Douglas? In actuality, this was a case of something Jones had ‘prepared earlier’.
You see, the shrewd starlet had done her homework. In addition to growing into a stunning Hollywood actress, she gained a lead role in ‘The Mask of Zorro’ (1998). By the time she met Douglas at a film festival, the ageing actor had little choice but to fall under her spell. By the end of 2000, Douglas was so enamoured that the pair’s 26 year age gap was cemented by one of the most publicised weddings in Tinsletown.
Yet, what lesson can mere mortals possibly draw from this tale? Put simply, when your one true love is out of reach, make sure that you plan well in advance, persevere (this is not code for stalking) and stun them with your ability to manipulate puberty to your advantage. We would also advise you to keep a pot of smelling salts handy for when the shock gets to be too much for the poor old soul…
Elli Lewis
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