Douglas, Zeta-Jones 'taking time apart to evaluate marriage'

Michael Douglas, left, and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Photo / AP

Movie stars Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas have decided to take a break from their 13-year marriage, a media report say.

"They're taking a break," a source has told People magazine, which reported that neither star had filed for divorce or legal separation.

A publicist for the pair confirmed the rumours, saying in a statement: "Catherine and Michael are taking some time apart to evaluate and work on their marriage. There will be no further comment."

Michael Douglas and his wife actress and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

The A-list couple have not been photographed together since April, appearing on red carpets solo and vacationing separately.

The pair have faced a tumultuous few years, with the 68-year-old Douglas fighting off throat cancer and Zeta-Jones, 43, undergoing treatment for bipolar disorder.

Douglas made waves in June when he attributed his throat cancer to the sexually transmitted Human papillomavirus (HPV), saying he caught it through performing oral sex. He later backtracked, saying he did not know what caused his cancer.

The couple married in 2000, and have two children.

Michael Douglas, left, and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Photo / AP

The Welsh actress Zeta-Jones won an Academy Award in 2003 for her supporting role in Chicago and has appeared in films such as Traffic and Ocean's Twelve.

Douglas is an actor and producer who has won two Oscars and four Golden Globes in a career spanning more than four decades.

- AFP with Bang! Showbiz