Matt Damon Imagined Michael Douglas Was Catherine Zeta-Jones During Their Behind the Candelabra Kissing Scenes

When it came time for Matt Damon to lock lips with Michael Douglas in the upcoming Liberace biopic “Behind the Candelabra,” Michael’s wife Catherine Zeta-Jones was instrumental in creating the chemistry between the two actors.

“Matt actually said to my husband that when he had to kiss Michael, he’d close his eyes and pretend he’s actually kissing me, which I thought to be extremely flattering,” Catherine told AccessHollywood.com’s Laura Saltman at the junket for her new Steven Soderbergh-directed movie, “Side Effects.” (Steven also directed the HBO film, “Behind the Candelabra.”)

The actress’ husband may have gotten cozy with Matt, but Catherine previously one upped Michael on her list of co-stars she’s kissed. (Had trouble editing this line, you may want to re-read original version and tweak)

“When you have to make love or kiss on film, it could be a man, a woman, but it’s always strange. It’s not something that’s an entirely normal day out at the office. I remember when I had to kiss Brad Pitt once, Michael asked me what I was doing that day,” she recalled. “I went, ‘I’m lying in bed, kissing Brad Pitt. He went, ‘Good for you, darling. You enjoy.’

“Someone has to do it,” the actress added with a smile.

“Side Effects” with Channing Tatum, Rooney Mara and Jude Law hits theaters on February 8. “Behind the Candelabra” premieres on HBO this Spring.

— Jesse Spero

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