Michael Douglas

Michael Douglas

Michael Douglas is "hopeful" he can work things out with Catherine Zeta Jones.

The 68-year-old actor opened up about his rocky marriage to the Welsh beauty at the 65th Primetime Emmy Awards last night (22.09.13), acknowledging the long-term couple are on "a break", but are hoping to resolve their differences.

He told US journalist Billy Bush: "Catherine is great. She is doing wonderful, talked to her today [and] just got a lovely note from her. I'm very hopeful that we're going to work things out.

"As I said we're just taking a break, a couple of issues, sometimes you gotta do that."

Michael - who has children Dylan, 13, and Carys, 10, with Catherine - picked up for Best Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie Award for HBO's 'Behind The Candelabra' at the star-studded ceremony, and took the opportunity to praise his estranged wife and his eldest son Cameron, who is currently in jail for drugs offences.

As he accepted his award, Michael told the audience: "I want to thank my wife Catherine for her support, my kids Dylan and Carys, and a shout out for my oldest son Cameron and hoping that they'll allow me to see him soon."

Michael and Catherine - who began dating in March 1999 - have not been pictured together since announcing their separation in August, with the veteran actor choosing to attend the Emmys solo.

The father-of-three is said to be taking refuge in New York City, staying with his friend George Soros while he works on his 13-year marriage.