Kathleen Turner rose to fame as a sex symbol in the early 1980s, sharing the screen with Hollywood A-listers like Steve Martin, Michael Douglas, and Jack Nicholson. However, her looks have changed significantly over the years, but her presence in Hollywood remains.
In 1994, Turner revealed she was battling an autoimmune condition that caused her immense pain and debilitating fevers, which hindered her ability to perform. This took a toll on her popularity in the entertainment industry. Despite this setback, she continued to receive award nominations for her acting prowess, emphasizing that success in show business doesn’t rely solely on beauty or fame.
In the early 1990s, Turner received a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease. Doctors painted a grim picture, predicting she might require a wheelchair due to severe wrist swelling that limited her mobility. Rumors circulated about her turning to heavy drinking to cope with the pain of her condition.
In 2009, Turner penned an essay detailing her battle with rheumatoid arthritis. She explained how her concerns about physical appearance and sex appeal became insignificant compared to the struggle of walking without pain. Her iconic role as Jessica Rabbit in the 1988 film “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” became widely recognized, but her appearance began to change due to the side effects of medications prescribed to manage her condition.
Public assumptions of addiction to alcohol or drugs were fueled by her altered appearance, yet she chose to remain silent in the face of relentless media scrutiny. Her transformation was a result of treatments and medications prescribed by her doctors, something she had no control over. She decided not to disclose the cause of these dramatic changes in her looks.
Turner’s arduous battle with rheumatoid arthritis has ended, and she attributes her successful recovery to daily exercise routines, including gymnastics and Pilates. Her marriage to real estate mogul Jay Weiss, which lasted 23 years, ended in divorce in 2007.
While Turner continues to make occasional appearances in film and theater, they are less frequent than during the peak of her career. Her story is a testament to her determination and resilience in the face of medical challenges, inspiring others to take charge of their health and overcome their own obstacles. Share her story on Facebook to raise awareness of how simple exercise can contribute to better lives.
