From Stardom to Silence: How Illness Changed This 80s Icon’s Life – Rediscovering Her at 70

This actress, who was a sensation in the 1980s, disappeared from the public eye for years but recently made a comeback, eliciting mixed reactions on social media. Some praised her natural aging process, while others commented that she appeared almost unrecognizable.

In the 1980s, this star represented Hollywood glamour, enchanting audiences with her stunning appearance and unforgettable performances. However, as time went on, health issues prompted her to withdraw from the public spotlight.

Recent photos of her have sparked divided opinions among social media users, with some expressing shock at her appearance and finding her hard to recognize. These images highlight her remarkable transformation and life journey, which include a difficult diagnosis and time spent in rehab.

This enchanting star emerged in the early 1980s, captivating audiences with her distinctive voice and remarkable screen presence. Hailing from the Midwest, she launched her career with a debut that many actors can only dream of.

With a powerful and commanding performance, she made her mark as a leading lady in the 1981 film “Body Heat,” where she played the relentless Matty Walker. This breakout role propelled her to stardom, transforming her into a sex icon almost overnight.

She swiftly rose to prominence, appearing alongside major stars in films that defined the decade. One of her most notable collaborations was with Michael Douglas in the adventure films “The Jewel of the Nile” and “Romancing the Stone.”

Their on-screen chemistry was so compelling that it fueled rumors of a real-life romance. “I think we might have been falling in love,” the ’80s icon remarked. However, despite their undeniable attraction, various circumstances prevented them from pursuing a relationship.

Shortly after, she made a bold move by marrying real estate developer Jay Weiss, with whom she had a daughter. By the mid-1980s, she was at the height of her career and “having a ball.”

She appeared in a variety of films, ranging from romantic comedies to darker roles, before her personal life grew increasingly complicated. In the early 1990s, she faced a difficult turn when she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

The autoimmune disease significantly impacted her joints, making everyday tasks painfully difficult. While filming “Serial Mom” in 1993, she discovered that her feet had swollen to the point that none of her shoes fit.

“The pain is very bad because there’s no way to sit, lie, or stand that allows you to escape it. People don’t understand because it’s not life-threatening,” she revealed. She continued, “It will not kill me, but it kills your life.” The physical toll became evident to the public, leading her to take a step back from the demands of Hollywood.

Unable to perform as she once did, she accepted smaller, less demanding roles, although her passion for acting persisted. Medications to manage her condition led to visible changes in her appearance, and some media outlets harshly criticized her weight gain. As her health deteriorated, she turned to alcohol to cope with the pain, struggling with this privately for years while still maintaining her professionalism on set.

Eventually, she realized the negative impact her drinking had on her personal life, particularly on her time with her daughter. “So I stopped drinking for a couple of years,” she stated. In 2002, she made the brave decision to enter rehab, a period that allowed her to confront her dependency and start the healing process.

A New Chapter in Life and Social Media Reactions
After overcoming significant challenges, she discovered a new purpose: expressing her love for acting by mentoring younger generations. Although she was no longer a silver screen star, she began teaching acting at various universities across the U.S.

Living away from Hollywood’s chaos, she now enjoys a more peaceful life, immersing herself in her love of books and hosting intimate poker nights with close friends. Even in this quieter phase, she maintains her spirited personality, sipping bourbon and embracing life on her own terms.

She also dedicates a lot of time to her daughter, Rachel Ann Weiss, who has chosen a different artistic path. Rachel once shared, “She’s been very vocally supportive of what I do. She comes to every show she can whenever she’s in town. She’s been great.”

Though mostly out of the spotlight, she is still cherished within Hollywood circles. Her legacy as a symbol of confidence and beauty endures, with many continuing to regard her as a sex icon.

“It doesn’t frustrate me that nearly four decades after that film I’m still referred to as a sex icon. I got over that a long time ago,” she remarked. As time went on, changes became inevitable. When recent photos of her appeared on social media, fans had mixed reactions. Some admired her for embracing natural aging, praising her confidence and comfort in her own skin.

“Absolutely love her and also love her decision to age naturally. She had all the money in the world to do it all and refused. She’s awesome. I hope she feels better soon; pain in the body is tough,” one person commented. Another added, “Kate still has a beauty about her; to me, she has aged well. People forget that she has rheumatoid arthritis, which is very painful.”

A third social media user commented, “Oh, bless her. We are all getting older, and some of us don’t wear as well as others. We are all different.” A fourth wrote, “Growing old gracefully. I think she is still beautiful.”

However, others expressed surprise, saying they didn’t recognize her. “It doesn’t look like her!!” one person exclaimed on X, formerly known as Twitter. Another remarked, “[I] hardly recognize her from her ‘Friends’ days.”

This enigmatic actress, whose captivating beauty once illuminated some of the ’80s’ most iconic films, is none other than Kathleen Turner. Her transformation over the years has been dramatic, yet her enduring strength and timeless talent remain unmistakable.