Heather Thomas, the queen of posters in the 80s, was a rising Hollywood star known for her role in the hit show The Fall Guy. But behind the scenes, her personal problems were taking a toll on her life.

It all started when Heather’s mother showed up on set after the show’s finale was filmed. Heather rushed to the hospital, worried about her father’s health, only to find out that it was she who needed help. This was just the beginning of a life-changing journey for the then 28-year-old actress.

Heather had always been destined for stardom. From a young age, she showcased her talent and beauty, hosting a TV series called Talking with a Giant at only 14. Determined to take her career to the next level, she studied film and theater at UCLA and soon landed her first leading role in The Fall Guy alongside Lee Majors.

As Jody Banks, a stuntwoman-bounty hunter, Heather became a sex symbol and garnered a huge male fan base. However, behind the scenes, she was battling with drug addiction. Her substance abuse started in sixth grade, and by the time she joined The Fall Guy, it had escalated to cocaine use.

Heather’s struggle with drugs and her obsession with weight took a toll on her health. She lost weight rapidly, falling from 125 to 105 pounds. Her drug use was derailing her career, and people in the industry knew she had a problem.

The turning point came when Heather passed out in front of Lee Majors. Concerned for her well-being, he called her manager, who then contacted her mother. This led to Heather checking into a detox program at St. John’s Hospital. She had pneumonia, scarred lungs, and inflamed kidneys. The doctors told her that she should have been dead three years ago.

Determined to turn her life around, Heather committed to recovery. She surrounded herself with supportive people and divorced her husband, who was the co-founder of Cocaine Anonymous. After her detox and surgery to repair her leg, she made a comeback with smaller roles in TV series and films.

In the 1990s, Heather focused more on writing and started a new chapter of her life, marrying entertainment lawyer Skip Brittenham and becoming a stepmother to his two daughters. She also had her only biological child, a daughter named India Rose.

Despite her struggles, Heather remains positive and active. She advocates for causes such as the Rape Foundation and Amazon Conservation Team. She identifies as a feminist and believes in the power of embracing one’s body.

It’s unfortunate that Heather Thomas was unable to revive her acting career, but we’re glad she received the help she needed and is now on a lifelong journey of recovery. Her role as Jody Banks in The Fall Guy will always be remembered by fans of the 1980s. We’d love to hear your thoughts on Heather’s inspiring story of resilience and transformation.

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