Have you ever wondered why some of Hollywood’s handsome leading men remain on the A-List for decades while many of their equally stunning female co-stars fade away after just a few years? Well, today we remember the talented Kathleen Turner, the Romancing the Stone actor who collaborated with big names like Steve Martin, Michael Douglas, and Jack Nicholson. But the question remains: how does she look now? Let’s find out!
Kathleen Turner was born on June 19, 1954, in Springfield, Missouri. Growing up in a strict Christian household, her interest in acting was discouraged by her parents. “My father was of missionary stock, so theatre and acting were simply one step up from being a streetwalker,” Turner once explained. Despite the disapproval, Kathleen knew deep down that acting was her passion.
Due to her father’s work with the United States Foreign Service, the Turner family was constantly on the move, living in Venezuela, Cuba, and Canada. Eventually, Kathleen decided to leave her parents and pursue her dreams as a stage performer at a London high school. It was there that she found her tribe, a group of fellow theater enthusiasts. “There were seven of us who were the theatre mafia,” Turner fondly recalled. “We produced, directed, performed, selected plays, fired one teacher, and hired another.”
After the tragic death of her father when she was only 17, Kathleen and her family relocated to Springfield, Missouri. It was in this period of her life that she discovered her passion for advocacy. Volunteering at a local Planned Parenthood sparked a lifelong commitment to women’s rights and healthcare. Even today, she continues to dedicate her time to organizations like City Meals On Wheels in New York City, Child Help USA, and Planned Parenthood’s Board of Advocates.
Her talent was discovered by Herbert Blau at Southwest Missouri State University, who encouraged her to attend the University of Maryland where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. This was the beginning of Kathleen Turner’s rise to prominence.
Her breakthrough came with her debut in the 1981 thriller Body Heat, where she delivered a stunning performance that captivated audiences. This success led to her starring roles in films like The Man with Two Brains and Romancing the Stone. Turner, along with Michael Douglas and Danny DeVito, formed a dynamic trio that audiences fell in love with. They were later reunited in War of the Roses and Jewel of the Nile, solidifying Kathleen Turner as a true Hollywood star.
Her remarkable talent was recognized with prestigious awards. She won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for her roles in Romancing the Stone (1984) and Prizzi’s Honor (1985). Speaking of Prizzi’s Honor, film critic Robert Ebert wrote in 1985, “This is the strangest comedy in many a month, a movie so dark, so cynical, and so funny that probably only Jack Nicholson and Kathleen Turner could have kept straight faces during the love scenes.” Turner portrayed a seductive mob assassin alongside Jack Nicholson’s New York City hitman.
While being celebrated for her captivating performances, Turner also faced challenges and criticism. She admitted that the film industry could be unfriendly towards women. In her role as Peggy Sue in Peggy Sue Got Married (1986), she portrayed a time traveler revisiting her 60s school days. Reflecting on her experience, Turner said in 2018, “It was an extremely unfriendly climate towards women. The contempt, the sensation of being a prop.” Despite these obstacles, she continued to thrive in her theatrical career.
In the world of theater, Kathleen Turner found great success. Her performance as Maggie in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof earned her a Tony Award in 1990. She also received the Outstanding Broadway Debut award from Theatre World for her role in the same play. Turner’s talent shone through in other productions as well, including Indiscretions, The Graduate, and Tallulah. In her portrayal of Martha in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, she earned another Tony nomination.
Turner’s versatility was evident as she took on diverse roles in films like Undercover Blues, The Virgin Suicides, and Beautiful. She even lent her voice to Jessica Rabbit in the animated film Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) and portrayed Chandler Bing’s drag queen father, Charles Bing, in the popular TV show Friends. Although she faced some difficulties fitting in with the cast, she continued to showcase her immense talent.
In the 1990s, Kathleen Turner faced a personal battle with rheumatoid arthritis. She experienced inexplicable pains and fevers, but she refused to let the disease define her. With the help of biotech medicine and gymnastics, she found ways to manage her condition. Actively involved in raising awareness, she shared her own journey and encouraged others to seek information and support in managing the disease.
Turner’s resilience and determination are truly admirable. Despite the ups and downs of her career and personal life, she continues to shine. Today, she shares her wealth of knowledge and passion for acting as a teacher of Practical Acting at New York University. “I adore teaching,” she said in a 2020 interview. “I can explain it clearly.” Kathleen Turner’s impact on the entertainment industry and her advocacy work make her a true inspiration.
So, the next time you think about Hollywood icons, remember the incredible Kathleen Turner. Her talent, resilience, and dedication deserve to be celebrated for many more years to come.
Keywords: Hollywood, Kathleen Turner, Romancing the Stone, Steve Martin, Michael Douglas, Jack Nicholson, career, women’s rights, healthcare, advocacy, theater, success, awards, Body Heat, iconic, Peggy Sue Got Married, Tony Award, rheumatoid arthritis, resilience, teaching, inspiration.
