This actress, once a sensation in the ’80s, disappeared from the spotlight for years and was recently spotted again, causing mixed reactions from social media users. While some praised her natural aging, others said she looked unrecognizable.
In the 1980s, this actress was the epitome of Hollywood glamour, captivating audiences with her stunning looks and unforgettable performances. However, as the years went by, health struggles caused her to step away from the limelight, retreating from public view.
The ’80s bombshell, circa 1983. | Source: Getty Images
Now, recent photos of the actress left social media users divided, as some were shocked by her appearance and claimed they barely recognized her. Telling photos reveal her astonishing transformation and journey over the years, including a painful diagnosis and a stay in rehab.
Michael Douglas and the famous actress on the set of “Romancing the Stone,” circa 1984 | Source: Getty Images
From Screen Queen to Personal Struggles
In the early 1980s, this mesmerizing actress emerged on the Hollywood scene, captivating audiences with her sultry voice and undeniable presence. Born in the Midwest, she began her career with the kind of debut most actors dream of.
The iconic actress on the set of “Body Heat,” circa 1980s. | Source: Getty Images
With a performance that was both sensual and commanding, she established herself as a leading lady in “Body Heat” in 1981 with her role as the relentless Matty Walker. Her portrayal in this breakout role instantly catapulted her to stardom, solidifying her as a sex icon almost overnight.
The iconic actress on the set of “Body Heat,” circa 1980s. | Source: Getty Images
Soon, she was starring alongside major names in hit films that would define the decade. One of her most famous collaborations was with Michael Douglas in the adventure films “Romancing the Stone” and “The Jewel of the Nile.”
Michael Douglas and the famous actress pictured together in New York City in 1983 | Source: Getty Images
Their electric chemistry on-screen was so palpable that it sparked rumors of a real-life romance. “I think we might have been falling in love,” the ’80s icon said. However, while the pair shared undeniable attraction, circumstances beyond their control kept things from progressing.
The actress and Michael Douglas in “Romancing the Stone” in 1984 | Source: Getty Images
Not long after, the actress married Jay Weiss, a real estate developer, with whom she had a daughter. By the mid-1980s, the Hollywood star was at the peak of her career and “having a ball.”
The famous actress photographed on June 13, 1985. | Source: Getty Images
She starred in films that ranged from romantic comedies to darker roles. However, behind the scenes, her personal life was becoming more complex. By the early 1990s, the actress’s life took a challenging turn when she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.
The ‘80s bombshell at the Tony Awards Brunch Party on May 16, 1990, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
The autoimmune disease began affecting her joints, making everyday tasks excruciatingly painful. She was filming “Serial Mom” in 1993 when she realized her feet were so swollen that she couldn’t fit into any of her shoes.
The iconic actress at the 9th “Spirit of Liberty” Awards Dinner on November 17, 1993. | Source: Getty Images
“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. It will not kill me, but it kills your life,” the actress revealed. The physical toll was visible to the public, and the star was forced to take a step back from the demanding world of Hollywood.
The famous actress posing for a photo, circa 1995. | Source: Getty Images
Unable to perform as she once did, the actress started accepting smaller, less demanding roles, though her passion for acting never wavered. Medications to manage her condition caused noticeable changes in her appearance, and some corners of the media began to cruelly scrutinize her weight gain.
As her physical condition worsened, the Hollywood star turned to alcohol in an attempt to manage the pain. For years, she struggled privately with this battle, all while maintaining her professionalism on set.
The Hollywood icon at “The Graduate” opening night party in New York on April 4, 2002. | Source: Getty Images
Eventually, she realized the impact her drinking was having on her personal life, particularly on her time with her daughter. “So I stopped drinking for a couple of years,” the actress said.
She made the brave decision to check herself into rehab in 2002. Her time in rehabilitation allowed her to confront her dependency and begin the healing process.
The ‘80s bombshell at the International Women’s Health Coalition Gala on January 11, 2005, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
A New Chapter in Life and Social Media Reactions
After overcoming the significant challenges of her earlier years, the Hollywood icon found a new calling: sharing her love of acting with a younger generation. No longer the star of the silver screen, she began teaching acting at various universities across the United States.
The actress at Vassilios Kostetsos Spring 2010 Fashion on September 13, 2009, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Away from the chaos of Hollywood, the star now lived a more peaceful life, indulging in her love for books and hosting intimate poker nights with her closest friends. Even in this quieter phase, she retained her fiery spirit, sipping bourbon and enjoying life on her own terms
The Hollywood actress at the opening night curtain call for “Kathleen Turner: Finding My Voice” on Broadway on December 16, 2021, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
The actress also devotes much of her time to her daughter, who followed a different artistic path. Her daughter, Rachel Ann Weiss, revealed, “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.”
Even though the actress had largely stepped out of the limelight, she remained a beloved figure in Hollywood circles. Her legacy as a symbol of confidence and beauty persisted, and many still regarded her as a sex icon.
The actress at Citymeals On Wheels yearly lunch in New York in 2023. | Source: Getty Images
“It doesn’t frustrate me that nearly four decades after that film I’m still referred to as a sexual icon. I got over that a long time ago,” she remarked.
However, with time came inevitable changes. When recent photos of her resurfaced on social media, fans had mixed reactions. Some praised her for embracing her natural aging process, applauding her for being confident and comfortable in her own skin.
The famous actress at the premiere of “Wildcat” on April 11, 2024, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
“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 wrote.
Another person shared in part, “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 added, “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 typed, “Growing old gracefully. I think she is still beautiful.”
On the other hand, others expressed surprise, claiming they didn’t recognize her. “It doesn’t look like her!!” one person shared on X, formerly known as Twitter. Another person wrote, “Hardly recognize her from her ‘Friends’ days.”
This mysterious actress, whose captivating beauty had once graced some of the most iconic films of the ’80s, is none other than Kathleen Turner. Her transformation over the years has been significant, but her undeniable strength and enduring talent remain unchanged.
