Kathleen Turner rose to fame in the 1980s as a result of her strength and beauty; many consider her to be one of Hollywood’s most beautiful actors.
Over the years, the actress has faced numerous challenging and favorable situations, and her perseverance has carried her through them both.Kathleen Turner was raised in a home with four other children, despite her difficult past.
She and her siblings were raised in both Venezuela and London. When she was a little girl, she tragically witnessed her father’s sudden death when he was mowing the lawn of their Hampstead house.
A month following his passing, the foreign service ejected Kathleen and her family from the United Kingdom. In Springfield, Missouri, where everyone was still grieving for their father and their previous home, Turner relocated her family.
Finally, Tuner felt at peace after moving to New York to pursue an adult acting career. Her major break came when she was hired as the femme fatale in the 1981 film “Body Heat,” despite her success on stage.
Turner was offered the opportunity to co-star with Michael Douglas in the well-known “Romancing the Stone” three years after sharing the screen with William Hurt. During filming, Douglas was going through a difficult divorce from his wife Diandra, and he started to feel a connection with Turner.
We were intensely flirting and exchanging intense, yearning glances as we were falling in love. Kathleen remarked, “Then Diandra came down and reminded me he was still married.”
In the end, she wed Jay Weiss, the movie’s real estate developer, in 1984. Soon after, the couple welcomed their only daughter together. October 14, 1987, was Rachel Ann Weiss’s birthday.
Regretfully, when the couple started parenting their daughter, their relationship started to fall apart.
“I would demand extended weekends or additional passes from the film studios so that my spouse and daughter could visit me. However, I felt bad since there was a feeling in the marriage that all the work was on his end. It terminated for a few reasons, including that. I began to experience extreme oppression. Kathleen said, “I thought, ‘Hang on a minute, you’ve done very well out of being married to me also.’”
When Turner played Martha in the 2005 Broadway production of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” their marital problems came to a head. Turner became incredibly busy performing in eight shows a week, and it seemed Weiss didn’t want to spend any time with her at home.
During that time, Turner was nominated for a Tony Award for her portrayal of Martha, and the two got along well.
The actress was nominated for an Oscar in 1987 for her role in “Peggy Sue Got Married.” She went on to produce several films in the 1980s, including three blockbusters starring Michael Douglas.
But in the 1990s, Kathleen experienced a medical setback when her neck locked, making it impossible for her to turn her head. Additionally, the swelling in her hands prevented her from using them.
Kathleen stated, “It was crippling.” When something is gone, even for a little while, you stop taking it for granted. What I took for granted was my athleticism, my capacity for forceful movement, and my freedom to move however I pleased. I had a genuine identity crisis when I lost that: “Who am I if I can’t do this?”
She was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, which is characterized by swelling of the lining of our joints, and this was the tragic reason for her circumstances. Managing chronic pain caused by this illness can be difficult.
Kathleen remarked, “When it was first diagnosed, I was terrified because they said I’d be in a wheelchair.” “I reasoned that I couldn’t act if I couldn’t move. Not everything I want to do is act. I was destined for this. It’s present throughout my entire life. The most terrifying aspect was the thought of not being able to accomplish it, together with the ongoing discomfort.
Kathleen took drugs and alcohol to ease her pain. Her habit of drinking vodka led her to faint during dress rehearsals for plays such as the 2002 stage version of “The Graduate,” even if they made her job simpler.
The actress really checked herself into rehab after the show concluded, and it was found that she was not an alcoholic. Instead, she was told to just remember to take more notes on when she took her medications and any unfavorable side effects.
The actress now does pilates and yoga to help her stay flexible and manage her discomfort.
The famous person began to focus more intently on her career in theater while also improving her pain management. As she grew older, she largely returned to her roots, even taking the lead in a stage production of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” in her forties, even though she still worked sometimes in film and television.
“It was a little foresight on my part of which I am justly proud, because I knew that the better roles as I got older would be in theatre, which is absolutely true,” Kathleen remarked.
By focusing on the theater, the actress has had more time to pursue her passions, which include working for Planned Parenthood of America and volunteering for Amnesty International.
For most of her life, Turner has been an ardent feminist who has devoted her life to helping other women. Gloria Feldt’s 2008 biography of the actress, Send Yourself Roses, captures her thoughts perfectly.
As women, we are the first generation to achieve financial independence. Women are returning to the workforce, stated Kathleen. They’re redefining who they are. I believed I could contribute to that, even more. It therefore contains a great deal of philosophy as well as my personal beliefs.
What are your thoughts on Kathleen Turner’s difficult yet fruitful journey? Tell us in the comments below!
I Overheard My MIL Lying to Her Friends about Me Doing No Chores at Home & Decided to Outplay Her
I Overheard My MIL Lying to Her Friends about Me Doing No Chores at Home & Decided to Outplay Her
When Allison invited her mother-in-law’s friends over for an early brunch, little did they know they were about to uncover the truth behind months of false tales and witness a family dynamic transform right before their eyes.
Six weeks ago, my life changed forever—I became a mom to a beautiful baby boy. It’s been the most incredible yet toughest journey. My husband, Sammy, had to leave for a work project right after our son was born.
Allison and her son | Source: Midjourney
So, we planned for his mom to move in with us to help during the first few months. She promised to handle everything so I could recover from the delivery and focus on our newborn.
Life at home is not how I imagined, though. From the moment she arrived, my mother-in-law (MIL) seemed more interested in resting than helping. She quickly claimed her spot on the sofa, diving into her favorite TV series.
Mother-in-law watches TV | Source: Midjourney
She also often mentions how her back pain keeps her from doing too much. I appreciate that she might be in discomfort, but it leaves me to manage everything—meals, cleaning, and, most of all, taking care of our son.
Each day feels like a marathon. I’m up with the baby several times at night, and by the time the sun rises, I’m already exhausted but need to start my day. Breakfast needs to be made, then the endless cycle of laundry, cleaning up, and of course, ensuring our little one is fed, changed, and happy.
Exhausted Allison | Source: Midjourney
Babies sure know how to double your laundry load! By mid-morning, I’ve usually forgotten about rest, my hair is a mess, and I’ve probably reheated my morning coffee three times already.
During these mornings and afternoons, my MIL continues her marathon too—of TV episodes. Occasionally, she’ll mention how much she wishes she could help more but is just too sore to move. Yet, as evening approaches, something remarkable happens. Her pain seems to miraculously fade, especially when her friends come over.
Mother-in-law having her tea party | Source: Midjourney
They don’t come every night, but when they do, it’s like a switch flips. Suddenly, she’s lively, chatting, and laughing, playing the perfect hostess in our kitchen, which she rarely uses for anything other than making coffee during the day.
Her transformation during these gatherings is stark. It’s confusing and, honestly, a bit hurtful. I find myself wondering how she can so easily entertain guests but not assist with simple tasks that would give me a moment to breathe or, dare I say, take a nap.
The tea party | Source: Midjourney
This contrast in her behavior has left me feeling both frustrated and skeptical of her claims of pain. I’m left to juggle the joys and trials of new motherhood essentially on my own.
This isn’t what I expected when we agreed that she would come to help. It’s a daily struggle, but I keep reminding myself that this phase won’t last forever. Still, a little genuine help would make a world of difference.
Tired Allison listens in | Source: Midjourney
Last night, something happened that turned my usual frustration into outright anger. I was finishing up some late-night cleaning when I heard laughter and chatter from the kitchen.
My MIL was there, hosting her friends as she often does when she transforms in the evenings. Curious, I paused to listen, not intending to eavesdrop, but what I heard left me stunned and hurt.
My MIL was speaking loudly, and clearly, telling her friends that she’s been the one taking care of everything at home. She claimed she was cooking, cleaning, and mostly caring for my baby. Then, she added something that really got to me.
Mother-in-law complains about Allison | Source: Midjourney
She said, “I don’t know what Sammy saw in her; she’s just lazing around all day, a real couch potato.” Her words were like a slap in the face. There I was, barely keeping my eyes open from exhaustion, and she was painting a picture of me as lazy and uninvolved.
The sense of betrayal was overwhelming. I felt anger boiling inside me. How could she lie so blatantly? How could she discredit all my efforts? It wasn’t just the physical exhaustion of caring for a newborn and a household that hurt. It was the emotional pain of being so unfairly judged in my own home.
Angry Allison | Source: Midjourney
I knew I couldn’t just confront her; that would only lead to more tension. So, I came up with a plan. A way to show her friends the truth without causing a scene. I decided I would invite them over myself, but earlier than they usually come. This way, they could see the real situation. They would see who was really on the couch and who was handling the chores and the baby.
So, today, I sent out a few messages, arranging for her friends to come over for what I called a special brunch. I planned it during a time when I usually have my hands full with baby duties and household chores.
Coincidentally, this was the time when my MIL usually settles in for her morning of TV. It was a simple plan, but I hoped it would reveal the truth. Maybe, just maybe, I could make her realize how her words and actions affect others around her.
Allison calls her mother-in-law’s friends | Source: Midjourney
This morning was a turning point in my home. I had planned a special brunch, inviting my mother-in-law’s friends to arrive much earlier than their usual evening visits. I was nervous but hopeful that today would bring some much-needed change.
As her friends arrived, they found my MIL asleep on the sofa with the TV blaring some morning show. There I was, in the next room, soothing my little boy who wasn’t feeling well. His little cries filled the air, quite the contrast to the usual laughter that echoes from the kitchen during her evening get-togethers.
Little crying boy | Source: Midjourney
The surprise on her friends’ faces was evident as they walked in. They weren’t used to seeing this scene. My MIL woke up, clearly disoriented and embarrassed, scrambling to turn off the TV and smooth out her hair. She tried to laugh it off, mumbling about not expecting anyone so early.
I took this opportunity to ask for her help with some simple tasks. First, I asked her to change the baby’s diaper. I told her the new diapers were in their usual place.
Mother-in-law tries to find the diapers | Source: Midjourney
She hesitated, fumbled through the drawers, and couldn’t find them. I had to step in to show her where they were, something so routine for me, yet unfamiliar to her.
Then, as I started preparing food for everyone, I asked her to fetch the big salad bowl from the cabinet. Again, she looked lost in her own kitchen, opening the wrong cabinets before I guided her to the right one. Her friends watched, slowly piecing together the reality of the situation.
Mother-in-law struggles to find a bowl | Source: Midjourney
The atmosphere shifted noticeably. There were no more chuckles or light banter. Instead, an uncomfortable silence filled the room as her friends saw the truth behind the daily life in our home. My MIL’s face reddened with embarrassment as she realized how her stories had unraveled.
The morning progressed, and her friends began to help with the brunch, seeing firsthand how much I managed on my own. As they left, their parting looks were filled with a mix of sympathy and a new understanding.
MIL’s friends look at Allison | Source: Midjourney
After everyone had gone, there was a quiet moment between my MIL and me. It was awkward at first, but then she began to apologize. She admitted that she had been unfair and promised to start helping more genuinely. I could see she was sincere, maybe embarrassed by her own actions being brought to light.
From that day forward, things began to change. My MIL started taking on more responsibilities around the house and with her grandson. She wasn’t perfect overnight, but the effort was real. We started to find a new rhythm together, cooperating and sharing the duties that come with maintaining a home and caring for a child.
Allison and her mother-in-law cradle her son | Source: Midjourney
This experience taught us both valuable lessons in honesty and respect. It wasn’t just about exposing the lies; it was about rebuilding trust and understanding the real meaning of family support. Now, I can genuinely say our home feels more balanced and peaceful. It’s amazing how much can change when the truth comes to light.
This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
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