This woman was an icon in the 80s, but illness changed everything and then she disappeared from the public eye — Her photos at 70

The actress, who was a sensation in the 1980s, disappeared from the spotlight for years and recently reappeared, sparking mixed reactions on social media. While some applauded her natural approach to aging, others commented that she was almost unrecognizable.

In the 1980s, this star embodied Hollywood glamour, captivating audiences with her striking looks and memorable performances. But over time, health problems forced her to withdraw from the public eye.

Now, recent photos of her have divided social media users, with some shocked by her appearance, claiming it was difficult to recognise her. These images reveal her extraordinary transformation and life journey, marked by a painful diagnosis and a stint in rehabilitation.

This charming star burst onto the Hollywood scene in the early 1980s, captivating audiences with her unique voice and undeniable screen presence. Born in the Midwest, she began her career with a debut most actors only dream of.

With an intense and commanding performance, she established herself as a leading actress in 1981’s “Body Heat,” where she played the relentless Matty Walker. This role catapulted her to stardom, turning her into a sex icon almost overnight.

She quickly became a prominent figure, starring alongside big names in films that defined the decade. One of her most famous 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 sparked rumours of a real-life romance. “I think we might have fallen in love,” the ’80s icon said . However, while they felt an undeniable attraction, other circumstances prevented them from pursuing a relationship.

Shortly after, she took a bold step in her life by marrying a real estate developer named Jay Weiss, and together they had a daughter. By the mid-80s, she was at the top of her game and “having a great time.”

She starred in a number of films, from romantic comedies to darker roles, before her personal life became increasingly complex. In the early 1990s, her life took a turn for the worse when she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

The autoimmune disease severely affected her joints, making everyday tasks unbearable. While filming “Serial Mom” ​​in 1993, she noticed that her feet had swollen so much that no shoes would fit.

“The pain is so bad because there’s no way to sit, lie down or stand that allows you to escape it. People don’t understand it because it’s not life-threatening,” she revealed . She added : “It’s not going to kill me, but it does destroy your life.” The physical toll was even evident to the public, forcing her to step away from the demands of Hollywood.

Unable to act as she once did, she accepted smaller, less demanding roles, though her love for acting remained strong. Medications to control her illness caused visible changes in her appearance, and some media outlets began to harshly criticize her weight gain.

As his illness worsened, he turned to alcohol to cope with the pain. For years he struggled with it in private, although he maintained his professionalism on the set.

Over time, she realized the impact drinking had on her personal life, especially the time she spent with her daughter. “So I stopped drinking for a couple of years,” she said .

In 2002, she made the brave decision to enter rehab. The rehabilitation period allowed her to confront her addiction and begin to heal.

A new chapter in life and reactions on social media

After overcoming significant challenges, she found a new calling: to show her love for acting by sharing it with younger generations. Although she is no longer a star of the big screen, she began teaching acting classes at several universities in the United States.

Far removed from the chaos of Hollywood, she now enjoys a quieter life, indulging her love of books and hosting intimate poker nights with close friends. Even in this quieter phase, she retains her energetic personality, sipping bourbon and embracing life on her own terms.

She also spends a lot of time with her daughter, who chose a different artistic path. Rachel Ann Weiss, her daughter, once said : “She’s been very supportive of what I do. She comes to every show she can whenever she’s in town. She’s been great.”

Although largely out of the spotlight, she remains much loved in Hollywood circles. Her legacy as a symbol of confidence and beauty lives on, and many still consider her a sex symbol.

“I’m not frustrated that almost four decades after that film I’m still being referred to as a sex icon. I got over that a long time ago,” she once said .

Over time, changes became inevitable. When recent photos of her appeared on social media, fans reacted with mixed feelings. Some admired her for embracing natural aging, applauding her confidence and comfort in her skin.

“I love her and I also love her decision to age naturally. She had all the money in the world to do it and she refused. It’s amazing. I hope she feels better soon; the pain in her body is tough,” one person wrote .

Another wrote : “Kate is still very beautiful, she has aged well to me. People forget she has rheumatoid arthritis. It’s very painful.”

A third social media user added : “God bless her. We all age, and some don’t age as well as others. We’re all different.” A fourth wrote : “She’s ageing gracefully. I think she’s still pretty.”

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

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