When was Kathleen Turner diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis? Health struggles explored amid rare public appearance

Kathleen Turner, the actress known for her roles in films like Romancing the Stone and Body Heat, has been a significant figure in Hollywood for decades. However, behind the scenes, she has endured health challenges due to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the joints, which she was diagnosed with in 1993.

Her rare public appearance recently has reignited interest in her health journey and the battles she has faced over the years.

The diagnosis: A career-changing moment

Turner began experiencing severe joint pain, swelling, and fevers in the early 1990s. These symptoms worsened over time, affecting her ability to move and perform everyday tasks. In 1992, while filming Serial Mom, she noticed an alarming increase in discomfort, which led her to seek medical advice. A year later, in 1993, she was officially diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

“Rheumatoid arthritis hit in my late 30s — the last of my years in which Hollywood would consider me a sexually appealing leading lady … At that time there was very little public knowledge about autoimmune diseases, so my illness was a source of bad mystery.” - She said in an interview with Vulture.

The news was devastating for Turner, as she was at the peak of her career. The condition not only caused excruciating pain but also limited her mobility. At one point, doctors told her that she might end up in a wheelchair, a prognosis that deeply affected her personal and professional life.

Battling the Disease and the Industry’s Perception

The physical toll of RA, combined with the side effects of medication, led to noticeable changes in Turner’s appearance. Unfortunately, Hollywood was not forgiving.

The industry’s focus on youth and physical perfection resulted in fewer leading roles being offered to her. To make matters worse, her condition was often misunderstood, with rumors circulating that her altered physical state was due to alcoholism rather than a serious medical condition.

“It was incredibly stupid. I had this thing in my head where I thought: ‘I’m not taking pain pills – they are addictive and dangerous.’ But it was OK to have that second or third vodka.”- She said in an interview with The Guardian.

Turner later admitted that she did use alcohol as a coping mechanism for the pain. However, she took charge of her health by exploring different treatment options, including new medications, physical therapy, and regular exercise. Over time, she regained some mobility and learned how to manage her symptoms more effectively.

The life of a resilient and empathetic personality

Despite Turner's difficulties she changed her field to drama and television and just took the parts that she could handle under her physical constraints.

Her one-woman show, Finding My Voice, was a symbol of her determination. Her life story and singing made a connection with her audience, proving that she still had the same positive energy and talent as before. In the same manner, she found the courage to reveal her troubles with...her fight with RA and the ways it changed her life and career in the memoir she penned named Send Yourself Roses.

Thinking of her recent public appearance: Highlighting her strength

The recent public appearance of Turner, wherein she was on a walk, had the audience aware of the effects that her illness was still having. The fans and loyal supporters were overwhelmed when they saw that instead of surrendering, Turner was living her life to the full on various public platforms.

“I’m getting stronger all the time. So let’s find out what I can do.” - She told Vulture.

Turner’s most recent public outing was at her 70th birthday when she was seen using a walking aid that made a powerful statement about the impact of her disease. However, in addition to being impressed that she continued her work, many of her devotees showed their love and respect to her for the way she rode out the outbreak.

Kathleen Turner has shown herself to be a brave, determined, and flexible person. Living with rheumatoid arthritis might have changed her professional path, but it never dampened her enthusiasm for acting or discouraged her fighting spirit.