Table of Contents
Introduction
Kathleen Turner’s Movies, a legendary actress known for her powerful performances and distinctive voice, has captivated audiences for decades. Born on June 19, 1954, she is 70 and stands 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall. Turner rose to fame with iconic roles in “Body Heat” (1981), “Romancing the Stone” (1984), “Peggy Sue Got Married” (1986), and “The War of the Roses” (1989), among many other hit films.
Despite facing health struggles, Kathleen Turner has remained a force in Hollywood, amassing an estimated net worth of $20 million. Her illustrious career spans film, television, and theater, earning her movies a place among the most memorable in cinematic history.
This article delves into Kathleen Turner’s Movies, personal life, and the fortune she has amassed through her talent and hard work.
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Mary Kathleen Turner |
| Born | June 19, 1954 (Age: 70) |
| Height | 5’8″ (173 cm) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Kathleen Turner’s Movies | Body Heat (1981), Romancing the Stone (1984), Prizzi’s Honor (1985), Peggy Sue Got Married (1986), The War of the Roses (1989), Serial Mom (1994) |
| Notable Roles | Jessica Rabbit (Who Framed Roger Rabbit, 1988) |
| TV & Stage | Friends, Law & Order, The Kominsky Method, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1990) |
| Personal Life | Married Jay Weiss (1984–2007), one daughter |
| Health | Rheumatoid arthritis, past alcoholism |
| Net Worth | ~$20 million |
Early Life and Rise to Stardom
Kathleen Turner was born in Springfield, Missouri on June 19, 1954. Her father, a U.S. Foreign Service officer, moved the family frequently during her childhood, exposing her to diverse cultures and experiences.
Turner’s passion for acting emerged early, and she pursued her dreams by studying theater at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and later at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London.
At just 26 years old, Turner delivered a sizzling performance as Matty Walker, a femme fatale who manipulates a lover into murdering her husband. The film was a critical and commercial success, and Turner’s portrayal earned her widespread acclaim, establishing her as a rising star in Hollywood.
Rise to Stardom: Kathleen Turner’s Movies
Body Heat (1981)
Turner’s breakthrough in Hollywood came with the neo-noir thriller “Body Heat” (1981), directed by Lawrence Kasdan. Her portrayal of the seductive and manipulative Matty Walker opposite William Hurt catapulted her to stardom. The film’s steamy scenes and Turner’s magnetic performance established her as a sex symbol and a formidable acting talent.
Romancing the Stone (1984)
Turner’s career reached new heights with “Romancing the Stone” (1984), a romantic adventure comedy directed by Robert Zemeckis. Starring alongside Michael Douglas, Turner played Joan Wilder, a romance novelist thrust into a real-life adventure in Colombia.
Prizzi’s Honor (1985)
In John Huston’s black comedy “Prizzi’s Honor” (1985), Turner starred opposite Jack Nicholson as Irene Walker, a hit woman who falls in love with a rival assassin. Her performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress and further cemented her status as one of Hollywood’s leading ladies.
Continued Success in the 1980s and 1990s
The Jewel of the Nile (1985)
Following the success of “Romancing the Stone,” Turner reprised her role as Joan Wilder in the sequel “The Jewel of the Nile” (1985). While not as critically acclaimed as its predecessor, the film was a box-office success and further solidified Turner’s star power.
Peggy Sue Got Married (1986)
Francis Ford Coppola cast Turner in the title role of Peggy Sue Got Married (1986), where she played a woman who travels back to her high school days. Her performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, marking a high point in her career.
The War of the Roses (1989)
Turner reunited with Michael Douglas in the dark comedy “The War of the Roses” (1989), directed by Danny DeVito. The film chronicled the vicious divorce battle between a wealthy couple and showcased Turner’s talent for comedy and drama.
Serial Mom (1994)
In John Waters’ satirical crime comedy “Serial Mom” (1994), Turner played Beverly Sutphin, a seemingly perfect suburban housewife who leads a secret life as a serial killer. The film became a cult classic, demonstrating Turner’s willingness to take on unconventional roles.
Later Career and Independent Films
In the 1990s and 2000s, Turner transitioned into more character-driven roles, including indie films and television appearances. Some of her notable later projects include:
- The Virgin Suicides (1999)
- Beautiful (2000)
- Marley & Me (2008)
- Guest appearances on Friends, Law & Order, and The Kominsky Method
Voice Acting and Animation
Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
Turner lent her distinctive voice to the character of Jessica Rabbit in the groundbreaking live-action/animation hybrid “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” (1988). Her sultry performance as the animated femme fatale became one of the film’s most memorable aspects.
Monster House (2006)
Later in her career, Turner continued to work in animation, voicing Constance in the animated horror comedy “Monster House” (2006). The film was a critical and commercial success, introducing Turner to a new generation of viewers.
Stage Career
Throughout her career, Turner has maintained a strong presence in theater. Some of her notable stage performances include:
- “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” (1990) – Turner’s performance as Maggie earned her a Tony Award nomination.
- “The Graduate” (2002) – She played Mrs. Robinson in the London and Broadway productions.
- “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” (2005) – Turner’s portrayal of Martha earned her a second Tony Award nomination.
| Category | Movie/Show | Year | Notable Role |
| Breakthrough | Body Heat | 1981 | Matty Walker, neo-noir thriller |
| Romancing the Stone | 1984 | Adventure-comedy hit | |
| Major Success | Peggy Sue Got Married | 1986 | Oscar-nominated role |
| The War of the Roses | 1989 | Dark comedy with Michael Douglas | |
| Cult Classic | Serial Mom | 1994 | Crime comedy |
| Voice Acting | Who Framed Roger Rabbit | 1988 | Jessica Rabbit’s voice |
| Later Career | Marley & Me | 2008 | Family drama |
| Stage | Cat on a Hot Tin Roof | 1990 | Tony-nominated |
Personal Life
Marriage and Divorce
Turner was married to real estate entrepreneur Jay Weiss from 1984 to 2007. The couple has one daughter, Rachel Ann Weiss, born in 1987. Despite their divorce, Turner and Weiss have maintained an amicable relationship.
Health Struggles
In the early 1990s, Turner was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. The condition severely impacted her career, causing her to turn down roles and affecting her mobility. However, she has been open about her struggles and has become an advocate for arthritis awareness.
Alcohol Abuse and Recovery
Turner has been candid about her past struggles with alcoholism, which she developed partly as a way to cope with the pain from her rheumatoid arthritis. She sought treatment in the early 2000s and has been sober since often speaking about her journey to recovery.
Physical Appearance
- · Height: 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm)
- · Eye Color: Blue
- · Hair Color: Naturally blonde (often styled in various shades over the years)
- · Body Type: Voluptuous and curvy
- · Distinctive Features: Deep, husky voice and strong facial structure
- · Style: Often seen in elegant, classic Hollywood fashion
Net Worth and Fortune
Kathleen Turner’s net worth is estimated to be around $20 million. Her extensive film, television, and theater work accumulated this fortune. At the height of her career in the 1980s and early 1990s, Turner was one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood, commanding salaries of several million dollars per film.
Legacy and Impact
Kathleen Turner’s impact on Hollywood and popular culture is significant. Her distinctive voice, powerful screen presence, and willingness to take on challenging and unconventional roles have inspired many actors who followed her. Turner’s openness about her health struggles and advocacy work have made her a role model beyond her acting career.
Conclusion
Memorable performances, critical acclaim, and commercial success have defined Kathleen Turner’s career. From her breakthrough role in Body Heat to her recent work in The Kominsky Method, she has consistently showcased her versatility and talent. Her ability to take on diverse roles across film, television, and theater has cemented her status as one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses.
Despite facing personal challenges, including health issues and addiction, Turner has demonstrated remarkable resilience and continued to evolve as an actress. Her legacy as a Hollywood legend is secure, built on a foundation of iconic roles, versatility, and an unwavering commitment to her craft.
As she continues to work in film, television, and theater, Kathleen Turner remains a respected and influential figure in the entertainment industry.
Apart from that if you want to know about “David Tepper’s Net Worth & Biography” then please visit our “Entertainment” Category.
FAQs
Kathleen Turner is known for Body Heat (1981), Romancing the Stone (1984), Prizzi’s Honor (1985), Peggy Sue Got Married (1986), The War of the Roses (1989), and Serial Mom (1994).
She is 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall.
Her estimated net worth is around $20 million.
She has won two Golden Globe Awards and received nominations for an Academy Award and a Tony Award.
