Kathleen Turner then and now (1979 - 2025)

Kathleen Turner is an acclaimed American actress known for her distinctive husky voice, powerful screen presence, and versatility across film, television, and stage. Here's a summary of her career from her debut to the present:

*Early Career and Breakthrough (1970s–1980s)*

*Debut:* Turner made her TV debut in the late 1970s on soap operas like *The Doctors*.
*Breakthrough Role:* Her breakout came in *1981* with the neo-noir thriller *Body Heat*, where she played the sultry femme fatale Matty Walker. The role made her an instant star.
*1980s Film Success:*

Romancing the Stone (1984) and its sequel The Jewel of the Nile (1985) with Michael Douglas boosted her popularity.
Prizzi’s Honor (1985), Peggy Sue Got Married (1986 – earning her an Oscar nomination), and The War of the Roses (1989) cemented her as a leading actress in both comedy and drama.
Known for her voice role as Jessica Rabbit in Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988).

*1990s: Challenges and Transition*

Turner's career slowed due to health issues—she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in the early '90s, which significantly impacted her physically and professionally.
Appeared in films like Serial Mom (1994, directed by John Waters) and The Virgin Suicides (1999).
Began focusing more on stage work and advocacy, especially for disability awareness and women's rights.

*2000s–2010s: Theater Renaissance and TV Work*

Strong stage presence with acclaimed performances in Broadway and off-Broadway productions:

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (2005) as Maggie
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (2005–06), earning a Tony nomination
Recurring TV roles:

Played Chandler’s dad on Friends
Guest appearances on shows like Californication and Law & Order: SVU

*2020s: Continued Work and Legacy*

Returned to the stage and screen in various roles:

Reprised her Friends role in the 2021 Friends: The Reunion special.
Performed in solo stage productions like *Kathleen Turner: Finding My Voice*, blending memoir and cabaret.
Voice and guest roles in independent films and animation.

*Legacy*

Kathleen Turner remains a respected figure in Hollywood and theater, known for her commanding performances and advocacy work. Despite health setbacks, she’s maintained a remarkable career spanning over four decades, continuously reinventing herself across mediums.