Kathleen Turner, star of ‘Serial Mom’ fame, has gone through ups and downs

Kathleen Turner rose to fame in the 1980s with her strength and attractiveness – many consider her one of the most beautiful actresses in Hollywood.
It is this fortitude that has helped her through the many goods and bad times the actress has experienced over the years.


Kathleen Turner had a rough childhood and was raised in a family with four children. She and her siblings grew up in London and Venezuela. Tragedy befell her at a young age when her father unexpectedly passed away while mowing the lawn of their Hampstead home.
A month after his death, Kathleen and her family were kicked out of the UK by the foreign service. Turner and her family settled in Springfield, Missouri, all still grieving their father and former home.
As an adult, Tuner finally found peace after moving to New York to pursue an acting career. She had some luck on the stage – but her biggest break came when she was given the role of the femme fatale in 1981’s “Body Heat.”

Three years after starring next to William Hurt, Turner was given a chance to co-star with Michael Douglas in the famous “Romancing the Stone.” Douglas was in a rocky separation from his wife Diandra at the time of filming, and he and Turner developed some feelings for each other.
“We were in the process of falling in love – fervent, longing looks and heavy flirtation. Then Diandra came down and reminded me he was still married,” Kathleen said.
She eventually married the property developer from the film, Jay Weiss, in 1984. The two had their only daughter together soon after. Rachel Ann Weiss was born on October 14, 1987.


Unfortunately, the couple’s relationship began to fracture as they started raising their daughter.
“I’d make the movie companies give me long weekends or provide extra tickets so my daughter and husband could come to me. But there was a sense in the marriage the effort was all on his side, which made me feel guilty. It was one of the reasons it ended. I started to feel very oppressed. I thought, ‘Hang on a minute, you’ve done very well out of being married to me also,’” Kathleen explained.
In 2005, Turner starred as Martha in the Broadway revival of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” and it was then that their marital problems came to a head. Turner became incredibly busy while acting in eight shows a week, and it appeared that Weiss wanted no time with her when she was home.
The two divorced amicably during that time, and Turner earned a Tony award nod for her time as Martha.
The star had also earned an Oscar nomination back in 1987 for her role in “Peggy Sue Got Married.” Her film career was alive and well during the 80’s, and she starred in a variety of blockbusters–three of which were with Michael Douglas.


However, in the 90’s, Kathleen experienced a medical setback when her neck locked, not allowing her to turn her head. In addition, her hands swelled to the point where she stopped being able to use them.
“It was crippling,” Kathleen said. “You stop taking things for granted when you lose them, even temporarily. What I took for granted – my athleticism, my ability to throw myself around, and just be able to move however I wanted to. When I lost that, that was a real crisis of self: who am I if I cannot do this?”
The culprit of her misfortune wound up being rheumatoid arthritis, a condition characterized by the swelling of the lining in our joints. This condition causes chronic pain that can be difficult to manage.


“When it was first diagnosed, I was terrified because they said I’d be in a wheelchair,” Kathleen explained. “I thought, ‘If I can’t move, I can’t act.’ Acting isn’t just what I want to do. I was born to do it. It’s at every point of my living. The idea of not being able to do it was the most frightening part – that and the constant pain.”
Kathleen turned to pills and alcohol to manage her pain. While these helped her to work, the habit of drinking vodka led to her passing out during rehearsals for shows like 2002’s stage production of “The Graduate.”
The actress actually went to rehab after the show stopped running, only to find out that she was not an alcoholic. Instead, she was told she simply needed to better track when she was taking her medications and their side effects.


Today, the actress does yoga and pilates to help manage the pain and remain nimble.
While better managing her pain, the star really began to focus on her stage career. While she did still occasionally work in film and television, she returned largely to her roots as she got older, even starring in “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” on stage in her forties.
“Because I knew that the better roles as I got older would be in theatre, which is absolutely true, so that was a little foresight on my part of which I am justly proud,” Kathleen said.s


Focusing on theatre has also allowed the star the time to focus on her passions of hers, such as volunteering at Amnesty International and working for Planned Parenthood of America.
A staunch feminist for most of her life, Turner has turned her doubtless strength to uplifting other women throughout her life. Her ideologies are represented clearly in Gloria Feldt’s 2008 memoir of the star, Send Yourself Roses.
“We are the first generation of women who are financially independent. Women are going back to work,” Kathleen said. “They’re reinventing themselves. I thought I could support that, even increase that. So it has got a lot of philosophy in it and a lot of my beliefs.”

I Followed My Fiancé on His Sudden Business Trip Right Before Our Wedding and Discovered the Heartbreaking Truth — Story of the Day

Two days before my wedding, my fiancé Robert dropped a bombshell—he had to leave for a sudden trip. Something felt off, and when a call from his boss didn’t add up, I followed him. What I uncovered wasn’t what I expected, leaving me questioning trust, love, and the man I was about to marry.

When I turned thirty, I couldn’t help but feel a growing fear that I might never get married. I worried that love had passed me by. But here I was—just two days away from becoming a wife.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

It felt like a dream. I was about to start a new chapter with Robert, the man who had stolen my heart and shown me what love could truly be. Robert was everything I’d ever wanted: smart, sweet, and endlessly kind.

Even when I was upset, he could make me laugh with his silly jokes or warm smile. I felt complete.

But that joy wavered the moment Robert walked into the bedroom. His uneasy expression stopped me cold. Something was wrong.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“What’s wrong?” I asked as soon as I noticed his troubled expression.

Robert hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. “Katherine, I’m so sorry, but I have to go on a work trip.”

“What?” I said, my brow furrowing. “But our wedding is in two days.”

“I know,” he said, his voice soft. “I promise I’ll be back in time. Maybe even the night before the wedding.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Are you serious right now? You’re leaving me alone at a time like this?” My voice was sharper than I intended, but I couldn’t help it.

Robert sighed and stepped closer. “I wouldn’t go if it wasn’t important. Everything is already planned, so nothing should go wrong. I’m sorry it’s happening this way, but I really have to go.”

“But why?” I asked, feeling the heat rising in my face. Words failed me as I tried to keep my emotions in check.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Robert pulled me into a hug, holding me tightly. “I hate doing this to you, but we have our whole lives ahead of us. I’ll always be there for you, Katherine.”

“Who’s going with you?” I asked, my voice quieter now.

“Travis. That’s why it’s so important,” he said. I knew Travis was his boss, and I understood. Still, I wanted to scream like a child. But I swallowed it. I was an adult, after all.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Fine,” I said after a long pause. “But think about how you’re going to make this up to me while you’re gone.”

Robert chuckled softly, his lips brushing my forehead. “Alright,” he said. Then, he turned and began packing.

Robert moved quickly, folding clothes and placing them into his bag. I stayed on the bed, watching him silently, hoping he’d change his mind. Each item he packed felt like a step farther from me.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

My eyes wandered to the edge of the bed where his plane tickets sat. The destination caught my attention.

I didn’t think his company worked in that city. Maybe they were expanding, I thought, trying to convince myself it made sense.

When he finished, I walked him to the door. He hugged me tightly, kissed me goodbye, and left. Minutes later, my phone buzzed.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Seeing Travis’s name made my heart jump. Why was he calling? Had something happened to Robert?

“Hello? Is everything alright?” I asked, my voice trembling as I clutched the phone.

“Everything’s fine,” Travis said calmly. “I just wanted to let you know I won’t be able to make it to your wedding. I’ll be out of town on a business trip. But I’d still like to send you and Robert a gift. How can I get it to you?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

My stomach tightened. “Wait, Robert will be back by the wedding, right?” I asked, feeling a knot of confusion.

“Katherine, I’m not sure what you mean,” Travis said, sounding puzzled. “I would never send Robert on a trip this close to his wedding. Did he say I did?”

I froze, struggling to think of a response. “Oh, no. I must have misunderstood,” I said quickly. “I’ll let you know about the gift.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Okay,” Travis said, his tone uncertain. “Let me know if you need anything.” Then he hung up.

Without hesitation, I grabbed my bag, my wallet, and my coat, leaving behind everything else. My mind raced as I drove to the airport.

Robert had lied to me. I didn’t know why, but I needed answers. The uncertainty was unbearable.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

My hands trembled as I booked a ticket for his flight. Luckily, there were still seats available.

At security, I fumbled to pull off my shoes and jacket, feeling like everyone was staring at me.

Once through, I tucked my hair into a hood and put on sunglasses. I scanned the waiting area, and then I saw him.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Robert sat near the gate, his head down, staring at his phone. I positioned myself far enough away to stay unnoticed but close enough to follow.

When the flight was called, I let him board first. My heart pounded as I followed him onto the plane, keeping my distance.

I couldn’t believe I was doing this, but I had to know the truth. The flight felt endless. Every time Robert shifted in his seat, I wondered what he was thinking.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

When we landed, I spotted him again and followed him outside. He hailed a taxi, so I did the same.

“Follow that car, but keep your distance,” I told my driver, who gave me a curious glance but nodded. My pulse quickened as we drove.

The car stopped in front of a small house in a quiet neighborhood. I asked my driver to pull over a few houses away and paid him quickly.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Hiding behind a tree, I watched as Robert got out of the taxi. He hesitated at the door, then knocked.

I held my breath, watching closely. After a moment, the door opened, and someone stepped forward.

From my position behind the tree, I couldn’t see who it was, but their silhouette made my chest tighten. Then, to my disbelief, Robert stepped inside.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I stood there for a moment, frozen. Summoning my courage, I crept closer to the house.

My hands shook as I peeked through a nearby window, my breath fogging the glass. What I saw made my knees buckle.

Robert was inside, sitting with a woman I didn’t recognize. He leaned in and hugged her, the way he always hugged me.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Tears blurred my vision, streaming down my face as my heart shattered into pieces. I couldn’t understand what I was seeing.

I don’t know how long I stayed there, frozen and trembling. The sound of the front door opening snapped me back to reality.

Panicked, I ducked into the bushes, crouching low to stay hidden. From my hiding spot, I watched Robert step outside, his expression unreadable. He climbed into another taxi and left without looking back.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Gathering every bit of courage I had, I stepped out of my hiding spot and approached the door. My legs felt shaky, and my chest was tight as I raised my hand to knock.

After a few moments, the same woman I had seen earlier opened the door. She looked at me with concern, her gaze softening when she noticed the tears streaming down my face.

“Are you alright? How can I help you?” she asked gently, her voice calm.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I swallowed hard, my words barely forming. “I’m Robert’s fiancée,” I said, my voice trembling. “In two days, I’m supposed to be his wife.”

Her eyes widened in shock. “Oh,” she said, her hand moving to the doorframe as if to steady herself. “Please, come in.” She stepped aside, motioning for me to enter.

She led me into the kitchen, where she pulled out a chair for me and handed me a glass of water.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I sipped it slowly, my hands trembling. She sat across from me, her expression still kind but cautious.

“I know how this must look,” she said after a moment of silence. “But I promise, it’s not what you think. My name is Liz. I’m Robert’s first love.”

The words hit me like a punch to the stomach. “That doesn’t make it better,” I said, gripping the glass tightly. My thoughts were a whirlwind of anger and confusion.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Liz sighed and leaned forward, her tone steady. “He didn’t cheat on you, if that’s what you’re worried about. When Robert was younger…he wasn’t the same man you know now.”

“What do you mean?” I asked, my voice sharper than I intended.

“Our relationship wasn’t healthy,” Liz said simply. “There were things he needed to fix in himself. He came here to apologize.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Apologize? Why now? Why before our wedding?” I asked, my chest tightening again.

“Because he didn’t want to carry the weight of his mistakes into his future with you,” Liz said. “He told me he loves you deeply. He wanted to make peace with his past so it wouldn’t affect your life together.”

I shook my head, my voice shaking. “Why didn’t he tell me? Why lie?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Liz gave me a small, understanding smile. “We all have things we carry. Some we share, and some we don’t. I’m happily married now, with two kids. Robert talked about you like you’re his whole world. You’ll make each other happy. We were never meant to be happy together, but you and Robert will be.”

I nodded slowly, unsure of how to feel. Liz offered to let me stay until my flight.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Meeting her family, I saw the love in her eyes for her husband. It reminded me of how I felt about Robert. Slowly, I began to calm.

I arrived home just as the first light of dawn was breaking. Robert was waiting by the door, his face full of worry. The moment he saw me, he pulled me into a tight hug.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Katherine, where were you?” he asked, his voice tense. “I was so worried. I called you so many times, and you didn’t answer. I thought something had happened.”

I hesitated, unsure of how to begin. “It’s not… I don’t know what to say,” I finally admitted.

Robert stepped back slightly, his hands still on my shoulders. “Then let me start. I lied to you,” he said. “I wasn’t on a work trip—”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“I know,” I interrupted, looking into his eyes.

He nodded, his face filled with regret. “I’m sorry for lying. I should’ve told you, but I swear I didn’t do anything wrong.”

“I know,” I said softly. “And I’m sorry too.”

Robert frowned. “Why are you apologizing?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Because I doubted you,” I said, my voice trembling. “I followed you after Travis called and told me you weren’t with him. I went to Liz’s house. I talked to her. She explained everything.”

Robert’s face softened. “Katherine, I love you,” he said. “Only you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

I felt a weight lift from my chest. “I know. Now I’m sure of it,” I said, leaning forward to kiss him.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Tell us what you think about this story and share it with your friends. It might inspire them and brighten their day.

If you enjoyed this story, read this one: At nine months pregnant, I thought bending over to clean would be the hardest part of my life. But my husband’s distance and a shocking discovery in his closet made me question everything. When I uncovered strange bills and a truth he’d been hiding, I knew I had to face what was tearing us apart.

This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.

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