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 Saw a Little Girl Crying Alone in the Park and Decided to Help Her, Unaware That Our Meeting Would Change My Life — Story of the Day

I saw a little girl crying alone in the park and couldn’t walk away. She was lost, scared, and needed help. I had no idea that one small act of kindness would lead me into a world of wealth, suspicion, and unexpected bonds. What started as a simple rescue soon changed my life forever.

I trudged along the park path, my feet dragging against the gravel. The rejection still rang in my ears, the interviewer’s forced smile, the polite but final “We’ll be in touch.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I knew what that meant. I had no savings left, no backup plan. Rent was due in three days, and I had nothing. A lump formed in my throat.

Breathe, Claire, just breathe.

Then, through the quiet rustling of leaves, I heard it—a soft, hiccuping sob. I stopped, scanning the area.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

My eyes landed on a small figure perched on a thick tree branch, her legs dangling.

A little girl, no older than six, clung to the trunk, her cheeks streaked with tears.

I stepped closer, keeping my voice soft. “Hey there, are you okay?”

The little girl sniffled and shook her head. “No. I’m stuck. I can’t get down.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

She clung to the rough bark, her small hands gripping the tree. I glanced around. No one else was nearby.

“Don’t worry. I’ll help you,” I said.

I reached for the lowest branch, hoisting myself up. The bark scratched my palms, but I climbed higher. The girl watched me, her eyes wide.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Hold onto me,” I told her.

She wrapped her arms around my neck. I carefully lifted her, holding her close as I climbed down. My feet hit the ground. I set her down gently and wiped a tear from her cheek.

“There. You’re safe now,” I said.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

She sniffled, wiping her nose on her sleeve. “Thank you.”

“What’s your name?” I asked. “Where’s your mom?”

“Zoe,” she said. “I don’t have a mom.”

I hesitated. “I’m Claire. Where’s your dad?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“He’s at work,” she said.

“Who were you here with?” I asked.

“My nanny,” Zoe said. “But I don’t know where she is.”

I frowned. “Do you want to look for her?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“No. I just want to go home,” Zoe said.

I sighed. Leaving a lost child alone wasn’t an option. “Alright, let’s go,” I said.

Zoe grabbed my hand and started walking. “My dad is going to be really mad at Mila. He worries about me all the time.”

“Mila is…?” I asked.

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For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“My nanny. She teaches me French and German,” Zoe said.

“Do you like that?”

She scrunched her nose. “No. She only cares about her fiancé. She flirts with him all the time.”

I laughed. “Who told you that?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Marta. She’s our housekeeper. Mila is her daughter.”

That told me one thing—her dad had money.

“Do you have a husband?” Zoe asked.

“Not yet,” I said.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“We’re here!” she shouted.

I looked up and nearly gasped. A massive mansion stood before us.

Zoe ran to the gate and started climbing. “Boost me up!”

I hesitated but lifted her. She landed on the other side, unlocked the gate, and pulled me toward the house.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

The moment we stepped inside, voices echoed through the grand hall.

“How could you lose my daughter?!” a man’s deep voice boomed.

“I—I don’t know,” a woman stammered. “She just disappeared.”

“You were supposed to stay at the park and wait for me! Not leave her alone and come back here!” The man’s voice grew sharper.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“I panicked,” the woman said. Her tone was weak, almost pleading.

“You’re fired the moment Zoe is found. Pray nothing happened to her, or I’ll take you to court,” the man threatened.

“Simon, don’t be so harsh,” an older woman interjected. “Mila made a mistake.”

Zoe’s grip on my hand tightened. She took a deep breath, then let go and ran toward the voice. I followed and stopped at the doorway.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Daddy!” Zoe cried.

A tall man with sharp features knelt down and pulled her into his arms. His face softened as he hugged her tightly. His expensive suit wrinkled as he held her close.

The younger woman, standing a few steps away, looked pale. She had the same eyes as the older woman beside her. Mila and Marta, I realized.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Simon’s relief was brief. His sharp gaze turned to me. His whole body tensed. “Who are you? What were you doing with my daughter?” His voice was hard, demanding.

I raised my hands slightly. “I just brought her home. I was leaving.” I turned toward the door.

“Wait,” Simon called just as I stepped outside. I stopped, my hand hovering over the gate, then slowly turned back to face him.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Zoe told me what happened. You helped her down from a tree, then walked her home. I’m sorry for how I reacted. I was scared.”

“It’s fine. I understand,” I said.

“Thank you for bringing her back. How can I repay you? Do you need money?”

I hesitated. “No, I don’t need money… but do you have a job opening?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Simon studied me. “Well, there’s a vacant nanny position now. Zoe seems to like you.”

“Really? I’d be grateful.”

“Come inside. Let’s discuss it,” Simon said.

And that’s how I became Zoe’s nanny. She was a wonderful child—bright, curious, and full of energy.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Every day, she greeted me with a smile and a new story to tell. We played, read books, and made up silly songs.

She asked endless questions about the world, and I answered as best as I could.

When I looked at her, I saw a younger version of myself—hopeful, eager, but a little lost. At times, it felt like she was the daughter I never had.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Simon and I rarely spoke. In the mornings, he would nod before leaving for work.

In the evenings, he would check on Zoe and retreat to his office. Even so, I could see how much he loved her.

His face softened when she hugged him. His voice was gentle when he tucked her in at night.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Marta, however, made her disapproval clear. She barely spoke to me, but her cold stares said enough—she believed I had taken Mila’s job.

One evening, Simon texted, asking me to stay late. After tucking Zoe into bed, I went downstairs and found him in the kitchen, his shoulders slumped.

His tie was loosened, his hair slightly messy. His hands gripped a coffee mug.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Zoe’s asleep,” I said, stepping into the kitchen.

Simon looked up, his eyes tired. It seemed like he had forgotten I was still there. “Thanks,” he muttered. “Sorry you had to stay late. I’ll pay you extra.”

“It’s fine,” I said. “I love spending time with her. If I didn’t need a job, I’d do it for free.”

Simon gave a small smile. “She likes you too. She asked me if you could be her mom.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I blinked. “Oh… that’s surprising.” I studied him for a moment. “Can I ask what happened to her mother?”

Simon’s face darkened. “She passed away during childbirth.” His voice was quiet. “Zoe is all I have left.”

“I’m so sorry,” I said. I didn’t know what else to say.

Simon nodded, looking down at his coffee mug. Then, after a pause, he looked back at me. “I like you too,” he said.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I froze. “Oh… I—”

“As a person,” he clarified. “You bring light into this house.”

I exhaled. “Thank you. That means a lot.”

We talked for a while. Mostly about Zoe, her favorite books, the silly jokes she told at dinner.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

But the next morning, that feeling was gone. When I arrived at work, Simon stood by the gate. His expression was cold.

My stomach tightened. “What’s wrong?”

“You’re fired,” he said.

I stared. “What? Why?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

He folded his arms. “I know you stole the jewelry. If you needed money, you could have asked.”

“I didn’t take anything! I swear!” My voice shook.

“Claire, please. It wasn’t just jewelry—it was my wife’s.”

“I have never stolen anything in my life!” Tears burned my eyes.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Return it in two days, and I won’t press charges. If not, I’ll call the police.”

“But I didn’t take anything!” I cried.

Simon turned away, shutting the gate behind him.

I stood frozen, my chest tight, my hands trembling. Tears blurred my vision as I gasped for breath.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

My whole world had just crumbled. Simon thought I was a thief. He didn’t believe me. He had shut the gate without a second thought.

I wiped my face with the sleeve of my jacket and glanced up. Zoe stood at the window, her small hands pressed against the glass.

Her eyes were red and swollen, tears streaming down her cheeks. My heart ached.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I forced a weak smile and waved. She lifted her hand slowly, then pressed her fingers to the glass. I turned and walked away, my legs heavy.

At home, I tore through my tiny apartment, checking drawers, cabinets, and bags. Nothing.

No hidden jewelry. No proof of my innocence. Exhausted, I curled up in my chair and cried myself to sleep.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

A sharp knock startled me awake. I rubbed my swollen eyes and shuffled to the door.

When I opened it, I froze. Zoe and Simon stood outside. He held a large bouquet of flowers.

Zoe nudged Simon’s side. “Say it,” she whispered, looking up at him expectantly.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Simon let out a slow breath, his grip tightening on the bouquet. “I’m sorry for yesterday,” he said. His voice was quieter than I’d ever heard it. “I shouldn’t have accused you without proof.”

My throat tightened. “I swear, I didn’t take anything,” I said. My voice shook, but I held his gaze.

He nodded. “I know. Marta framed you,” he admitted. “Zoe didn’t believe it, so she searched Marta’s things and found the jewelry. Marta wanted you gone so Mila could have her job back.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I let out a breath. “I see. That must have been hard for you to deal with.”

Simon shook his head. “No, I should have listened to you. I should have trusted you.” He held out the bouquet. “I’m sorry for yelling. For everything.”

I hesitated, then took the flowers. “Thank you.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Zoe tugged on Simon’s sleeve. “Tell her she’s my nanny again,” she insisted.

Simon met my eyes. “If you still want the job,” he said.

“Of course, I do,” I said without hesitation.

Before I could react, Simon pulled me into a hug. Warmth spread through me. Then Zoe joined in, her small arms wrapping around both of us. I smiled, holding them close.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

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