ROMANCING The Stone star Kathleen Turner has been spotted for the first time in six months as she stepped out in New York.
Kathleen, 70, wrapped up in a black coat and made her way through Manhattan with a walker while out on the rare sighting.
The actress, who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, also wore a cozy blue sweater, black pants and had a black leather bag slung over her shoulder.
The actress was last seen in September 2024 walking around New York City with the help of a cane.
HEALTH ISSUES
Kathleen has had a slew of health problems throughout her life.
The actress was at the top of her career in 1984 when she starred in Romancing the Stone, opposite Michael Douglas.
However, a few short years after, her health started to decline.
She was a leading lady in the 1990s until rheumatoid arthritis slowed her down.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the joints and organs.
While filming Serial Mom in 1993, Kathleen began developing inexplicable pains and fevers.
She also experienced extremely swollen feet to the point where she couldn’t fit into any of her shoes.
But, then it got much worse.
“I couldn’t walk,” Kathleen told The Guardian in 2023.
“I couldn’t hold a glass. The only way I could go up and down stairs was on my butt, pushing myself. The pain is very bad because there’s no way to sit, lie or stand that allows you to escape it.”
“People don’t understand because it’s not life-threatening. It will not kill me, but it kills your life,” she said.
CUTTING BACK
Kathleen started cutting back on her roles, only looking for minor ones.
She found small roles on Friends as Chandler Bing’s dad, as well as voice over roles, and a few movies.
The actress has continued her work and her latest role was in the 2023 show, White House Plumbers.
Kathleen didn’t want her illness to derail her career.
“Yeah, but I wouldn’t accept it. I am a very stubborn woman. I got back to full strength, as full as I would ever be again,” she said.
“They told me I would be in a wheelchair for the rest of my life. Now, that was almost 30 years ago. And I look at what I’ve done in 30 years and I think: ‘Well, go to hell!’”
What is arthritis?
ARTHRITIS is a common condition that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. It can affect people of all ages but is more common as you get older.
Types of arthritis
- Osteoarthritis – The most common form, caused by wear and tear on the joints.
- Rheumatoid arthritis – An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the joints.
- Psoriatic arthritis – Linked to psoriasis, causing joint pain and skin issues.
- Gout – Caused by a buildup of uric acid, leading to sudden and severe pain.
Symptoms to watch for
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Swelling and redness
- Reduced mobility
- Clicking or grinding sensations
How to ease the pain
- Stay active – Low-impact exercises like swimming or walking can help.
- Maintain a healthy weight – Reducing pressure on joints can improve symptoms.
- Try heat and ice – Heat packs ease stiffness, while ice reduces swelling.
- Take pain relief – Anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can help.
- See your GP – Early treatment can prevent further joint damage.
