Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 30, 2025 · Entertainment

Kathleen Turner Reignites '80s Magic at The Roses Premiere

Fans of iconic ¿80s cinema were treated to a rare sight when Kathleen Turner made a stylish public appearance in New York City this week; (seen in 1983)

KATHLEEN TURNER STEALS THE SPOTLIGHT: A LEGEND RECLAIMS HER THRONE

The Queen of 80s cinema, Kathleen Turner, made a jaw-dropping appearance in New York City this week, leaving fans and critics alike speechless at the premiere of The Roses, a modern remake of her iconic 1989 dark comedy, The War of the Roses. The 71-year-old screen legend turned heads in a sleek black dress, simple sandals, and a brace-supported arm, walking with dignity and poise despite a visible physical struggle.

But what made this appearance truly special was that it marked a triumphant return to the spotlight for an actress who had been quietly battling the challenges of rheumatoid arthritis for nearly two decades. Turner's presence was a powerful reminder of her enduring status as one of Hollywood's most beloved and respected stars.

Turner was spotted at the red-carpet premiere of The Roses¿a modern remake of the 1989 dark comedy The War of the Roses starring Turner and Michael Douglas (above)

As we take a walk down memory lane, it becomes clear that Turner has always been more than just a pretty face in Tinseltown. She exploded onto the scene in 1981 with Body Heat, a sultry neo-noir thriller that cemented her status as one of cinema's most unforgettable femme fatales. Her sultry voice, commanding presence, and husky charm made her an instant sensation.

But it was her on-screen chemistry with co-star Michael Douglas that truly set the screen ablaze. Their pairing in Romancing the Stone (1984) and its sequel Jewel of the Nile (1985) became one of the decade's most beloved duos. In a candid interview with The Guardian, Turner revealed that their undeniable spark was fueled by an unresolved attraction – and it only added to the tension on screen.

"We were both yearning for each other," she confessed, "but he was still married... although they were separated, and so I thought there was hope for me." She went on to describe the experience as "that wonderful sexual tension" that "just lovely."

She reigned throughout the ¿80s with a string of hits ¿ Romancing the Stone (pictured), The Jewel of the Nile, and of course, Prizzi¿s Honor (1985) alongside Jack Nicholson.

Their collaborations culminated in The War of the Roses (1989), a dark satire that showcased Turner's fearless range. But her talent didn't stop at comedy – she proved equally adept at heartfelt drama, earning an Oscar nomination for her role in Peggy Sue Got Married (1986).

By the early 90s, Turner had conquered both stage and screen, later earning Tony nominations for her work on Broadway. However, behind the scenes, her life was drastically altered by a painful battle with rheumatoid arthritis. The illness, along with medications and chemotherapy, changed her appearance and left her in constant pain – struggles that eventually led her to lean on alcohol for relief.

In an interview with The Guardian, Turner candidly confessed: "I had this thing in my head where I thought: 'I'm not taking pain pills – they are addictive and dangerous.' But it was OK to have that second or third vodka." Her drinking spiraled out of control until she checked herself into rehab to take control.

Turner wasn¿t just another pretty face in Hollywood ¿ she exploded onto the scene in 1981 with Body Heat, a sultry neo-noir thriller that cemented her as one of cinema¿s most unforgettable femmes fatales

A moment of stark realization drove her to change: "I thought: 'I am wasting my entire day with my daughter, with my husband, because I'd close myself down and drink.'" It was a painful truth that Turner eventually faced head-on – and one that ultimately led to her recovery.

Thanks to new treatments, her rheumatoid arthritis eventually went into remission – finally giving Turner the chance to reclaim her career and return more regularly to film and television. Her iconic guest role on Friends in the early 2000s as Helena Handbasket still stands out with its commanding presence and husky voice.

But that's not all – Turner has also had a string of memorable roles in TV series such as The Simpsons (1994), Law & Order (2006), Nip/Tuck (2006), Californication (2009), Family Guy (2017), and The Kominsky Method (2019 and 2021). Her most recent stint was in the satirical political drama series White House Plumbers (2023) alongside Woody Harrelson and Justin Theorux.

Douglas and Turner in The War of the Roses

And now, as she marks a new chapter in her illustrious career, Turner remains Hollywood royalty – an actress who can smolder, sting, and steal every scene. As we gaze upon her radiant presence on the red carpet, it's clear that Kathleen Turner is still the undisputed Queen of 80s cinema.

Sources:

  • The Roses (2023) movie premiere
  • Interview with The Guardian (2018)
  • Interview with People Magazine (2021)
  • The Kominsky Method (2019 and 2021)
  • White House Plumbers (2023)

She proved equally adept at heartfelt drama, earning an Oscar nomination for her role in Peggy Sue Got Married (1986)

And she didn¿t shy away from TV either ¿ Turner had an iconic guest role on Friends in the early 2000s

At the red-carpet premiere of The Roses, the 71-year-old screen legend turned heads in a sleek black dress, simple sandals, and a brace-supported arm, walking with dignity and grace despite a visible physical struggle

Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman flanked the gorgeous legend

Decades later, Turner is still Hollywood royalty ¿ the woman who could smolder, sting, and steal every scene