Kathleen Turner Biography
Mary Kathleen Turner was born on June 19, 1954, in Springfield, Missouri. She was raised in a family that frequently moved due to her father Allen Richard Turner’s role as a Foreign Service officer. Her mother, Patsy Magee Turner, was a homemaker. Kathleen grew up with two brothers and a sister, spending her childhood in various countries, including Canada, Cuba, Venezuela, and the United Kingdom.
She completed her secondary education at The American School in London in 1972. Kathleen later pursued theater and fine arts, attending Missouri State University before transferring to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1977. Her early interest in acting was heavily influenced by the cultural exposure she received growing up in different countries.
Kathleen Turner Age
Kathleen is 75 years old as of June 2025. She celebrates her birthday on June 19th every year and her zodiac sign is Gemini.
Height & Physical Presence
Kathleen Turner stands at approximately 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters). Her tall stature and commanding presence, combined with her deep, husky voice, became signature features of her on-screen persona. These physical traits helped define her early career, particularly in film noir and dramatic roles, making her one of the most recognizable leading ladies of the 1980s.
Career and Rise to Fame
Turner began her acting career on stage and in television, but she made her big-screen debut in 1981 with the thriller Body Heat, in which she played the sultry and manipulative Matty Walker. This breakthrough role catapulted her to fame and earned her recognition as a modern-day femme fatale.
Throughout the 1980s, Turner starred in several box-office hits, including Romancing the Stone and its sequel The Jewel of the Nile, opposite Michael Douglas. She earned critical acclaim for her performance in Peggy Sue Got Married, which garnered her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Turner also voiced the character Jessica Rabbit in the groundbreaking animated film Who Framed Roger Rabbit, further showcasing her vocal talent.
In addition to film, Turner made a significant impact on the stage. She took on challenging roles in Broadway productions such as Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, and The Graduate, earning multiple Tony Award nominations. Her theater work demonstrated her versatility and commitment to the craft beyond Hollywood.
Kathleen’s Husband & Family
Kathleen Turner married Jay Weiss, a real estate investor and musician, in 1984. Their union produced one daughter, Rachel Ann Weiss, born on October 14, 1987. Despite their eventual divorce in 2007, Turner has described their post-divorce relationship as amicable and supportive. She has remained deeply involved in her daughter’s life and continues to speak fondly of her former husband, emphasizing the strong friendship they maintained after their separation.
Health Challenges and Comeback
In the 1990s, Turner faced a major health setback when she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. The condition severely limited her mobility and led to a period where she appeared less frequently in films. During this time, she also struggled with alcohol dependency, a battle she eventually overcame after seeking treatment in rehabilitation in 1999.
Despite these personal and physical challenges, Turner made a strong comeback. She returned to the stage with renewed energy and also made appearances in popular television shows such as Friends, where she played Chandler Bing’s transgender parent, and Californication. More recently, she appeared alongside Michael Douglas again in The Kominsky Method, earning praise for her performance.
Kathleen Turner Net Worth
Kathleen Turner has accumulated an estimated net worth of $20 million as of 2025. Her wealth stems from her successful film and stage career, voice acting roles, and television appearances. She has also written a memoir, appeared on speaking tours, and been involved in charity work, all of which contribute to her financial portfolio. Turner owns property in New York, where she leads a relatively private lifestyle focused on creative pursuits and personal well-being.
Legacy & Influence
Kathleen Turner remains one of the most distinctive and influential actresses of her generation. Her career spans more than four decades and includes critically acclaimed performances in film, television, and theater. She is known not only for her iconic roles but also for her resilience in the face of personal and health challenges. Her voice, confidence, and powerful screen presence have inspired countless performers and cemented her status as a Hollywood legend.
Today, Turner continues to act and advocate for various social and health-related causes. She has taught acting, served as a guest speaker at universities, and participated in political activism. Her ability to reinvent herself and stay relevant across changing entertainment landscapes is a testament to her talent and tenacity.
Her life and career reflect a remarkable journey of talent, resilience, and reinvention. From the silver screen to Broadway, she has earned her place as one of the most dynamic performers in American entertainment history.
Summary
- Full Name: Mary Kathleen Turner
- Age: 70 (Born June 19, 1954)
- Height: 5′8″ (1.73 m)
- Spouse: Jay Weiss (married 1984–divorced 2007)
- Children: Rachel Ann Weiss (born October 14, 1987)
- Net Worth: $20 million
- Career Highlights: Body Heat, Romancing the Stone, Peggy Sue Got Married, Jessica Rabbit, The Kominsky Method
- Notable Traits: Husky voice, commanding presence, award-winning performances
- Health: Overcame rheumatoid arthritis and alcohol dependency
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