The Hollywood legend, known for her sultry performances in 1980s hits like Body Heat, Romancing the Stone, Jewel of the Nile, and War of the Roses opposite Michael Douglas, arrived looking effortlessly stylish. She wore a plaid shirt paired with dark slacks and used a cane for support, while her chic bob added a youthful glow. Turner also starred alongside Jack Nicholson in Prizzi’s Honor (1985), lent her iconic voice to Jessica Rabbit in Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and earned an Oscar nomination for Peggy Sue Got Married.
Over the years, she’s appeared on television in shows such as Friends, Californication, and The Kominsky Method, and featured in films including The Man With Two Brains, The Accidental Tourist, VI Warshawski, Naked in New York, Serial Mom, Moonlight and Valentino, The Real Blonde, The Virgin Suicides, and Dumb and Dumber To. More recently, she appeared in 2023’s satirical political drama series White House Plumbers alongside Woody Harrelson and Justin Theroux.
Turner has been open about her ongoing battle with rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune condition she has lived with for over 30 years. In an interview with The Daily Mail last year, she revealed she occasionally needs a wheelchair for support due to the cumulative effects of the disease. “Actually, I’m in a wheelchair today because, you know, 35 years of rheumatoid arthritis is catching up. But, I’m here!” she said candidly at the event. She admitted that managing the daily symptoms of the condition can be challenging, joking that she’d “rather not” deal with them, highlighting the realities of living with chronic pain.
Turner has been seen using a cane at public events and has occasionally relied on a wheelchair to assist with mobility. She has shared how the disorder impacts her balance, movement, and everyday comfort, discussing the physical toll extensively in her memoir Send Yourself Roses. Turner credits Pilates with helping her maintain strength and manage her symptoms, telling The Times, “Pilates, baby! Twice a week. Pilates saved my life.”
Medical experts note that rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks the lining of joints, causing inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and pain that can worsen over time. Unlike osteoarthritis, which results from cartilage deterioration, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that can lead to severe joint damage, deformities, and mobility limitations. In advanced cases, as Turner has described, daily tasks can become difficult, and prolonged standing or walking may require support such as a cane or wheelchair to preserve comfort and independence.
Despite the challenges of her condition, Turner continues to appear in public and remain active, showing fans that she can still shine on the red carpet and in her career, proving that her Hollywood legacy endures.
