Kathleen Turner: Poison or poetry?
These days, she's almost a caricature of an over-the-hill Hollywood starlet. One minute she's accusing Nicolas Cage of stealing a dog, the next she's blasting Liz Taylor's acting skills.
But once upon a glorious decade, Kathleen Turner was box-office gold. Turner, who turns 54 years old today, cranked out hit after hit in the 80s. In all, she appeared in (or, in the case of "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?", lent her voice to) more than a dozen flicks during those 10 years.
And while some remain truly classic ("Body Heat," "Romancing the Stone," "War of the Roses"), others leave you gasping for fresh air ("Peggy Sue Got Married," "Switching Channels").
That begs the question: Kathleen Turner -- overrated or underrated in the 80s? Check out her five best flicks and then fire away.
TOP 5 KATHLEEN TURNER ROLES OF THE 80s:
5. ROMANCING THE STONE (1984): "You're the best time I've ever had."
4. THE MAN WITH TWO BRAINS (1983): "I get so excited when you get angry. It makes me feel so much closer to the reading of the will."
3. THE WAR OF THE ROSES (1989): "Have you ever made angry love?"
2. PRIZZI'S HONOR (1985): "I can't get over it. What kinda creep wouldn't catch a baby?"
1. BODY HEAT (1981): "You aren't too smart. I like that in a man."
Relive the music, movies and culture of the greatest decade ever with Times online editor Steve Spears. A teen during the decade, Steve is obsessed with everything from Duran Duran to Journey, John Hughes to John Cusack, and parachute pants to Reaganomics.
E-mail Steve Spears:
Dies ist ein großer Ort. Ich möchte hier noch einmal.
Posted by: fahrrad | March 06, 2009 at 06:11 PM
Kathleen is my favorite actress. She is one of the few actresses that I can see in any movie. She seems to morph into her characters. All you see is the character and not the actress. Kathleen was the sexiest woman in the 80's in my opinion. Her looks were unique. Kathleen ended up with a horriable disease called Rhumetoid Arthritis. She had one of the worse cases you can get. She was in really bad shape. The doctors put her on so much medication including massive amounts of steroids that it caused her to not only blow up in weight, but the meds also altered her looks. Kathleen is lucky to be alive. Maddie Walker will always be the sexiest character to ever hit the big screen in my opinion. Who ever thinks Kathleen was not hott in the 80's has to be blind or gay.
Posted by: Sara | September 05, 2008 at 02:02 AM
I actually liked most of her movies during the '80s. I say "almost" because she made one that was so, so bad, I couldn't even stand to watch more than 10 minutes of it. That horrible movie is Julia and Julia. It's not even MST3K bad -- it's just bad.
Posted by: Jeff from Vegas | June 21, 2008 at 12:37 AM
Steve, why not put your expertise to work and do a post on good ol' Rachel, kind of a whatever happened to?
It would be worth it just to see what kind of great pic you'd unearth of one of the 10 Most beautiful Women in America (PEOPLE mag, circa 1983).
Posted by: Rick | June 20, 2008 at 04:02 PM
That's right! She was the one in Thornbirds!
Posted by: John Hays | June 19, 2008 at 11:59 PM
Wow! I have Rachel stuck in my head as the cheeky Catholic girl opposite Richard-old-guy in The Thorn Birds.
Posted by: Marissa | June 19, 2008 at 09:32 PM
Wow who would have thought such a topic would have generated such harsh responses.
For me personally I enjoyed the woman's work in the 80s. I think that as an actress she possesses a quality on screen that distinguishes her from other actresses during this period of time. Love War of the Rose. Love Peggy Sue Got Married. Love Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
Posted by: 80sfan | June 19, 2008 at 09:31 PM
Spears, you wascal wabbit!?
Posted by: Rick | June 19, 2008 at 09:12 PM
Four years younger than you, Rick? And 10 years younger than me.
Posted by: Spears | June 19, 2008 at 08:40 PM
Hey, all, I thought we were STUCK IN THE 80s here!
Rachel Ward is now -- gulp -- 61. Can anyone stand a chance at that age when being compared to their 35 year old self? Especially a woman who has had three kids? Try googling shots of her from SHARKEY'S MACHINE or AGAINST ALL ODDS when she was in her prime (aka the 80s).
Sixty-one now. Wow. I'm crying the tears of a clown.
Posted by: Rick | June 19, 2008 at 08:38 PM
Her weight is of no issue with me. Speaking as a relatively poofy woman myself.
She's just downright creeeeeepy. Maybe the medical condition affects her breathing and over-exaggerated facial expressions, too. She might have rocked the silent film industry.
Posted by: Marissa | June 19, 2008 at 07:27 PM
i liked her roles in romancing the stone, body heat, and the war of the roses. but she has some sort of medical condition that has caused her to balloon up in weight. at least thats what she has said. i did like her in friends as well. just picturing her and morgan fairchild as husband and wife.
Posted by: CHAD | June 19, 2008 at 06:32 PM
Jeff - Yeah but I'm trying to get in better shape, so there's collateral damage either way, really.
Posted by: John Hays | June 19, 2008 at 04:26 PM
John,
I'd go with hungry.
A lot less collateral damage that way.
Posted by: Jeff in Cuba | June 19, 2008 at 04:24 PM
All this talk of ravioli and sauce, I'm not sure if I'm supposed to be turned on or hungry!
Posted by: John Hays | June 19, 2008 at 04:22 PM
Miguel! You almost went saucy on me. Whoa! Well played, my friend. Well played indeed.
Posted by: Marissa | June 19, 2008 at 04:13 PM
god, sorry for the spelling error, my boss is looming..
Posted by: Mike in Austin | June 19, 2008 at 03:27 PM
Marissa and ALL the woman of the SIT80's nation! From a 38 year old man to you: LEAVE YOUR HAIR ALONE!! Personally speaking, I LOVE WOMAN with their natural hair WHATEVER the color or lenght. As the years creep by, I sincerely appreciate all of what a woman has to offer au natural, no kidding. Ok, I'm a hypocrite, my wife after 19 years, just put highlights in her hair. They are growing out.
Jeff in Cuba,
an alternative to the bag over my head is a field expedient method: Close my eyes real tight and pray for the buzz to last just a few more minutes.
Posted by: Mike in Austin | June 19, 2008 at 03:26 PM
Miguel -- they "road tested" The Graduate here in Toronto before they took it to Broadway and the West End... and I did go see it. Her acting was *way* over the top (and she was in the shadows for the nude scene), but Jason Biggs totally won my respect as an actor. He was outstanding and definitely made me happy to have seen it.
Anyways, Kathleen has definitely turned into a caricature of herself. While I enjoyed movies like Romancing the Stone, she didn't really pull me in the way some other actresses of the time did/still do.
Posted by: Greg L | June 19, 2008 at 02:38 PM
All this talk of hair color... I am one with my hair stylist and my monthly appointment to get rid of the grey. That's sacred time, especially since she figures I'm at least 70 percent grey under all the color. Just can't handle the Cruella/Heloise look quite yet.
Posted by: jane | June 19, 2008 at 02:27 PM
Nice Marissa,playing with my wise words.
OK! The kiddie pool doesn`t fit me.I always like to go deep.........in the pool!
Posted by: Miguel | June 19, 2008 at 02:16 PM
Miguel, that was way deep. Now, come in back in the kiddie pool where it's safe. HA!
Thanks, John. I am always smirking in pictures. It's hard for me to take things seriously, I guess.
Posted by: Marissa | June 19, 2008 at 02:10 PM
Nice come hither look in that pic, Marissa! Haha!
Posted by: John Hays | June 19, 2008 at 01:36 PM
Gray hair is like opinions on dictatorial places!Everybody has some,and they all try to hide them!
Wow! How deep was that thought?
Posted by: Miguel | June 19, 2008 at 01:33 PM
Was never that attracted to Kathleen Turner, and her voice didn't do it for me either. She was okay in the stuff she did with Michael Douglas. Over-rated.
Posted by: Bassnote | June 19, 2008 at 01:33 PM
If I could rock the Jamie Lee Curtis spunky-do I would go au naturale. Riss and short hair do not a great combo make.
Posted by: Marissa | June 19, 2008 at 01:27 PM
Riss,
The onslaught of the gray is one of the reasons I keep my hair so short. (That and the fact that's it like the surface of the sun down here this time of year.)
And despite my repeated requests, I haven't been able to convince Harriot to return to her brunette roots (mean-spirited pun intended).
Posted by: Jeff in Cuba | June 19, 2008 at 01:23 PM
If I forget about L'Oreal then I have a witchy-pooh looking wig.
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m78/marissa65/personal%20and%20family/Picture141.jpg
there's me with a bit darker tone, but it didn't last long.
Posted by: Marissa | June 19, 2008 at 01:19 PM
Mike,
Remember, the prudent employment of a bag in social/romantic settings is on your own head, thus bringing all assignations into the realm of the possible.
Posted by: Jeff in Cuba | June 19, 2008 at 01:16 PM
The er-umm, hmmm how shall I put this? Salt & Pepper on the roof top keeps me going a tad lighter. OK, a LOT lighter.
The gray hair is resistant to taking the dark coloring.
Posted by: Marissa | June 19, 2008 at 01:16 PM
Mmmmmm Rachel Ward was smokin' hot in "Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid", a Steve Martin film-noir comedy from the early '80's. Rent that sucker!
Posted by: Al | June 19, 2008 at 01:11 PM
I`m with John.Forget the L`Oreal crap!
Posted by: Miguel | June 19, 2008 at 01:08 PM
Marissa - let that brunette shine through! Go dark!
Posted by: John Hays | June 19, 2008 at 01:04 PM
I love seeing all the love for brunettes here. Deep down under all the L'Oreal I'm a brunette. ::sniffle:: It's a beautiful thing to read.
Posted by: Marissa | June 19, 2008 at 01:02 PM
The last time i saw Kathleen Turner was in Friends,she played Chandler´s father! Seeing her there made me be very thankful for never going to see The Graduate in London(or Broadway)!
Rick,i`m a brunette guy too.90% of the girls i dated were brunettes,but Rachel Ward just doesn`t appeal me that much.
Posted by: Miguel | June 19, 2008 at 12:59 PM
ha! IT's the creepy flaring nostrils and bugging eye thing she does, Mike...
Heavy breathing is oft times fine, but not when stationary and upright.
::fetal position::
Posted by: Marissa | June 19, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Hi Marissa, hell I'm a guy, we are just happy to get shom'em, shom'em! beggars can't be choosers. I'd negotiate the bag.
Posted by: Mike in Austin | June 19, 2008 at 12:53 PM
Glenn - Actually you have seen her recently, that is if you've watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade....
Posted by: John Hays | June 19, 2008 at 12:48 PM
I would guess by the other remarks, Mike, "with a bag over her head."
Posted by: Marissa | June 19, 2008 at 12:47 PM
I just googled Rachel....I'm clinging to my memories of Against All Odds.
Posted by: Mike in Austin | June 19, 2008 at 12:46 PM
She is a Maryland grad, Go TERPS!
Very sexy woman. Come on fellas, how would you react with that raspy voice in your ear?
Posted by: Mike in Austin | June 19, 2008 at 12:41 PM
Nice analysis, Jeff. I loved her in Romancing The Stone and Body Heat but not in a "no one else could have played those parts" kind of way. I just thought she was hot. Haven't seen her lately, though, and from the other comments maybe that's all for the best.
Posted by: GlennS. | June 19, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Rick - Don't get me wrong, I love brunettes! But seriously, google Rachel and you'll see what I'm talking about.
Actually, a good modern version of Rachel Ward is Natascha McElhone. Very easy on the eyes! (Think the other woman in Truman Show)
Posted by: John Hays | June 19, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Yeah, John & Miguel, I can see your point, but I'm a brunette man. Besides, I thought Rachel was a better actress, a stronger type, AND built on top of it.
Kim Basinger seemed like pouty victim to me, and not the best actress. But still, she was and is pretty easy on the eyes.
And both beat Turner, hands down.
Posted by: Rick | June 19, 2008 at 12:32 PM
Sorry Rick,but i wont say Rachel Ward with you.But i say Kim Basinger,oh yeah! She was my 80s woman!When i saw Nine 1/2 Weeks growing up,God! The movie is a piece of crap,by the way,but i didn´t care,back then!
Posted by: Miguel | June 19, 2008 at 12:27 PM
Rachel Ward was attractive, unfortunately she now looks like she hasn't eaten in about a year.
Off the top of my head, a great 80's siren is Kim Basinger.
Posted by: John Hays | June 19, 2008 at 12:25 PM
Over-rated.
I didn't really get the sexy thing with her, until ROGER RABBIT. Her voice was pretty smokey hot. But her face never measured up to the rest for me. And she always seemed so desperately serious no matter the role, like she was saying, "Hear me world! I am a serious act-or."
Of her films, I must say that I'm with John... PEGGY SUE busts me up every time. But she was more the straight man to all the other oddball characters:
Nick Cage: "That's m-m-m-muh hoo-wang!"
Seriously hot 80s screen siren for me? Rachel Ward. Ooh, say it with me... Rachel Ward.
Posted by: Rick | June 19, 2008 at 12:12 PM
Jeff, "if Jodie Foster is Wolfgang Puck, then Kathleen Turner is Chef Boyardee."
That is GOLDEN!
I never liked her, with the obvious exception of her voice in Roger Rabbit.
Posted by: ian | June 19, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Actually yesterday,there were two 80s Kathleen Turner movies here on TV.I rewatched The War of the Roses.After that there was also The Jewel of the Nile,but no patience for that.
Body Heat is great(i think it was her debut role in cinema).Don´t forget her voice in Who Framed Roger Rabbit!
Never a great actress,but spicey in the 80s.
Posted by: Miguel | June 19, 2008 at 11:28 AM
I can't escape the visions of seeing her in interviews. She's downright freakin' spooky. Forget deciding how she's rated (over or under). Just declare she's a walking David Lynch flick. (like the previous post tie-in?)
Her deep inhaling and nostril flaring. Her over-exagerrated wide-eyed glares...eek! I have to stop or I'll be curled up in the fetal position in no time.
Posted by: Marissa | June 19, 2008 at 11:22 AM