Frail Kathleen Turner, 71, seen in wheelchair as she reveals debilitating health battle in rare public outing

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Kathleen Turner recently appeared at the Citymeals on Wheels Power Lunch in New York, where she spoke candidly about the physical challenges she’s faced during her ongoing health struggles.

Kathleen Turner, 71, shared in an interview with The Daily Mail that she now uses a wheelchair. This is due to the long-term effects of rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease she’s battled for over 30 years.

Turner explained that she was using a wheelchair today because of the effects of 35 years of rheumatoid arthritis, but she was glad to be at the event.

Even with everything I’ve been going through physically, I want everyone to know how much Citymeals on Wheels still means to me. I’ve been a board member for over 30 years, and my dedication to their mission hasn’t changed one bit. It’s a cause I truly believe in and I’m proud to continue supporting them.

She described the event as amazing, particularly impressed by the fact that 500 women from New York City had gathered together. She was thrilled with the energy and the large number of attendees.

Turner said she’d prefer to avoid dealing with the constant symptoms of her condition, highlighting the challenges of living with chronic pain every day.

The actress chose a comfortable yet elegant outfit for the charity luncheon, pairing a luxurious crushed velvet suit with black sneakers.

Mr. Turner has sometimes used a cane or wheelchair to help him get around when he’s out in public.

She’s been open about having rheumatoid arthritis since she was diagnosed in 1992, and she’s often discussed how it affects her ability to move, her balance, and her overall comfort.

She lives with a worsening autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and long-lasting pain, making it difficult to move. In her memoir, Send Yourself Roses, she bravely shared her personal experiences with the condition, hoping to support others going through similar hardships.

The retired gymnast has credited Pilates with helping her stay strong and cope with health issues. She previously told The Times, ‘Pilates, baby! Twice a week. Pilates saved my life.’

Medical experts explain that arthritis refers to inflammation and tenderness in one or more joints. 

Osteoarthritis happens when the protective cartilage around joints breaks down. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and ultimately, damage to the joints.

Common symptoms include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, redness, and limited range of motion. 

As the condition gets worse, everyday activities can become much harder, and joints may become misshapen or move out of place over time.

Arthritis can sometimes become so painful that people need help getting around, like wheelchairs, to stay comfortable and maintain their independence, especially if standing or walking for long periods becomes difficult.

Tina Turner made an appearance at the Citymeals on Wheels 38th Annual Power Lunch, an event that raised over $1.4 million. This money will help provide around 140,000 meals to elderly New Yorkers who are homebound and in need.

The event attracted a lot of well-known faces, including Brooke Shields, Karlie Kloss, Christian Siriano, Erin Lichy, and Daniel and Katherine Boulud, among other celebrities.

This year’s Power Lunch celebrated Suri Kasirer, CEO of Kasirer LLC and a Vice President on the Citymeals Board, with the Joan H. Weill Impact Award, recognizing her longstanding support.

Deborah Roberts hosted the luncheon, while Derek Blasberg, Dr. Samantha Boardman, Margo M. Nederlander, and Lizzie Tisch served as co-chairs.

Citymeals on Wheels is still our biggest fundraising event each year and is essential for helping seniors in New York City who struggle with hunger.

Each year, the organization teams up with community centers and local groups to provide over 2.2 million meals to more than 22,000 seniors who are unable to leave their homes. Their goal is to eliminate senior hunger by 2040.

I’ve been a huge fan of Kathleen Turner for years! She’s just incredible in classics like Body Heat and Romancing the Stone, and honestly, her voice work as Jessica Rabbit in Who Framed Roger Rabbit is iconic – she is that character, as far as I’m concerned.

She was nominated for an Oscar for her role in Peggy Sue Got Married and also had roles in popular TV shows like Friends, Californication, and The Kominsky Method.

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2025-11-20 22:08