71-Year-Old Kathleen Turner Seen in Wheelchair Amid Health Struggles

Kathleen Turner made a poignant public appearance as she attended the Citymeals on Wheels 38th Annual Power Lunch at The Plaza Hotel in New York, where she opened up about the toll her long-running health battle has taken on her body.

In an exclusive interview with The Daily Mail, the Romancing the Stone star, 71, revealed she was using a wheelchair due to the cumulative effects of rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune condition she has lived with for more than three decades.

‘Actually, I’m in a wheelchair today because I’m having, you know, 35 years of rheumatoid arthritis is catching up. But, I’m here!’ Turner shared candidly when asked how she was doing at the event.

Despite the physical challenges, the two-time Golden Globe winner made it clear her commitment to Citymeals on Wheels remains unwavering, noting she has served on the organization’s board for more than 30 years.

‘It’s so extraordinary. And this, 500 women in the same room, 500 New York women is fantastic,’ she said, expressing admiration for the energy and turnout.

When asked how she manages the ongoing symptoms of her condition, Turner admitted she would ‘rather not’ deal with them, underscoring the daily realities of living with chronic pain.

For the occasion, the actress opted for a crushed velvet ensemble paired with black sneakers, balancing elegance with comfort for the high-profile charitable luncheon.

Turner has previously been seen relying on a cane during public appearances and has occasionally required a wheelchair for additional support. 

She has long been candid about her rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis, which she received in 1992, and has spoken openly about how the condition has impacted her mobility, balance, and everyday comfort.

The progressive autoimmune disorder causes inflammation and chronic pain, significantly affecting her physical movement, a struggle she detailed in her memoir Send Yourself Roses, where she opened up about the personal toll the condition has taken in hopes of helping others facing similar challenges.

The former gymnast has also shared that Pilates has been instrumental in helping her maintain strength and manage symptoms, previously telling 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 occurs when cartilage deteriorates, while rheumatoid arthritis results when the immune system attacks the joint lining, leading to swelling, stiffness, pain and eventual joint damage. 

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

In more advanced cases, the disease can make routine tasks increasingly difficult and may lead to joint deformities or loss of alignment over time.

When severe, arthritis can require mobility assistance such as wheelchairs in order to preserve comfort and independence, particularly when prolonged standing or walking becomes painful or exhausting.

Turner’s appearance took place at the Citymeals on Wheels 38th Annual Power Lunch, which raised over $1.4 million to deliver approximately 140,000 nourishing meals to homebound older New Yorkers in need. 

The star-studded event drew prominent figures including Brooke Shields, Karlie Kloss, Christian Siriano, Erin Lichy, Daniel and Katherine Boulud, and others.

This year’s Power Lunch honored longtime supporter Suri Kasirer, CEO of Kasirer LLC and Citymeals Board Vice President, who received the Joan H. Weill Impact Award. 

The luncheon was emceed by Deborah Roberts and co-chaired by Derek Blasberg, Dr. Samantha Boardman, Margo M. Nederlander and Lizzie Tisch.

Citymeals on Wheels remains the nonprofit’s largest annual fundraiser, playing a critical role in supporting food-insecure seniors across New York City.

The organization works in partnership with community centers and local groups to deliver more than 2.2 million meals annually to over 22,000 homebound older residents, reinforcing its mission to end elder hunger by 2040.

Turner is best known for her roles in films like Body Heat and Romancing the Stone as well as voicing Jessica Rabbit in Who Framed Roger Rabbit. 

She also received an Oscar nomination for Peggy Sue Got Married and appeared on series like Friends, Californication, and The Kominsky Method.