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Kathleen Turner

Birth Place: Springfield, MO, USA

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BIO

Mary Kathleen Turner (born June 19, 1954) is an American actress. Known for her distinctive husky voice, she is the recipient of two Golden Globes, as well as nominations for an Academy Award, a Grammy, and two Tony Awards.



After debuting both off and on Broadway in 1977, followed by her television debut as Nola Aldrich on the NBC soap opera The Doctors (1978–1979), Turner rose to prominence with her portrayal of Matty Walker in Body Heat (1981), which brought her a reputation as a sex symbol. She worked solidly throughout the 1980s, in films such as The Man with Two Brains (1983), Crimes of Passion, Romancing the Stone (both 1984), Prizzi's Honor, The Jewel of the Nile (both 1985), Switching Channels, The Accidental Tourist (both 1988), and The War of the Roses (1989). For her portrayal of the title character in Peggy Sue Got Married (1986), Turner was nominated for the 1987 Academy Award for Best Actress. Subsequent credits include V.I. Warshawski (1991), Serial Mom (1994), Baby Geniuses, The Virgin Suicides (both 1999), Beautiful (2000), Marley & Me (2008), and Dumb and Dumber To (2014).

Outside film, Turner guest-starred as Sue Collini on Showtime's Californication (2009) and Roz Volander on Netflix's The Kominsky Method (2019–2021). She also played Charles Bing, the drag queen father of Chandler Bing, on the seventh season of Friends (2001). Turner's voice work includes Jessica Rabbit in Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) and Constance in Monster House (2006), as well as characters on television series such as The Simpsons, Family Guy, King of the Hill, and Rick and Morty.

In addition to her work on stage and screen, Turner has taught acting classes at New York University.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Regional (US)]
George Street Playhouse Production, 2017
God

[Off-Broadway]
Benefit Reading, 2017
Head Nurse Stone

[Off-Broadway]
World Premiere Off-Broadway Production, 2015
Victoria Pruitt

[West End]
West End Premiere, 2014
Maude

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2011
Sister Jamison Connolly

[Off-Broadway]
MCC Theater Production, 2009
Peg / Dr. Rutenspitz

[Broadway]
Actors’ Fund Concert, 2005
Imelda Thornton

Imelda

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2005
Martha

Martha

[Off-Broadway]
2002
Performer [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2002
Mrs. Robinson

[Broadway]
1995
Yvonne

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1990
Maggie

[Off-Broadway]
1989
Melissa Gardner

Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2008]
Director
Director

Movies

Body Heat
[ 1981 ] Matty Walker
The Man with Two Brains
[ 1983 ] Dolores Benedict
A Breed Apart
[ 1984 ] Stella Clayton
Crimes of Passion
[ 1984 ] Joanna Crane / China Blue
Romancing the Stone
[ 1984 ] Joan Wilder
Prizzi's Honor
[ 1985 ] Irene Walker
The Jewel of the Nile
[ 1985 ] Joan
Peggy Sue Got Married
[ 1986 ] Peggy Sue
Julia and Julia
[ 1987 ] Giulia
Switching Channels
[ 1988 ] Christy Colleran
The Accidental Tourist
[ 1988 ] Sarah Leary
The War of the Roses
[ 1989 ] Barbara Rose
V.I. Warshawski
[ 1991 ] Vic
House of Cards
[ 1993 ] Ruth Matthews
Naked in New York
[ 1993 ] Dana Coles
Undercover Blues
[ 1993 ] Jane Blue
Leslie's Folly
[ 1994 ] Nurse
Serial Mom
[ 1994 ] Mom
Friends at Last
[ 1995 ] Fanny Connelyn
Moonlight and Valentino
[ 1995 ] Alberta Russell
Style & Substance
[ 1996 ] Chelsea Stevens
A Simple Wish
[ 1997 ] Claudia
Bad Baby
[ 1997 ] Mom - Voice
Love in the Ancient World
[ 1997 ] Self - Host
The Real Blonde
[ 1997 ] Dee Dee Taylor
Legalese
[ 1998 ] Brenda Whitlass
Baby Geniuses
[ 1999 ] Elena
Love and Action in Chicago
[ 1999 ] Middleman
The Virgin Suicides
[ 1999 ] Mrs. Lisbon
Beautiful
[ 2000 ] Verna Chickle
Cinderella
[ 2000 ] Claudette
Prince of Central Park
[ 2000 ] Rebecca Cairn
Monster House
[ 2006 ] Constance - Voice
Marley & Me
[ 2008 ] Ms. Kornblut
The Perfect Family
[ 2011 ] Eileen Cleary
Final Cut: Ladies & Gentlemen
[ 2012 ] Barbara Rose
Nurse
[ 2013 ] Head Nurse
Dumb and Dumber To
[ 2014 ] Fraida
Emily & Tim
[ 2015 ] Narrator
Another Kind of Wedding
[ 2017 ] Barbara
Lovestruck
[ 2019 ] Grace
The Estate
[ 2022 ] Aunt Hilda
The Swearing Jar
[ 2022 ] Bev

TV Shows

The Doctors
[ 1978-1979 ] Nola Dancy Aldrich
De película
[ 1984-1987 ] Matty Walker, Joan Wilder, Irene Walker
The Simpsons
Stacy Lavelle
Stories from My Childhood
The Snow Queen, The Magic Woman
King of the Hill
Miss Liz Strickland
Friends
Helena
Dos rombos
Joanna Crane, China Blue
Sexes
Barbara Rose, Joanna Crane, China Blue
Law & Order
Rebecca Shane
Nip/Tuck
Cindy Plumb
The Angry Video Game Nerd
Jessica Rabbit
Loops!
Alberta Russell
Silenci?
[ 2005-2008 ] Christy Colleran, Mrs. Lisbon, Peggy Sue
Californication
Sue Collini
Cinema 3
[ 1986-2010 ] Irene Walker, Ms. Kornblut, Matty Walker
Ànima
Peggy Sue
Versión española
Peggy Sue
Visionado obligado
Mom
Welcome to the Basement
Peggy Sue
Family Guy
Kathleen Turner disguised as Peter Griffin
The Path
[ 2016-2017 ] Brenda Roberts
3Below: Tales of Arcadia
Gwendolyn
Días de cine
[ 1992-2019 ] Matty Walker, Barbara Rose
Dolly Parton's Heartstrings
Miss Mary Shaw
Rick and Morty
Monogatron Queen
The Metropolitan Opera HD Live
The Duchess of Krakenthorp
Mom
Cookie
Summer Camp Island
Mole Judge
Wizards
Lady of the Lake
The Kominsky Method
[ 2019-2021 ] Roz
The White House Plumbers
Dita Beard

Awards and Nominations

Helen Hayes Awards - 2015 - Outstanding Lead Actress in a Play, HAYES Production

Kathleen TurnerMother Courage and Her Children

Helen Hayes Awards - 2013 - Outstanding Lead Actress, Resident Play

Kathleen TurnerRed Hot Patriot: The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins

Olivier Awards - 2007 - Best Actress

Kathleen TurnerWho's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2005 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

Kathleen Turner , Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Tony Awards - 2005 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Kathleen Turner, Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1990 - Best Actress - Play

Kathleen Turner, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof


winner
Theatre World Awards - 1990 - Performance

Kathleen TurnerSpecial Award

Videos

News


Actor-Director Nesbitt Blaisdell Has Passed Away

Nesbitt Blaisdell, a lifelong actor and director, passed away at 95. Known for his work with the Anna Sokolow Dance Troupe and teaching theater, he had a rich career in both acting and education.
Interview: Lianne Marie Dobbs Takes THE WINDMILLS OF MY MIND... FOR DUSTY SPRINGFIELD to 54 Below

Lianne Marie Dobbs plays THE WINDMILLS OF MY MIND... FOR DUSTY SPRINGFIELD at 54 Below on 11/6, a must-see musical window into Springfield's eclectic songs and quirky mind. BroadwayWorld named Dobbs as one of the Best Vocalists of the Decade and listed her as a Top Cabaret Highlight of 2022. Read a conversation with Dobbs about the 11/6 show.
Nicholas Rodriguez Appointed Director of Entertainment and Creative Development at Barry Ball Artists

Nicholas Rodriguez has been appointed as the Director of Entertainment and Creative Development at Barry Ball Artists, bringing his extensive experience in the arts to the agency's leadership team. Learn more!
Full Details Set for ICONS OF CULTURE FESTIVAL at PAC NYC

Perelman Performing Arts Center is presenting PAC NYC ICONS OF CULTURE FESTIVAL. The festival features cultural change-makers sharing their personal journeys and powerful insights, encouraging us all to be iconic in our own lives. Learn how to purchase tickets.
CRIMES OF THE HEART Will Be Performed By Avon Players

Avon Players’ season will continue with a bittersweet story of three women coming home and reconciling the trajectory of their messy lives with their small-town upbringing in Crimes of the Heart, running November 8-23.
FEVER DREAMS (OF ANIMALS ON THE VERGE OF EXTINCTION) Comes to TheaterWorks Hartford

TheaterWorks Hartford, under the leadership of Artistic Director Rob Ruggiero and Managing Director Jeff Griffin, has announced details for its 2024-2025 season opener Fever Dreams (of animals on the verge of extinction).
Video: Dame Maggie Smith Discusses Career with Kathleen Turner in Final Recorded Interview

Watch a conversation between Maggie Smith, Kathleen Turner, and host Gyles Brandreth, recorded in April of 2021, which is believed to be Smith's final recorded interview. The pair discussed their stage and film work.
Reeve Carney to Perform THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW as One Man Concert At The Green Room 42

THE GREEN ROOM 42 will present a special evening with Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and actor Reeve Carney, in a one-man concert version of 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show'. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Alanis Morissette & More to Join PAC NYC's Inaugural ICONS OF CULTURE FESTIVAL

The Perelman Performing Arts Center has revealed additional Icons to the inaugural PAC NYC ICONS OF CULTURE FESTIVAL, including Alanis Morissette and more. The festival features cultural change-makers sharing their personal journeys and powerful insights, encouraging us all to be iconic in our own lives. Learn how to attend.
Ava Nicole Frances to Present THE DREAM THAT I SEE at The Green Room 42 Next Month

Ava Nicole Frances will present her new show at The Green Room 42 on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 9:30pm. In this all-new personal and multi-faceted show, Ava merges the worlds of Broadway, Pop, The Great American Songbook and her own originals, including songs from Stephen Sondheim, Beyonce, Meredith Wilson, and Stephen Schwartz among many others. 
Michael Imperioli, Misty Copeland, Renée Fleming & More to Join PAC NYC ICONS OF CULTURE FESTIVAL

This fall, the Perelman Performing Arts Center will stage the inaugural PAC NYC ICONS OF CULTURE FESTIVAL. The festival is being designed to bring an annual experience to the World Trade Center. See who is taking part and learn how to purchase tickets.
Natalie Joy Johnson to Return to The Green Room 42 in October

THE GREEN ROOM 42 will present Natalie Joy Johnson in October. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.
Lea Thompson, Kevin Pollak, Leanne Melissa Bishop, and Aaron Ashmore to Lead Cast of WHAT IF

Lea Thompson, Kevin Pollak, Leanne Melissa Bishop, and Aaron Ashmore will the lead cast of the upcoming film WHAT IF.
HOT FAT PEOPLE SING to Play The Green Room 42 Next Week

The Green Room 42 will present Gwynne Wood, Jordan Underwood, London Riley Keller, and other Broadway and Regional stars in “Hot Fat People” on September 13th, 7pm.
Christopher DeLair Debuts At The Green Room 42 With LIFE IN THE AIR

Christopher DeLair's NYC club debut at The Green Room 42 features Life In The Air, an evening of original theatrical and contemporary pop music with nearly a dozen musicians.
Sara Jean Ford and More Will Lead Concert of New Musical About San Francisco Abortionist Inez Burns

A concert of the new musical Female Complaints about underground San Francisco abortionist Inez Burns will be presented on Monday, September 9th, 2024 at 7PM ET at The Green Room 42 in NYC (570 10th Avenue).
RENEE KATZ SINGS IRVING BERLIN - LOST IN HIS ARMS is Coming to Don't Tell Mama

Don’t Tell Mama will present Renee Katz in “Renee Katz Sings Irving Berlin---Lost In His Arms”. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Kit Ingui to Join Williamstown Theatre Festival as Managing Director, Operations & Advancement

Kit Ingui will depart Long Wharf to join Williamstown Theatre Festival as Managing Director, Operations & Advancement. Learn more about Ingui and the position.
Kathleen Turner Falls Ill During Performance of A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC

BroadwayWorld has learned that Kathleen Turner, who is currently playing Madame Armfeldt in Ogunquit Playhouse's production of A Little Night Music, fell ill during Friday, August 16 matinee performance.
The Green Room 42 to Present HOT FAT PEOPLE SING in September

The Green Room 42 will present Hot Fat People Sing in September. Learn how to purchase tickets.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Kathleen Turner been in?

Kathleen Turner has appeared on Broadway in 6 shows.

How many West End shows has Kathleen Turner been in?

Kathleen Turner has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.

What was Kathleen Turner's first West End show?

Kathleen Turner's first West End show was Bakersfield Mist which opened in 2014

What awards has Kathleen Turner been nominated for?

Kathleen Turner has received several nominations for prestigious awards throughout her career. These include: - Outstanding Lead Actress in a Play (Helen Hayes Awards) for Mother Courage and Her Children - Outstanding Lead Actress, Resident Play (Helen Hayes Awards) for Red Hot Patriot: The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins - Best Actress (Olivier Awards) for Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf - Outstanding Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? - Best Actress - Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Cat on a Hot Tin Roof - Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Special Award

What awards has Kathleen Turner won?

Kathleen Turner has won the Theatre World Award for Special Award.

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