Join or Sign In

Continue with Facebook Continue with email

By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.

Kathleen Turner Biography

Birth Name:Mary Kathleen Turner

Birth Place:Springfield, Missouri, United States

Profession Actress, Soundtrack, Producer

Fast Facts

Won the 1990 Theatre World Special Award
Studied theatre at the University of Maryland Baltimore County
Made her Broadway debut in "Gemini" in 1977
Quote: "I'm not a naturalistic actor․ I believe acting is a planned process of communication․ I don't see anything naturalistic about it․"
Quote: "My father was of missionary stock, so theater and acting were just one step up from being a streetwalker․․․So when I was performing in school, he would drive my mom and sit in the car․ She'd come out at intermissions and tell him, 'She's doing very well․'"
Named in the song "The Kiss of Kathleen Turner" by Falco
Served as an advocate for Amnesty International
Supported the Arthritis Foundation and Child Hope USA
Released her memoir "Send Yourself Roses" in 2008
Taught acting classes at New York University

Awards

1982Golden Globe-New Star of the Year in a Motion Picture: nominated
1983BAFTA Film Award-Most Outstanding Newcomer to Leading Film Roles: nominated
1984LAFCA Award-Best Actress: winner
1985Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical: winner
1985Jupiter Award-Best International Actress: nominated
1985NSFC Award-Best Actress: nominated
1985ShoWest Award-Female Star of the Year: winner
1986Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical: winner
1986Jupiter Award-Best International Actress: nominated
1986NBR Award-Best Actress: winner
1986NYFCC Award-Best Actress: nominated
1986Sant Jordi-Best Foreign Actress (Mejor Actriz Extranjera): winner
1987Oscar-Best Actress in a Leading Role: nominated
1987Saturn Award-Best Actress: nominated
1987Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical: nominated
1987Jupiter Award-Best International Actress: nominated
1987NSFC Award-Best Actress: nominated
1988Jupiter Award-Best International Actress: nominated
1988Sant Jordi-Best Foreign Actress (Mejor Actriz Extranjera): nominated
1989Jupiter Award-Best International Actress: nominated
1990David-Best Foreign Actress (Migliore Attrice Straniera): nominated
1990Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical: nominated
1993Gold Award-Best Actress: winner
1995Chlotrudis Award-Best Actress: nominated
2001Video Premiere Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
2001OFTA Television Award-Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series: nominated
2012Jury Prize-Oustanding Performance: winner
2020Grace Award-Most Inspiring Performance in Television: nominated
2021HCA Award-Best Supporting Actress in a Streaming Series, Comedy: nominated
2021OFTA Television Award-Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: nominated
2022Actor-Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series: nominated
2024Astra TV Award-Best Supporting Actress in a Broadcast Network or Cable Limited Series or TV Movie: nominated
2025OFTA Film Hall of Fame-Character: winner