Back in 1981, Kathleen Turner made a splash on the big screen in Body Heat, showcasing a confident, fearless woman who captivated audiences worldwide. While she might have had her moments of doubt off-screen, Kathleen has always strived to be a beacon of strength, especially for her daughter, Rachel Ann Weiss. Her life, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes, has been filled with lessons that she's eager to pass down.

A Mother's Words of Wisdom

In an exclusive interview with Closer Weekly at the Women’s Media Center Women’s Media Awards in NYC, Kathleen shared some of the most important lessons she’s learned over the years. "Be brave," she said, emphasizing the importance of courage. "Speak up." For Kathleen, these words aren't just advice; they're a way of life. At 64, she continues to embody them as she prepares to take on the role of a duchess in the Metropolitan Opera’s The Daughter of the Regiment in February.

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Stepping Out of Her Comfort Zone

Even though her role in the opera doesn't involve singing, Kathleen wasn't afraid to take on the challenge. The Met’s general manager, Peter Gelb, specifically sought her out, describing her as an "interesting, bigger-than-life" personality. Kathleen's willingness to dive into new experiences reflects her adventurous spirit. "I do tend to jump in the water and find out if I can swim," she once admitted to The Guardian.

Lessons Learned on Set

Kathleen's career has been filled with memorable roles, but it's not always been smooth sailing. During the filming of the 1988 comedy Switching Channels with Burt Reynolds, she encountered a pivotal moment that shaped her perspective. "The first day Burt came in, he made me cry," she recalled to Vulture. "He said something about not taking second place to a woman. It never occurred to me that I wasn’t someone’s equal." This experience reinforced her belief in the importance of women's voices being heard.