The entertainment industry quickly took note of her undeniable screen presence. Her golden hair and vivid blue eyes became part of her signature charm, setting her apart in a world where standing out isn’t easy. She carried herself with a rare combination of grace and magnetism, earning roles that showcased both her beauty and depth.
But behind the spotlight, she faced personal challenges that threatened to shift the course of her career. In the early 1990s, she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, a condition that brought intense pain and swelling to her joints. Doctors warned that she might one day need a wheelchair. The diagnosis was life-altering, and not only because of the physical toll—it began to change how others saw her as well.
As she quietly battled the illness, rumors began to circulate. Some believed she had developed a drinking problem, mistaking the effects of her medication for something darker. In a deeply personal essay published in 2009, she opened up for the first time, sharing how the pain changed her focus entirely. Once preoccupied with image and public perception, she now found her priority was something far more basic—being able to move without pain.
The changes in her appearance were due to the medications she needed to manage her condition, but she chose not to publicly defend herself at the time. Instead, she focused on healing, privately working through both her illness and the public’s assumptions.
With incredible determination, she incorporated daily gymnastics and Pilates into her routine, gradually pushing back against the limitations of her illness. Though her marriage to Jay Weiss ended in 2007 after 23 years, she remained active in the arts, continuing to work in film and theater, albeit less frequently than before.
Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that resilience and commitment to health can help reclaim control, even in the face of chronic illness.