She performed some of her own stunts in Romancing the Stone (1984), Undercover Blues (1993) and V.I. Warshawski (1991). Her nose was broken while filming V.I. Warshawski (1991).
She received a lifetime achievement award from the Savannah College of Art and Design at the Savannah Film Festival in October 2004.
Sister-in-law of fashion designer Donna Karan.
Somewhat resembles Lauren Bacall (looks and voice).
Spoke the voice (uncredited) of sexy Jessica Rabbit in the toon-noir Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988).
Suffers from rheumatoid arthritis.
Upon meeting the legendary Lauren Bacall, to whom she has often been compared, she reportedly introduced herself by saying, "Hi, I'm the young you."
Was considered for the lead in Basic Instinct (1992).
Was immortalized in the 1980s song, "The Kiss of Kathleen Turner," by techno-pop singer Falco.
Was nominated for Broadway's 1990 Tony Award as Best Actress (Play) for portraying Maggie the Cat in a revival of Tennessee Williams' "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof."
Was nominated for Broadway's 2005 Tony Award as Best Actress in a Play for portraying Martha in the 2005 revival of Edward Albee's "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"
Was raised in Canada, Cuba and England where her father was a diplomat.