That Ms. Turner Can Still Turn Heads

Kathleen Turner has written a memoir, "Send Yourself Roses," in which she dishes about her costars. She spoke with Nicki Gostin.

Why write a memoir now?
A lot of it was getting to a certain place in my life where I felt I had 30 years in the business. I think women my age are creating this wave, that society hasn't caught up with yet, being the first generation of women who are financially independent.

You're 53. Do you think women in their 50s get ignored?
Oh, yeah. I think society writes us off. Once we're not needed every day as a mother, that's it.

You said a few years ago that you could walk into a restaurant and have every guy's head turn.
That's an unfinished quote. I think the question was about sexuality. I said it comes from yourself.

It is weird to lose that power?
Absolutely. I'm very grateful that I don't think it's ever been the center of my confidence.

But still.
Yes, you're not looked at the same way.

You're single. Do you ever want to be a cougar?
I don't know. The truth is that so many men who are much younger than me, I don't find all that interesting. They just don't have a lot of life experiences yet or enough to get a good conversation going. That's part of the problem.

You wrote about Nicolas Cage causing problems on the set of "Peggy Sue Got Married," and now he's threatening to sue. Are you surprised?
Yes, actually, I was. I'm very sorry if he feels ... I'm very sorry.

You also slam Burt Reynolds from when you worked on "Switching Channels." But I can see him being an a––hole.
I didn't say that! You said it. He was difficult, but also I was pregnant, so there might have been a little hormonal action going on there. Although I don't think my hormones were the only cause.

You're doing stage work now, which doesn't pay as much. Do you have to cut corners?
Yeah, I don't eat out as often.

Do you have to take the subway?
Mostly the bus.

Do people recognize you?
They do very often. People are so nice. They smile and say, "You're looking good. I love your work." This is a very lovely thing to have in your life.

Are they surprised to see Kathleen Turner on the bus?
Sometimes. Actually I was waiting in line once and this bus came and the door opened and an acquaintance called out, "Kathleen Turner, are you getting on this bus?" All these heads turned and I said, "Well, I guess not now!"