(Photo: TRT World/YouTube) Sharon Stone on 'Turkish Tea Talk with Alex Salmond'
For most movie lovers, Sharon Stone is a household name. Specifically, she is famous for her legendary roles in works like "Basic Instinct" and "Casino."
The talented actress, painter, and former model faced a life-altering event in 2001 that forever changed her perspective and finances. At the peak of her career, she suffered a severe stroke that led to a nine-day brain bleed. This harrowing experience forced the "Deadly Blessing" actress to step away from Hollywood. As a result, it profoundly affected her personal and financial stability.
A Life-Altering Stroke
Reliving the experience, Stone mentioned in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, “A Buddhist monk told me that I had been reincarnated into my same body.”
The stroke caused her brain to bleed for nine days, shifting her brain’s position and altering her senses.
“I couldn’t read for a couple of years. Things were stretched and I was seeing color patterns. A lot of people thought I was going to die,” she shared.
(Photo: ChiChi Ubina) Sharon Stone with her paintings.
Stone’s road to recovery was no easy task. The stroke affected visual facets and resulted in memory loss. In the initial phase of her struggle, she grappled with diminished physical and cognitive abilities, including “weird knuckle-like knots” on her head that felt like being punched. She faced immense challenges while trying to regain her independence and sense of self during this period.
Financial Exploitation and Resilience
Adding to her struggles, Stone faced financial exploitation during her recovery. She revealed, “I had $18 million saved because of all my success, but when I got back into my bank account, it was all gone.”
Her vulnerability was exposed during her illness by this shocking revelation. People took advantage of her condition and transferred her assets and personal belongings into their names. Consequently, she was left with nothing. “My refrigerator, my phone — everything was in other people’s names. I had zero money,” she said.
While most people would lose it after going through such turmoil, Stone took a different approach. She chose to focus on the positive aspects of her life. Additionally, adopted a mindset of resilience and faith, which she credits for her survival and continuing recovery. “I decided to stay present and let go. I decided not to hang onto being sick or to any bitterness or anger,” she explained. This change in perspective allowed her to find joy and purpose in her life once again.
(Photo: Sharon Stone Instagram) Sharon Stone with friends
Embracing Her Journey
The two-time MTV Movie Awards winner's journey to reclaim her life also involved fighting the stigma associated with her disability. For a long time, she kept her condition hidden because she feared judgment and rejection.
“I was afraid to go out and didn’t want people to know,” she confessed.
However, as time passed, she became more comfortable sharing her story and embracing her experiences.
“I’ve become more comfortable with publicly saying what’s really happened to me,” she told PEOPLE. Thus, she acknowledged her initial desire to pretend everything was fine.
Today, Stone’s story serves as an inspiration to many. Her determination to live for joy and purpose, in the middle of all the chaos in her life, is a testimony to her strength and resilience. She has also transformed her tragedy into a tale of empowerment. With this, everyone is reminded that even in the face of adversity, it’s possible to find hope and rebuild one’s life.
(Photo: Bang Showbiz) Sharon Stone during the 1992 Academy Awards
Through her candid revelations and unwavering spirit, Sharon Stone continues to be a symbol of courage and perseverance. Her journey demonstrates the importance of faith, self-acceptance, and the power of positive thinking in overcoming life’s most troubling challenges.
