In September 2001, Sharon Stone experienced a near-fatal stroke that dramatically shifted her life’s focus and professional ambitions. The actress, known for her iconic roles through the 1990s, shared in a recent interview that this medical emergency forced her to reevaluate what truly mattered to her. This stroke left her unable to work for an extended period, marking a turning point in both her personal and career priorities.
Reflecting on Her Career and Health Challenges
During a conversation with Craig Melvin on TODAY that aired August 18, Stone recounted how the stroke came after a peak in her career following acclaimed performances in films like Basic Instinct and Casino. She described the event as a “massive, massive stroke” that brought her work to an abrupt halt at a time when she
“pretty much owned the ’90s as an actress.”
Additionally, Stone revealed how she endured a cerebral hemorrhage lasting nine days, which deepened her understanding of the proximity to death.
Motherhood Became Her New Priority
Shortly before her health crisis, Stone had begun building a family with her then-husband Phil Bronstein. After facing nine miscarriages, they adopted their first son, Roan, in 2000. She later adopted two more sons, Laird and Quinn, in 2005 and 2006, respectively. Stone shared that coming through the stroke caused her to reassess what she valued most.
“When I reconsidered what value things had to me in life, I really wanted to have children and spend my time with them,”
she explained. She chose to work only as much as necessary to support the family during that period but has since returned to her acting career as her children grew older.
Long Road to Recovery and Career Rebuilding
Stone described the recovery from her stroke as a seven-year process, during which she faced significant financial and professional setbacks.
“I had to remortgage my house. I lost everything I had. I lost my place in the business. I was like the hottest movie star, you know?”
she told Variety in 2019. She compared her fall from public attention to that of Princess Diana, whose death coincided with Stone’s stroke to emphasize how quickly fame can fade.
Honest Reflections on Success and Setbacks
Throughout her career, Stone has openly discussed both her achievements and disappointments, including the poorly received 2006 Basic Instinct sequel. On the TODAY show, she spoke candidly about being at a stage in life where she has
“already retired once, and I already died a couple of times.”
Regarding the potential upcoming reboot of Basic Instinct, Stone remarked humorously,
“I’m like, ‘What are you going to do? Kill me again? Go ahead.’”
Continued Acting Endeavors and New Roles
Currently, Stone stars as Lendina, a ruthless crime boss in Nobody 2, which premiered in Los Angeles on August 11 with her three sons in attendance. She is also set to appear in the highly anticipated third season of HBO’s Euphoria. Stone expressed the desire to leave a lasting mark through her work, saying,
“I want to leave it on the screen because it lasts forever, and I won’t. And I’m sure of that.”
The Lasting Impact of a Life-Altering Event
Sharon Stone‘s near-fatal stroke not only transformed her personal priorities, focusing her attention on motherhood and family, but also reshaped her professional journey. Overcoming immense physical and emotional challenges, she emerged with a renewed outlook on life and art. Her return to acting illustrates her resilience and determination to continue contributing to the industry, leaving a legacy that reflects both her talents and her triumphs over adversity.
