The sultry Heather Thomas of ‘The Fall Guy’ struggled with addiction – but look at her now, at 66

Heather Thomas, who turned 66 on September 8, was well-known for her leading part opposite Lee Majors in The Fall Guy and was expected to have a very successful Hollywood career.

However, the stunning blonde hurried to the hospital, thinking her father had an emergency, when the actor’s mother appeared on set during the filming of the show’s conclusion.

She was informed by her relatives and friends who met her at the Santa Monica hospital that her father, Leon, was doing well and that they were worried about her.

This was only the start of a new adventure for the 28-year-old woman, whose job and personal life had totally changed as a result of her hospital stay.

Discover what became of the 1980s pinup girl by continuing to read!

With a natural beauty and ability comparable to that of Farrah Fawcett and Heather Locklear, Heather Thomas pursued her passion.

When the girl was just 14 years old, she presented the talk show Talking with a Giant on NBC, where she and four other teenagers conducted celebrity interviews.

Thomas, now 66, studied theater and cinema at UCLA with the goal of advancing her career as an actor, director, and writer. The year before she graduated, she made an appearance in the short-lived comedy series Co-Ed Fever (1979).

The Connecticut-born performer landed her first major part in 1980 in the television series The Fall Guy, supporting Lee Majors, who became well-known throughout the world in the 1970s for his portrayal of Steven Austin in The Six Million Dollar Man.

As the popular action show’s stuntwoman-bounty hunter Jody Banks, Thomas was adored by men who saw her as a sex symbol—a label about which she acknowledges she feels conflicted.

Thomas told People that there was “obligatory condescension that goes with that.” “The blonde bimbo is a stereotype that you fit into. But I was simply enjoying myself at the moment.

Regretfully, she was enjoying herself excessively when using drugs, a tendency that predates her portrayal of Jody Banks.

Her history with drugs began in the sixth grade, when she began abusing narcotics to keep her grades at the top. “I was taking acid and getting straight As,” Thomas declared. I simply believed it to be mind-blowing.

Her drug use changed as her mentality matured from that of a child to an adult.

Thomas began taking cocaine while she was a student at UCLA, and her drug use worsened in 1981, a year after she started filming The Fall Guy.

Additionally, the 5-foot-7 Thomas developed an obsession with weight and began taking Lasix, a diuretic that may produce extreme sleepiness, feeling as though she had to live up to her reputation as a sex symbol.

She took additional cocaine to give her an energy boost in order to combat the sluggishness.

“At first, I was still getting used to the medicine. I thought I was receiving a good deal on my purchase. She asserted that she had never used cocaine on site and that it had allowed her to work through the night. It is not permitted to use cocaine on sets. It’s no longer clubby to carry it out. It’s merely a personal torment.

A person close to the performer told People that her drug usage was hurting her career, despite her statements to the contrary. According to the source, “word was out on Heather.” “People were aware of her issue.”

Between takes, Thomas’s weight plummeted from 125 to 105 pounds and he was fast asleep. Thomas said, “I was in a minicoma sometimes.”

Subsequently, she fainted in front of Majors, who subsequently contacted her manager and her mother.

Her mother, Gladdy Ryder, a former special education teacher, showed up on the set of The Fall Guy to tell her daughter that her father was in the hospital after the series finale concluded.

The writer of “Trophies” hurried to St. John’s Hospital, where she was welcomed by relatives and friends who were prepared to have her admitted into the three-week drug program.

Thomas remarked of that day, “It was a big relief to me.” She also mentioned that she had pneumonia, scarred lungs, and swollen kidneys when she checked into detox. “I wanted to get off the roller coaster I’d been on.” I most likely would have continued on my merry way till I lost my job or passed away if my family hadn’t stepped in.

“The doctors said I should have died three years ago,” she continued.

Thomas, who was dedicated to her recovery, surrounded herself with people who shared her values and would help her achieve her drug-free objectives. That’s when Allan Rosenthal, a co-founder of Cocaine Anonymous, and 28-year-old Thomas first met. She later got married to him and filed for divorce in September 1986.

She was hit by a car while crossing the street that same month, severely injuring both of her legs.

Following her detox, divorce, and surgery to heal severe damage to one leg, Thomas resumed her career, albeit in minor roles in TV shows. She also starred in movies including the 1987 movie Cyclone and the 1990 Canadian movie Red Blooded American Girl, which starred Christopher Plummer.

After putting her past behind her, Thomas made a fresh start in the 1990s. In an effort to further her career, she married entertainment attorney Skip Brittenham in 1992. In June 2000, Thomas gave birth to her only biological child, India Rose, while also assuming the role of stepmother to his two daughters, Kristina and Shauna.

“I decided to give it up and write for a while,” she told Reuters, “because I had about 45 restraining orders out, and I was on everything from a toilet seat cover to an ashtray—and I was in love, and [then] had two little girls.”

With a primary focus on writing, the actress from Zapped! claimed that frequent privacy violations by stalkers drove her away from acting, rather than a lack of roles.

“I was being really harassed. One day, I witnessed a person use a knife to scale the fence. That was it; I had these two small kids who needed to be raised so badly. However, I believe that now that I am older, people won’t annoy me as much.

In addition, Thomas is currently an activist, having previously served on the boards of the Amazon Conservation Team and the Rape Foundation.

Declaring oneself a feminist—a deceptive term for a former gender symbol—Thomas elucidated the significance of both.

“When I was younger, I followed people’s instructions, but as I grew older, I refused to compromise.” I desired independence and control. This got me a house and the recognition I needed to open doors. Having people see your body is not inherently bad. I don’t believe I deceived myself. Being a feminist, in my opinion, does not entail body shame, the woman stated.

Although it’s really unfortunate that Heather Thomas was unable to return to the acting world, we’re glad she received the support she required and is now embarking on a lifelong healing process.

We really enjoyed watching her as Jody Banks in The Fall Guy with the Six Million Dollar Man Lee Majors, one of the many amazing shows from the 1980s!

What you have to say about Thomas and her recuperation would be greatly appreciated!

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My Fiancé Humiliated Me in His Wedding Vows

It was the day that I had been waiting for. After months of wedding planning and dieting to fit into my dream dress. This was the moment.

Bride walking down the aisle | Source: Midjourney

“Come on, darling,” my father said, holding out his hand, ready to walk me down the aisle to Jason.

“How do you feel?” my father asked me, kissing my forehead.

“Happy,” I said simply. “I’ve been dreaming of this moment for years now, Dad.”

We walked down the aisle to soft music that I had chosen months ago. The guitarist perched on a wooden stool.

A bride and her father | Source: Midjourney

“You look beautiful, Emily,” Jason said, taking my hand from my father.

The ceremony began with the priest talking about love and commitment, just as he had told us he would.

“It’s time for the vows,” the priest said, smiling at us both.

“Jason, you are my best friend, and I’ve always wanted to marry my best friend. I promise to support you, to always laugh with you, and to grow with you. I vow to be faithful and cherish every moment we have together. In this life, and the next.”

Bride saying her wedding vows | Source: Midjourney

My sister sighed next to me, wiping away her tears.

“Jason,” the priest said. “It’s now your turn.”

Jason looked at me and smiled, and then he turned to his groomsmen, causing them to snigger.

A bridesmaid crying at a wedding | Source: Midjourney

“Emily, my love,” he said. “I promise to always be there for you, even when you’re nagging me to take out the trash because you think the house smells.”

Jason’s groomsmen chuckled.

“And I’ll always hold your hand, especially when we’re walking through spider-infested areas because we all know how much you love those eight-legged critters.”

The groomsmen laughed louder. Some of our guests joined in.

Groomsmen laughing | Source: Midjourney

And still, Jason continued.

“I vow to remind you to pick up your dragging feet when you walk, so we can avoid another trip to the emergency room like that time you tripped over absolutely nothing. And to taste all the burnt lasagna in the world because that’s your signature dish.”

The more Jason spoke, the more embarrassed I got.

Groom reading his vows | Source: Midjourney

I frowned at him, hoping that he would understand that there was nothing beautiful or romantic about his words. But he ignored me and continued.

“Also, I will tolerate your singing in the shower. It may sound like a cat in distress but at least it makes me appreciate good music! And most importantly, Emily,” he said.

“I promise to forgive you for basically forcing me to propose to you after you left those bridal magazines all over the apartment.”

My jaw dropped.

A woman in the shower | Source: Unsplash

I didn’t know how to react. Jason’s groomsmen were all but falling over each other with laughter.

“Really?” I whispered to him.

Jason winked.

“Now, it’s time for you to exchange rings,” the priest said.

Jason’s niece came up to the altar with the wedding rings tied onto a little cushion that she clutched tightly.

“Here you go, Aunty Emily,” she said nervously.

A little girl holding a ring cushion | Source: Midjourney

“Thank you, sweetheart,” I said, taking the rings from her.

Holding the rings, I realized I didn’t want to put Jason’s ring on his finger. We were married now, all but for signing the registration book.

But after hearing Jason’s vows, I didn’t know if I wanted to be with this man.

“Give me your hand,” Jason said, pulling my hand.

He slid the ring onto my finger and held his hand out for me to do the same.

A bride putting on the groom's wedding ring | Source: Unsplash

My stomach turned. Suddenly, my dream bubble had burst. Nothing felt as it had moments before.

“Jason, you may now kiss the bride!” the priest exclaimed.

Jason grabbed my waist and pulled me close to him, his other hand gripping the back of my neck. He kissed me without passion or feeling.

A couple kissing at the altar | Source: Midjourney

“What on earth was that?” I asked Jason when we were doing our photographs before the reception.

“What do you mean?” he asked, frowning.

“Your vows,” I said. “They were insensitive and embarrassing.”

“No! They were cute!” he said. “I kept them true to us.”

A bridal couple talking outside | Source: Midjourney

“You basically told everyone that I’m a nag and clumsy. And that I forced you into marrying me.”

I crossed my arms and waited for some kind of explanation.

“Oh, come on, Emily,” he said. “Everyone was laughing. It’s not as deep as you’re making it. Let’s just do this photoshoot and go back to the party. I am starving.”

I bit my tongue. I didn’t have it in me to fight.

A smiling groom | Source: Unsplash

At the reception, Jason truly let himself go. He went overboard with the drinks and ate enough steak and potatoes to make anyone sick to their stomach.

“Mom,” I said, kneeling next to my mother before the formalities began. “I don’t feel good.”

“What do you mean, sweetheart?” my mother asked.

“Jason…” I said, my voice trailing as the weight of my uneasiness set in. “Those vows were nothing but an embarrassment.”

“Maybe it was just nerves, Emily,” my mother said. “You know how Jason can be sometimes.”

A bride looking down | Source: Midjourney

“I don’t know, Mom,” I said. “I just feel like the magic has escaped.”

Soon after, the emcee got up and began the formalities. Jason’s brother stood up and spoke about how we met and his first impressions of me.

“I didn’t think Emily would stay!” Jackson laughed, his beer bottle in his hand. “But I guess she knows how to deal with my brother.”

It went on and on, and my husband ate up his brother’s words, chuckling loudly.

A man giving a speech | Source: Midjourney

Then, it was time for my father-in-law’s speech.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I have a few words to say to my son and his new bride, the lovely Emily,” he said.

I held my breath. I had always gotten along with Robert, and he had always treated me well. But I had thought the same of Jason until his vows were said.

A man giving a speech | Source: Midjourney

I didn’t know if I had to prepare myself for something from Robert, too.

If I had to be honest with myself, I just wanted to run away. I didn’t feel like a bride. I didn’t feel much like anything. I didn’t even feel like myself.

I wanted to rip off my wedding dress and get into my comfiest pair of sweatpants. I wanted to cry.

A bride feeling sad | Source: Midjourney

“Jason, do you know what makes a marriage work, son?” Robert asked.

“Uh, love? Attraction? Chemistry?” Jason said, faltering.

Who on earth is this man? I wondered to myself.

“It’s respect,” Robert said, shaking his head. “It’s about cherishing your partner and never making them feel small or embarrassed. Today, you turned your vows into a series of jokes at Emily’s expense. That was not only inappropriate but also deeply hurtful.”

A groom looking upset | Source: Midjourney

I glanced around and saw some of the guests were shaking their heads.

“To teach you a lesson, Jason,” Robert continued. “I’m going to share something about you that you might find equally embarrassing.”

“What? Dad! Stop!” Jason said, standing up.

“Jason still sleeps with a nightlight. He says that it’s because he likes to read in bed, but we all know that it’s because he’s afraid of the dark.”

A nightlight next to a bed | Source: Midjourney

Laughter erupted through the room.

“And let’s not forget about the time when Jason tried to cook for Emily and set off the fire alarm because he didn’t know that normal people don’t put metal in microwaves.”

“Dad, just stop it,” Jason hissed.

“Or about the time when he got drunk after a party, and insisted that he needed to sleep on the floor in my bedroom.”

The crowd laughed louder.

A crowd laughing | Source: Midjourney

“I shared these stories not to embarrass you, Jason. But to show you how it feels. Humor at someone else’s expense isn’t funny, it’s cruel. You need to understand the consequences of your actions.”

I smiled at Robert, finally feeling seen.

“Emily, on behalf of my son, I apologize. Jason still has a lot to learn about being a loving and respectful partner. But I know that he can do better, and I hope you give him the chance to prove it.”

A smiling bride | Source: Midjourney

“I’m so sorry, Emily,” Jason said from beside me. “I thought I was being funny, but I see how ridiculous I was being. Give me another chance.”

“Fine,” I said. “But it’s going to take more than just empty words to fix this.”

I want to give us another chance, but something still feels very off.

A close-up of a groom | Source: Midjourney

What would you do?

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