S Poddar
Sharon Stone bravely opened up about her harrowing experience with a stroke in 2001. The actress, then 43 and at the height of her career with films like “Basic Instinct,” suffered a brain hemorrhage that lasted for nine days.
The stroke’s impact went beyond the physical. Stone described it as a near-death experience that left her senses scrambled. “My sense of smell, my sight, my touch,” she recounted, “everything changed.” Reading became impossible for a while, and the world seemed distorted with warped shapes and colors.
Recovery was a long and arduous journey. It took seven years for Stone to fully heal, a period she says was marred by exploitation. “People took advantage of me,” she revealed, alluding to the loss of her $18 million life savings. “My bank account was empty. Even everyday things like my phone and refrigerator – everything was in someone else’s name.”
But Stone’s spirit remained unbroken. “I decided to let go of bitterness and anger,” she shared. She emphasized the importance of holding onto hope, even a sliver of it. “Bitterness lingers, but faith, even a tiny seed of it, can help you survive. Now, I live for joy and purpose.”
Prior to the stroke, Stone was a Hollywood powerhouse. Films like “Total Recall,” “The Quick and the Dead,” and “Casino” cemented her status as a major star. While she has continued to act in movies like “Catwoman” and “The Laundromat,” her career trajectory hasn’t quite returned to its pre-stroke peak.
Stone’s story is a powerful testament to human resilience. It’s a reminder that life can take unexpected turns, but with unwavering determination and a positive outlook, we can overcome immense challenges.
