Sharon Stone, the Basic Instinct star, has opened up about the financial and emotional struggles she endured after suffering a life-threatening stroke in 2001. During her recovery, she revealed that people exploited her vulnerable state, causing her to lose millions of dollars in savings.
Stone suffered a devastating stroke that resulted in a nine-day brain bleed, forcing her to step away from Hollywood for seven years to recover. Reflecting on that challenging period, Stone explained to The Hollywood Reporter, “People took advantage of me over that time.”
The actress shared that she had saved $18 million from her successful career, but when she regained access to her bank account, it had all vanished. “My refrigerator, my phone – everything was in other people’s names. I had zero money,” Stone said, recalling the shocking aftermath.
Despite losing her savings, the 66-year-old star has chosen to focus on the positive. “I decided to stay present and let go,” she said. “If you bite into the seed of bitterness, it never leaves you. But if you hold faith, even if that faith is the size of a mustard seed, you will survive. So, I live for joy now. I live for purpose.”
‘A Lot of People Thought I Was Going to Die’
Stone’s stroke had a profound impact on her life and health. She described how it altered her brain’s functioning: “A Buddhist monk told me that I had been reincarnated into my same body. I had a death experience and then they brought me back.”
The stroke caused severe brain trauma. “I bled into my brain for nine days, so my brain was shoved to the front of my face. It wasn’t positioned in my head where it was before,” she explained. This led to changes in her senses, including smell, sight, and touch. “I couldn’t read for a couple of years. Things were stretched, and I was seeing color patterns.”
Doctors Initially Thought She Was Faking
Stone recounted how doctors initially dismissed her condition, believing she was “faking” her symptoms. It wasn’t until a second angiogram was conducted, thanks to her best friend’s persistence, that doctors discovered she had been hemorrhaging into her brain. Stone’s vertebral artery had ruptured, which could have been fatal if left untreated.
She now takes daily medication to manage stuttering and other brain-related issues. For years, Stone kept her brain bleed private, fearing public reaction. She has since become a board member of the Barrow Neurological Foundation, which treats severe brain and spine conditions.
Sharon Stone: A Story of Resilience and Comeback
Stone’s stroke was a turning point that affected every aspect of her life: her career, marriage, finances, and emotional well-being. After years of recovery, she has emerged stronger, healthier, and happier than ever. “It took me a very, very long time to get here,” she said, reflecting on the immense challenges she faced.
A Rare, Near-Fatal Brain Bleed
In 2001, while standing in her San Francisco home, Stone experienced a sudden and excruciating pain, describing it as a “lightning bolt” to the head. She later learned that her vertebral artery had ruptured, leading to a life-threatening brain hemorrhage. The vertebral arteries supply about 20 percent of the brain’s blood, and a rupture can often result in a stroke.
Doctors performed a life-saving procedure called endovascular coiling, where a catheter was inserted into her ruptured artery to induce clotting. Though the surgery saved her life, Stone’s recovery process was grueling. “My recovery period was hell, quite frankly,” she said. “I lost 18 percent of my body mass in nine days.”
The Road to Recovery
In 2001, stroke recovery programs were not as comprehensive as they are today. Stone’s recovery involved a significant amount of personal effort, determination, and lifestyle changes. She quit drinking, changed her diet, and practiced meditation. Slowly, her physical and cognitive abilities improved, and she regained her strength.
Stone’s neurologist helped her manage ongoing issues such as seizures, vision problems, and memory loss. Her resilience, combined with a disciplined lifestyle, allowed her to make a slow but steady comeback to both health and her career.
Returning to the Spotlight
After years of sporadic film and TV roles, Stone, now 60, has reemerged with new energy. She starred in Steven Soderbergh’s HBO miniseries Mosaic and is working on a new Martin Scorsese project. Her son Roan, now 17, regularly spends time with her, even attending the 2018 Golden Globe Awards as her date.
“It’s been a long time, a lot of determination. It finally feels like everything is coming together,” Stone said, expressing her gratitude for her hard-earned return to a fulfilling life.
A Call for Focus on Women’s Health
As a prominent advocate for brain health, Stone now chairs a panel for the Women’s Brain Health Initiative. She shares her story to connect with other women who have experienced similar health challenges and emphasizes the need to focus on women’s unique health needs.
Her journey from a near-fatal stroke to renewed strength and success serves as a testament to her resilience and determination. “I’ve been so blessed,” Stone said, expressing a renewed sense of purpose and appreciation for life.
Stroke Awareness and Advice
In sharing her story, Stone hopes to raise awareness about the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms and seeking immediate treatment. Remembering the acronym FAST – Face, Arm, Speech, Time – can help identify stroke signs and encourage faster medical intervention, which can significantly improve outcomes.
Sharon Stone’s story serves as a powerful reminder that recovery is possible, even in the face of the most challenging circumstances. Through perseverance, support, and determination, she has proven that one can overcome even the darkest moments and come out stronger on the other side.
