Actress Wakes to Unwanted Brain Surgery

In 2001, the 68-year-old actress experienced a critical health scare that led to a deeply disturbing event. While in the neurological intensive care unit following a subarachnoid hemorrhage and stroke, she awoke to discover she was on a gurney en route to exploratory brain surgery. She alleged that her then-husband, Phil Bronstein, had authorized this procedure without her knowledge or consent.

Distressed, the actress confronted the doctor, who insisted the surgery was proceeding. A brave head nurse, however, intervened and directed her to be returned to her room. The actress credits this nurse with saving her life. She also disclosed that Bronstein allegedly delayed her hospitalization and claimed she was faking her condition.

This incident occurred years before her 2004 divorce from Bronstein, which was followed by a contentious custody battle over their son, Roan. The actress has previously shared that her recovery from the stroke was arduous, involving two years of relearning to walk and talk, and significantly impacting her ability to read.