Heather Thomas, known for her role in The Fall Guy opposite Lee Majors, was destined for Hollywood stardom. However, her life took a dramatic turn when she rushed to the hospital, believing her father was in danger. Little did she know, it was she who needed urgent care. This was just the beginning of a journey that completely transformed her personal life and career. Read on to find out what happened to the former pinup girl of the 1980s!

Heather Thomas possessed both talent and beauty that rivaled icons like Farrah Fawcett and Heather Locklear. From a young age, she showed promise in the entertainment industry, hosting a series called “Talking with a Giant” at just 14. Eager to pursue acting, directing, and writing, Thomas studied film and theater at UCLA. In 1979, she appeared in the comedy series “Co-Ed Fever” before winning her first leading role in the TV series “The Fall Guy” in 1980.

Playing the role of Jody Banks, a stuntwoman-bounty hunter, on “The Fall Guy,” Thomas became a sex symbol and gained popularity among male viewers. However, behind the scenes, she was struggling with drug addiction, which had begun even before her role on the show. Her drug use escalated, and she became obsessed with her weight, resorting to extreme measures to stay thin.

Despite her personal struggles, Thomas maintained a positive attitude and continued to work. However, rumors of her drug use began to circulate, and it was clear that her addiction was affecting her career. Eventually, she reached a breaking point when she collapsed in front of Lee Majors, her co-star on “The Fall Guy.” Her mother intervened and took her to a hospital where she checked into a three-week drug program.

Thomas’s recovery journey was not easy, but she was determined to turn her life around. She divorced her husband, who was also in recovery, and focused on surrounding herself with supportive people. She returned to work, taking smaller roles in TV series and films like “Cyclone” and “Red Blooded American Girl.” In the 1990s, Thomas married entertainment lawyer Skip Brittenham and embraced a new role as a stepmother and mother.

While she made a brief comeback in 2017 with a movie role, Thomas shifted her focus to writing due to persistent stalkers that breached her privacy. Despite the challenges she faced, she remains an activist and has served on the board for organizations like the Rape Foundation and Amazon Conservation Team. Thomas has also embraced her identity as a feminist, advocating for power and freedom while rejecting shame surrounding her body.

Though her acting career may not have enjoyed the revival she hoped for, Thomas’s journey of recovery is inspiring. Her story serves as a reminder that no matter how successful or talented someone may seem, everyone faces struggles in life. We applaud Heather Thomas for seeking help and embarking on a lifelong journey of recovery. And let’s not forget her iconic role as Jody Banks in “The Fall Guy” alongside Lee Majors, the Six Million Dollar Man!

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