Heather Thomas, who celebrated her 66th birthday on September 8, is a name many remember fondly from her iconic role alongside Lee Majors in the hit TV show The Fall Guy. She was set to have a bright future in Hollywood, but her journey took some unexpected turns that changed her life forever.
One day, while filming the final episode of The Fall Guy, Heather received alarming news that her father, Leon, was in the hospital. Rushing to Santa Monica Hospital, she was met by worried family and friends who reassured her that her father was doing well but were concerned about her well-being.
“It was a big relief to me,” Heather later said, reflecting on that stressful day. Little did she know, this hospital visit would mark the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
At just 28 years old, Heather was already a rising star. With her natural beauty and talent, she was often compared to other famous actresses like Farrah Fawcett and Heather Locklear.
Her journey in show business began early; at just 14, she hosted the talk show Talking with a Giant on NBC, where she interviewed celebrities alongside other teenagers. After studying theater and film at UCLA, Heather landed her first major role in 1980 on The Fall Guy, where she played the daring stuntwoman and bounty hunter Jody Banks.
She quickly became a favorite among fans, admired for her beauty and strength.
However, the glamorous life came with its challenges. Heather found herself struggling with the pressures of Hollywood and the expectations that came with being labeled a sex symbol. “There was an obligatory condescension that goes with that,” she explained in an interview with People.
“The blonde bimbo is a stereotype that you fit into. But I was simply enjoying myself at the moment.” Unfortunately, her enjoyment soon spiraled into a darker path as she began using drugs to cope with the pressures of fame.
Heather’s drug use started in sixth grade when she began taking substances to maintain her top grades. “I was taking acid and getting straight As,” she recalled. As she grew older, her drug use evolved, and by the time she was at UCLA, she had started using cocaine.
This habit intensified during her time on The Fall Guy, as she struggled to manage her weight and maintain her image. “At first, I thought I was getting a good deal on my purchase,” she said, justifying her choices. “But it was merely a personal torment.”
Despite her struggles, Heather continued to work, but her health was deteriorating. “I was in a mini-coma sometimes,” she admitted, as her weight plummeted from 125 to 105 pounds. The turning point came when she fainted in front of Lee Majors, who took action by contacting her manager and mother.
Her mother, Gladdy Ryder, rushed to the set to inform Heather about her father’s hospitalization. After the series finale was filmed, Heather was taken to St. John’s Hospital, where she was welcomed by family and friends who were ready to help her enter a three-week drug rehabilitation program.
“I wanted to get off the roller coaster I’d been on,” she said, realizing the severity of her situation. “The doctors said I should have died three years ago.”
With a newfound determination, Heather committed herself to recovery. She surrounded herself with supportive people, including Allan Rosenthal, a co-founder of Cocaine Anonymous, whom she later married.
However, their marriage ended in divorce in September 1986, just as Heather faced another life-altering event: she was hit by a car while crossing the street, severely injuring her legs.
Despite the setbacks, Heather persevered. Following her recovery, she returned to acting, taking on smaller roles in TV shows and films like Cyclone and Red Blooded American Girl. In the 1990s, she made a fresh start by marrying entertainment attorney Skip Brittenham in 1992.
The Fall Guy reunion (Heather Thomas and Lee Majors) at Fanboy Expo Orlando… pic.twitter.com/6BHitvP6Nz
— Stacey Adam (@oldandbitterest) September 4, 2022
The couple welcomed their daughter, India Rose, in June 2000, and Heather became a stepmother to Skip’s two daughters, Kristina and Shauna. “I decided to give it up and write for a while,” she shared, explaining her shift in focus. “I had about 45 restraining orders out, and I was in love, and then had two little girls.”
Heather’s decision to step back from acting was not due to a lack of roles but rather the constant harassment from stalkers. “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,” she said, emphasizing the importance of her family.
In addition to her family life, Heather became an activist, serving on the boards of the Amazon Conservation Team and the Rape Foundation. Embracing her identity as a feminist, she reflected on her journey:
“When I was younger, I followed people’s instructions, but as I grew older, I refused to compromise. I desired independence and control.” She believes that being a feminist doesn’t mean shaming one’s body. “Having people see your body is not inherently bad. I don’t believe I deceived myself.”
Although Heather Thomas may not have returned to the spotlight as an actress, her journey of healing and self-discovery is inspiring. She overcame her struggles and is now living a fulfilling life, focused on her family and activism.
We fondly remember her as Jody Banks in The Fall Guy, alongside the legendary Lee Majors, and we are grateful for the strength she has shown throughout her life.
What do you think of Heather’s incredible story? Share your thoughts in the comments below! We truly enjoyed watching her in The Fall Guy, one of the many amazing shows from the 1980s!
