“Jamie Lee Curtis’ Susan Powter doc shows ’90s fitness icon ‘standing up’ amid ‘incredible cruelty’ and lost fortune

“Jamie Lee Curtis’ Susan Powter doc shows ’90s fitness icon ‘standing up’ amid ‘incredible cruelty’ and lost fortune

Jamie Lee Curtis’ latest project highlights the rise, fall, and resilience of 1990s fitness icon Susan Powter, whose rollercoaster journey from fame to hardship serves as a striking commentary on society’s treatment of older adults. In the documentary directed by Zeberiah Newman and produced by Curtis, audiences will witness Powter’s story — a tale that underscores what Curtis calls the “incredible cruelty” society inflicts on aging individuals.

The search for Powter wasn’t easy. Newman spent a year tracking down the once-popular wellness guru whose ubiquitous “Stop the Insanity!” infomercials and fitness guides made her a household name. When he finally found her, Powter was 66 years old, living in near poverty and delivering meals for Uber Eats in Las Vegas. Seeing her circumstances sparked Curtis and Newman to document her story, using Powter’s life as a lens to explore how American culture often marginalizes and “discards” its elders.

Newman found Powter’s journey compelling, especially given her transition from a pioneering “influencer” to someone living on the edge of society. “How does someone go from such a massive career to being discarded like this?” Curtis reflected. The film examines not only Powter’s lost fortune — once valued at $300 million — but also the difficult path that led there, from ill-fated business deals to a team that, she says, compromised her authenticity.

But despite her challenges, Newman found Powter unchanged in spirit. The former fitness star retains the charisma and fierce energy that captivated audiences 30 years ago. “Spending two minutes with Susan, you realize she’s an absolute original. She’s still passionate, vibrant, and unapologetically herself,” Newman noted. The documentary will showcase her enduring spirit, affirming that Powter is “exactly who you think she is,” even after all she has been through.

Curtis sees the film as more than just a personal story; she views it as a critique of how society fails older generations. She self-funded the initial phase of filming in Las Vegas, emphasizing that Powter’s story isn’t about exploitation but about illustrating how ageism and lack of support often push older people into precarious situations. “This film indicts the cultural system that sidelines older people,” Curtis shared. “It highlights the lack of resources and dignity given to those who’ve paved the way for us.”

For Curtis, the project isn’t merely nostalgic; it’s a call to action. She challenges viewers to reflect on how they might unknowingly contribute to this cycle of neglect. “We discard older people, pass them by as if they’re invisible. This film asks us to confront how complicit we might be in such stories.”

“Jamie Lee Curtis’ Susan Powter doc shows ’90s fitness icon ‘standing up’ amid ‘incredible cruelty’ and lost fortune

Newman, known for documentaries that touch on resilience and unexpected life turns, believes Powter’s journey still resonates with audiences. He recalls how her honesty about her weight loss once struck a chord with millions of women who trusted her insights. “Now, living in poverty, she has another story to share with women. She’s been through the struggles, and she’s standing up once again.”

The film promises to capture Powter’s resilience, showcasing a woman who, despite being “slammed to the ground,” refuses to stay down. Newman hopes to complete the documentary in time for a release next year, inviting audiences to witness Powter’s comeback and the powerful message it carries.

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