Susan Powter, the once-iconic fitness guru of the 1990s, has weathered a remarkable rollercoaster of success and setbacks. From rising to fame as the face of the "Stop the Insanity!" infomercial to filing for bankruptcy and finding herself delivering food for Grubhub and Uber Eats, Powter's story is a testament to the unpredictable nature of fame and the resilience of the human spirit.

A Powerful Voice Silenced by the Trappings of Success

The Rise and Fall of a Fitness Icon

Susan Powter's journey to stardom began at one of the darkest moments of her life. Struggling with her weight and a bitter divorce, the Australian-born Powter found the motivation to transform her life. Through her no-nonsense approach and infectious energy, she captivated audiences with her "Stop the Insanity!" infomercial, which offered a comprehensive health package combining a low-fat diet and an exercise regimen. Powter's message resonated with women across America, and her career skyrocketed. She landed a lucrative book deal, appeared on national television, and at one point, was selling $50 million worth of products annually.However, as Powter's success grew, she found herself increasingly losing control of her image and business. "I wasn't running my company; it was a 50/50 deal," she revealed, alluding to the legal battles and lawsuits that plagued her in the 1990s. In 1995, Powter filed for bankruptcy, a devastating blow that forced her to leave Hollywood and start a new, simpler life in Seattle with her three children.

The Struggle to Reclaim Her Voice

Powter's decision to leave the limelight was a difficult one, but it was a necessary step to regain her sense of self. "I didn't just make a decision to leave. My heart got stomped in half," she recalled. The transition to a "hippie" lifestyle in Seattle brought her a sense of happiness, but it was short-lived. Powter soon found herself struggling financially, forced to take on odd jobs and eventually turning to food delivery services like Grubhub and Uber Eats to make ends meet."I've known desperation," Powter admitted, reflecting on the shock of going from the heights of success to the depths of financial hardship. "Desperation is walking back from the welfare office. It's the shock of, 'From there, now I'm here? How in God's name?'"

A Glimmer of Hope

Just when Powter had lost all hope, a chance encounter with actress Jamie Lee Curtis reignited her passion and belief in herself. Curtis, who is an executive producer on the upcoming documentary "Stop the Insanity: Finding Susan Powter," recognized the significance of Powter's story and the impact she had as one of the world's first true influencers."As one of the world's first true influencers at the beginning of what we would now refer to as the social media era, Susan Powter was brazen and brave, and woke us all up," Curtis said. "Like so many women's stories, Susan's power and her light was diminished, denigrated and dismissed."Powter's eyes were opened to the possibility of reclaiming her legacy and reconnecting with the women who once found inspiration in her message. "Those women will hear my voice, and they'll be like, 'Well, goddamn, she hasn't changed one bit,'" she said, filled with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement.

A Memoir and a Comeback

As Powter prepares to promote her new book, "And Then Em Died…Stop the Insanity! A Memoir," she is eager to share her story and continue building her legacy. The book, which promises to offer a raw and honest account of her life, serves as a testament to Powter's resilience and her unwavering determination to reclaim her voice."What I feel now is the possibility of possibilities," Powter expressed, a far cry from the despair she had once felt. "There were days and days, months and months and years of not feeling that. I lost hope, but I'm filled with it now. I have never been more excited."Powter's journey is a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can find a way to rise above. Her story serves as an inspiration to those who have faced their own struggles, reminding us that no matter how dark the path may seem, there is always the possibility of a brighter future.