In the dazzling days of the 1990s, Susan Powter was more than just a fitness guru – she was a force of nature. With her iconic "Stop the Insanity!" mantra, platinum blonde buzz cut, and no-nonsense attitude, she dominated TV screens, fitness tapes, and bestselling book lists. Susan wasn't just promoting wellness; she was a cultural icon, riding the wave of a multi-million dollar empire.
But behind the vibrant public persona, Susan's life took a dramatic twist. In 1995, a series of unfortunate business decisions and legal battles led her to declare bankruptcy. Gone were the days of wealth and fame, replaced by welfare checks and food delivery gigs. Yet, after years away from the limelight, Susan is ready to share her story and reclaim her narrative.
"I never checked the money, I take responsibility," Susan candidly admitted about her financial downfall.
Fast forward to today, and at 67, Susan Powter is once again in the public eye, this time as the star of a new documentary. "Stop the Insanity: Finding Susan Powter," executive-produced by Jamie Lee Curtis, takes a raw look into her rapid rise and the painful years that followed her disappearance from the spotlight. Premiering at the Bentonville Film Festival, the film is now showing in select theaters and will be available for streaming from December 9, 2025.
On a recent appearance on the Today show, as part of the documentary's promotional tour, Susan shared that she still delivers for Uber Eats to make ends meet. Despite this, her outlook has transformed. "Broke is one thing, broken is another," she remarked. "I'm a worker bee…I have never stopped working, not for one moment. That’s why my children are so proud."
The documentary delves into the complexities of Susan's fame, revealing how her groundbreaking ideas were both celebrated and exploited. But stepping away from the spotlight left her vulnerable, forcing her to rebuild from the ground up. Despite financial hardships, she has rediscovered her creative spark and a renewed sense of purpose.
Candidly, she discussed her struggles with poverty, explaining that delivering food is more than just a job – it's a way to stay connected. "You meet people. You see life," she explained. "It’s humbling, and it’s real."
Living modestly in Las Vegas, Susan embraces her new reality with pride. "I live in Las Vegas in my same little apartment, my bedstand is a cardboard box. I’m proud of it though… my heart is all there, it’s beautiful," she shared. "Nothing has changed except… I have hope, real possibility. And I’m proud that I survived."
With her story now in the spotlight and a future brimming with potential, Susan Powter is embracing a new chapter defined by resilience, authenticity, and hope.