Kathy Bates, at 76 years old, is no stranger to the spotlight. She started her journey in the 1980s as a stage actress in New York, earning an Obie award for her work in ‘Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune’ in 1988. Hollywood soon noticed her talent, and she gained widespread fame with an Oscar for Best Actress for her role as Annie Wilkes in ‘Misery’. Bates has taken on many notable roles since then, including ‘Fried Green Tomatoes’ and ‘Dolores Claiborne’, as well as TV hits like ‘Two and a Half Men’ and ‘American Horror Story’.
Despite her success, Bates faced periods of career slowdown. About six years ago, she decided to make a major change in her life. Sticking to a steady diet, she went from 245 pounds to 145 pounds, transforming not just her body but her career prospects as well. Bates now stars in the new CBS series ‘Matlock’, where she plays Madeline Matlock, a once-retired attorney returning to the courtroom with a sharp mind hidden beneath a genial demeanor. She recently shared her thoughts with AARP for their October/November issue.
Make every day a success
Kathy Bates grew up in Memphis with older parents. Her father, born in 1900, was concerned about her creative aspirations. “Aren’t you going to make a success of yourself?” he asked. Bates, with youthful wisdom, replied, “I just want to make every day a success. That’s as far as I can go.”
Honor your parents’ sacrifice
Bates has grappled with the thought that her parents might have had a happier retirement if she hadn’t been born. They had a hard time relating, especially during the ’60s. Her father continued working to send her to a costly university, a vital contribution to her eventual success.
A professor’s best advice
Though she had a passion for acting in high school, Bates wasn’t sure about her path when she enrolled at Southern Methodist University. An orientation speaker guided her to the art school, saying, “You’re supposed to be in the art school. Go down the hall. Here’s where you’re going to begin your life’s work.”
Let Lady Luck lead you
Southern Methodist University had just created a conservatory for acting, and Bob Hope had given them a theater. A friend’s play, ‘Vanities’, ran off-Broadway and launched Bates’ theater career. Warren Beatty introduced her to Dustin Hoffman, and screenwriter William Goldman saw her perform, recommending her for ‘Misery’. Bates reflects, “I’ve been lucky, but all of those stepping stones began at SMU.”
Megafans are people too
To Bates, her character Annie Wilkes in ‘Misery’ wasn’t a villain but a real woman. Bates explains, “I can become obsessed about a certain musician or subject. To me, that was her fulfillment, her life. That’s what brought her joy. She didn’t see herself as a murderer, but rather an angel of mercy.”
Role model for the ages
Kathy Bates looked up to the late actress Jessica Tandy, whose passion and professionalism left a lasting impression. Bates recalls celebrating her Oscar win for ‘Misery’ with Tandy and Dianne Wiest, “jumping up and down like little girls.” Tandy’s joy and integrity continue to inspire Bates.
Character studies
Bates finds reality television fascinating as it presents real and quirky behaviors. “You get to see people living in ways that are real and quirky,” says Bates, who once admitted to Dr. Phil that she watched his show to study people’s mannerisms and body language.
Find your path
In 2012, Bates faced a downturn when her series ‘Harry’s Law’ got canceled, and she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Feeling despondent, she was inspired by Jessica Lange’s role in ‘American Horror Story’ and reached out to the show’s creator, Ryan Murphy. His guidance and roles in the show rekindled Bates’ passion and brought new excitement into her life.
Eating mindfully
A few years ago, Bates was diagnosed with diabetes, which led her to address her weight. She moved from 245 pounds to 145 pounds over six years, partly due to better eating habits and later, the help of medication. She says, “I always joke that I lost a Romanian gymnast.”
The freedom of losing weight
With her weight loss and new role in ‘Matlock’, Bates feels a renewed sense of freedom. She reflects, “For the first time in my life, I feel free of the sorrow and burden… of being a woman who can’t move and breathe.”
Fighting ageism, on- and off-screen
Bates is keenly aware of ageism in Hollywood. The role of Maddie in ‘Matlock’ is significant because it was designed for a woman her age. She appreciates the opportunity to use all her experience in portraying this character.
Zipping it, sometimes
The changing cultural landscape has taught Bates to think before speaking. She acknowledges, “Many of us who came into our careers in the ’70s and ’80s had very salty lives and expressions… but I really try to avoid offending anyone on set.”
Finally being me
Age and the pandemic have given Bates confidence to be herself. She reflects, “I began to feel the need to be something I wasn’t… But that’s changed a lot over the last few years. Age has given me confidence.”
