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Kathy Bates, she is 76 years old in 2024, born on June 28, 1948 in Memphis, Tennessee. An imposing stature, 1.70 m, an incredible presence on screen. And you know what? She decided that’s enough, she is hanging up her gloves after decades of career.
I admit, for me, she will always remain that terrifying actress from Misery, with that mix of disturbing sweetness and pure madness. But her journey, you’ll see, is much more than that. She carved out a path in Hollywood with finesse, not just talent.
She just announced to the New York Times her retirement, while accepting one last role, that of the lawyer in the Matlock remake. A way to say goodbye that makes sense, given her desire to show that mature women still have a lot to say on screen.
She left a huge legacy, with an Oscar in 1991, two Golden Globes, and Emmys that leave you speechless. And of course, I’m telling you all this with juicy anecdotes and little gems about her life, I promise.
Kathy Bates, an American actress with an exceptional career
At first, no one would have bet on her, a girl from Tennessee, in a world where glamour often looks different. But Kathy always wanted to be the best, not the prettiest. She made her place through perseverance and strong roles.
Before becoming an icon, she earned her stripes in theater, honing her craft and character. This path, less visible than the red carpets, gave her a technique that explodes on screen when needed. It’s a rare thing, this authenticity.
Her public identity is that of an actress capable of embodying feminine complexity without compromise. She is also known for being frank, honest, and not afraid to say what she thinks, whether about Hollywood or life in general.
Despite the years, she remains impressive. Her image is that of a woman who defies standards, a real snub to the prevailing superficiality. This authenticity is not often found in Hollywood. Moreover, her personal battles, especially against illness, have strengthened this portrait.
A career marked by unforgettable roles and worldwide recognition
Oh, she had her big break with Misery, where she literally hypnotized everyone. A powerful, terrifying role that earned her an Oscar for Best Actress. Crazy when you think about it, she was the villain and yet we adore her.
And then, how to forget her iconic role in Titanic, as Molly Brown, the woman who protects Jack Dawson with incredible strength and tenderness? It’s a role that shows her full range, her ability to embody very different lives.
Her name is also linked to cult series like American Horror Story, where she won an Emmy, or Two and a Half Men, a comedy for which she received another Emmy award. Shining in both drama and comedy, it’s captivating.
For those who want to explore her filmography, I invite you to take a look at Allociné, which lists all her movies and series. It’s just incredible what she has done. A true living legend of Hollywood.
A private life discreet but full of strength
Privately, she is rather reserved, she doesn’t reveal everything publicly, which I find respectful. But we know she has fought serious illnesses, including cancer, with a courage that commands admiration.
She also speaks openly about her fight against the body diktats in Hollywood. Why lose weight just to fit a norm when you can shine otherwise? And that changes her image, makes her even more human.
And despite her fame, she never denied her roots and identity, which makes her journey even more inspiring. Those who follow her career know she has always prioritized the quality of roles over quantity.
Her choice to retire after this last role in Matlock shows she wants to leave on a high note, in a way that suits her, with a character that speaks to her.
Anecdotes about Kathy Bates that make you smile or surprise you
Did you know that a very terrifying scene from Misery was cut during editing? Yes, apparently it was a bit too much for the general public, and it’s crazy because it gives even more depth to her role. To learn more, you can check this article.
Do you also know that she has a special attachment to the series Matlock where she now plays the lead role? It’s a kind of childhood dream come true, especially at the end of her career, a last challenge to her measure.
Even crazier, she has often spoken without filter about age and sexism in the industry, which is rare. She highlights, with humor and gravity at the same time, this struggle that many women know behind the scenes.
And because her role in American Horror Story earned her an Emmy, she found herself alternating between tragic and comedic worlds, which really proves her versatility.
Recent projects and latest appearances of Kathy Bates
Lately, Kathy has become rarer. But in 2024, she surprised everyone by announcing that she would say goodbye to Hollywood after Matlock. It’s a choice that speaks volumes, knowing her honesty in interviews.
Here, she plays a lawyer who does not let herself be extinguished by looks on her age, a theme she knows well. It’s a role that resonates with her experience, a way to deliver a last powerful message.
She also shared the screen with names like Nicole Kidman or Zac Efron in the romantic comedy A Family Affair, proof that her popularity spans years and genres.
For the curious, her IMDb is a goldmine to dig into all her roles and collaborations, a multifaceted career ending beautifully on a note full of emotion and humility.
Kathy Bates, a legend bidding farewell
In the end, Kathy Bates is a model of endurance, authenticity, and talent. Since her Oscar in 1991 for Misery, she has never stopped amazing, surprising, sometimes frightening, always touching.
She is leaving in 2024 after a last dance, a conclusion that sounds right, full of modesty and pride. We can only salute this choice, especially when it comes from a woman who has seen so much.
Her journey inspires without even mentioning her way of existing on screen with intensity and truth. She taught that aging in Hollywood can rhyme with respect and power, a lesson many should revisit.
And if you want to follow her news to the end, watch this Matlock reboot coming out in September. One last chance to see this icon under the spotlight.
What you need to remember about Kathy Bates
- 🏆 Oscar for Best Actress for Misery in 1991
- 🎭 Versatility between cinema and television, drama and comedy
- 🎬 Key roles in Titanic, American Horror Story, and Matlock
- 💪 A strong public commitment on aging and the image of women
- 🎥 Last role in the Matlock reboot marking her retirement
