Kathy Bates, the versatile and award-winning actress, was born on June 28, 1948, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Bertye Kathleen and Langdon Doyle Bates. Raised as the youngest of three girls, Kathy's upbringing was influenced by her mother, a homemaker, and her father, a mechanical engineer. With a rich ancestry including English, Irish, Scottish, and German roots, Kathy's journey into acting began in high school and flourished at Southern Methodist University. From humble beginnings to acclaimed performances, Bates has left an indelible mark on both stage and screen, captivating audiences with her talent and range.
Early Life and Career
Bates first professional role came in the early 1970s, where she showcased her talent in various theater productions. Despite facing initial challenges, Kathy's perseverance paid off when she landed her breakthrough role in the off-Broadway production of "Lemon Sky" in 1970. This marked the beginning of her ascent in the world of acting. However, it was her captivating performance in the 1990 psychological thriller "Misery" that catapulted Bates to stardom. Portraying the obsessive and unhinged fan Annie Wilkes, she delivered a tour-de-force performance that earned her widespread acclaim and numerous accolades, including the Academy Award for Best Actress.
Throughout her illustrious career, Bates has continued to impress audiences with her remarkable versatility and depth as an actress. Her notable roles in films such as "Dolores Claiborne," "Titanic," and "About Schmidt" further solidified her reputation as one of Hollywood's most respected talents. In addition to her success on the big screen, Bates has also made significant contributions to television, with memorable roles in acclaimed series like "American Horror Story," where she showcased her range by portraying multiple characters across different seasons.
Beyond her acting prowess, Kathy Bates is also known for her advocacy work and philanthropic endeavors. She has been an outspoken supporter of various causes, including women's rights and healthcare issues. In her personal life, Bates has experienced both triumphs and challenges, including a divorce from her husband Tony Campisi in 1997. Despite the ups and downs, she remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, admired for her talent, resilience, and unwavering commitment to her craft.
As an icon in Hollywood, Kathy Bates has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, inspiring generations of actors with her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft. With a career spanning decades, numerous awards, and a legacy that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, Bates remains a true legend in the world of film and television.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Matlock (TV Series) | Madeline Matlock |
| 2023 | The Miracle Club | Eileen Dunne |
| 2023 | Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. | Sylvia Simon |
| 2020 | Home | Bernadette |
| 2019 | Richard Jewell | Bobi Jewell |
| 2019 | The Highwaymen | Ma Ferguson |
| 2013–2018 | American Horror Story (TV Series) | Madame Delphine LaLaurie | Ethel Darling | Iris ... |
| 2018 | The Big Bang Theory (TV Series) | Mrs. Fowler |
| 2018 | On the Basis of Sex | Dorothy Kenyon |
| 2018 | The Death & Life of John F. Donovan | Barbara Haggermaker |
| 2018 | Moose (TV Short) | Owl |
| 2017–2018 | Disjointed (TV Series) | Ruth Whitefeather Feldman |
| 2017 | Krystal | Vera Greenwood |
| 2017 | Feud (TV Series) | Joan Blondell |
| 2016 | Bad Santa 2 | Sunny Soke |
| 2016 | The Boss | Ida Marquette |
| 2016 | Complete Unknown | Nina |
| 2015 | The Great Gilly Hopkins | Maime Trotter |
| 2014–2015 | Mike & Molly (TV Series) | Kay McKinnon |
| 2015 | American Dad! (TV Series) | D.O. Rothy (voice) |
| 2014 | Boychoir | Headmistress |
| 2014 | When Marnie Was There | Mrs. Kadoya (English version, voice) |
| 2014 | Tammy | Lenore |
| 2011–2012 | Harry's Law (TV Series) | Harriet Korn |
| 2012 | Two and a Half Men (TV Series) | Charlie Harper |
| 2012 | Cadaver (Short) | Beth |
| 2010–2011 | The Office (TV Series) | Jo Bennett |
| 2011 | Midnight in Paris | Gertrude Stein |
| 2011 | You May Not Kiss the Bride | Bryan's Mother |
| 2011 | A Little Bit of Heaven | Beverly Corbett |
| 2010 | Valentine's Day | Susan |
| 2009 | Alice (TV Mini Series) | Queen of Hearts |
| 2009 | The Blind Side | Miss Sue |
| 2009 | Personal Effects | Gloria |
| 2009 | Chéri | Madame Peloux |
| 2008 | Revolutionary Road | Mrs. Givings |
| 2008 | The Day the Earth Stood Still | Regina Jackson |
| 2008 | The Family That Preys | Charlotte Cartwright |
| 2007 | P.S. I Love You | Patricia |
| 2007 | The Golden Compass | Hester (voice) |
| 2007 | Fred Claus | Mother Claus |
| 2007 | Bee Movie | Janet Benson (voice) |
| 2007 | Christmas Is Here Again (Video) | Miss Dowdy (voice) |
| 2006 | Guilty Hearts | The Judge |
| 2006 | Have Mercy | Unknown |
| 2006 | Charlotte's Web | Bitsy the Cow (voice) |
| 2006 | Bonneville | Margene Cunningham |
| 2006 | Relative Strangers | Agnes Menure |
| 2006 | Failure to Launch | Sue |
| 2006 | Solace (Short) | Marrows Wife |
| 2005 | Rumor Has It... | Aunt Mitsy (uncredited) |
| 2005 | Ambulance Girl (TV Movie) | Jane Stern |
| 2003–2005 | Six Feet Under (TV Series) | Bettina |
| 2005 | Hansel and Gretel (Video) | Narrator (voice) |
| 2005 | Warm Springs (TV Movie) | Helena Mahoney |
| 2004 | The Bridge of San Luis Rey | The Marquesa |
| 2004 | Popeye's Voyage: The Quest for Pappy (Video) | The Sea Hag (voice) |
| 2004 | Little Black Book | Kippie Kann |
| 2004 | Around the World in 80 Days | Queen Victoria |
| 2004 | The Ingrate (Short) | The Judge |
| 1993–2004 | American Experience (TV Series) | Narrator |
| 2002 | Unconditional Love | Grace Beasley |
| 2002 | About Schmidt | Roberta Hertzel |
| 2002 | Dragonfly | Mrs. Belmont |
| 2002 | My Sister's Keeper (TV Movie) | Christine Chapman |
| 2002 | Love Liza | Mary Ann Bankhead |
| 2001 | King of the Hill (TV Series) | Patrol Officer Jane Cooper (voice) |
| 2001 | American Outlaws | Ma James |
| 2001 | Rat Race | The Squirrel Lady (uncredited) |
| 2000 | Mad TV (TV Series) | Stuart's Grandma |
| 2000 | Possessed (TV Movie) | Student (as Katherine Bates) |
| 2000 | Bruno | Mother Superior |
| 1999 | The Wonderful World of Disney (TV Series) | Miss Agatha Hannigan |
| 1999 | Baby Steps (Short) | Mrs. Mellon |
| 1999 | 3rd Rock from the Sun (TV Series) | Charlotte Everly |
| 1998 | A Civil Action | Bankruptcy Judge (uncredited) |
| 1998 | The Waterboy | Mama Boucher |
| 1998 | The Effects of Magic | Raphaella, the Magic Bunny (voice) |
| 1998 | Primary Colors | Libby Holden |
| 1997 | Titanic | Molly Brown |
| 1997 | Swept from the Sea | Miss Swaffer |
| 1997 | Adventures from the Book of Virtues (TV Series) | The Girls' Mother (voice) |
| 1996 | The War at Home | Maurine Collier |
| 1996 | Diabolique | Det. Shirley Vogel |
| 1996 | The Late Shift (TV Movie) | Helen Kushnick |
| 1995 | The West Side Waltz (TV Movie) | Mr. Goo |
| 1995 | Angus | Meg Bethune |
| 1995 | Great Performances (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1995 | Dolores Claiborne | Dolores Claiborne |
| 1994 | Curse of the Starving Class | Ella Tate |
| 1994 | North | Alaskan Mom |
| 1994 | The Stand (TV Mini Series) | Rae Flowers (uncredited) |
| 1993 | Living and Working in Space: The Countdown Has Begun (Video) | Lunar Mom |
| 1993 | A Home of Our Own | Frances Lacey |
| 1992 | Used People | Bibby Berman |
| 1992 | Hostages (TV Movie) | Peggy Say |
| 1992 | Prelude to a Kiss | Leah Blier |
| 1991 | Fried Green Tomatoes | Evelyn Couch |
| 1991 | At Play in the Fields of the Lord | Hazel Quarrier |
| 1991 | Shadows and Fog | Prostitute |
| 1991 | The Road to Mecca | Elsa Barlow |
| 1990 | Misery | Annie Wilkes |
| 1990 | White Palace | Rosemary |
| 1990 | Dick Tracy | Mrs. Green |
| 1990 | Men Don't Leave | Lisa Coleman |
| 1989 | No Place Like Home (TV Movie) | Bonnie Cooper |
| 1989 | L.A. Law (TV Series) | Charlotte Haley |
| 1989 | Roe vs. Wade (TV Movie) | Jessie |
| 1989 | High Stakes | Jill |
| 1989 | Signs of Life | Mary Beth Alder |
| 1989 | China Beach (TV Series) | Jan |
| 1988 | Arthur 2: On the Rocks | Mrs. Canby |
| 1987 | My Best Friend Is a Vampire | Helen Blake (as Kathy D. Bates) |
| 1987 | Summer Heat | Ruth |
| 1987 | Murder Ordained (TV Movie) | Bobbi Birk |
| 1986–1987 | St. Elsewhere (TV Series) | Polly Miller |
| 1986 | The Morning After | Woman on Mateo Street |
| 1986 | Cagney & Lacey (TV Series) | Brenda Harris |
| 1986 | Johnny Bull (TV Movie) | Katherine Kovacs |
| 1984 | One Life to Live (TV Series) | Evelyn Maddox |
| 1983 | Two of a Kind | Furniture Man's Wife |
| 1982 | Come Back to the 5 & Dime Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean | Stella Mae |
| 1978 | The Doctors (TV Series) | Phyllis Gillette |
| 1978 | Straight Time | Selma Darin |
| 1978 | The Love Boat (TV Series) | Sally Allison |
| 1977 | Vanities (TV Movie) | Unknown |
| 1971 | Taking Off | Audition Singer (as Bobo Bates) |
| 1970 | All My Children (TV Series) | Belle Bodelle (1984) |
