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Kathy Bates

Birth Place: Memphis, TN, USA

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Kathy Bates BIO

Kathy Bates is a legendary American actress who has made a name for herself in film, television, and stage. Born on June 28, 1948, in Memphis, Tennessee, Bates grew up in a family of musicians and artists. She studied theater at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and later moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting.

Bates made her Broadway debut in 1971 in the play "Vanities." She went on to appear in several other Broadway productions, including "Goodbye Fidel," "Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean," and "Night, Mother." Her performance in "Night, Mother" earned her a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Play.

In addition to her stage work, Bates has had a prolific career in film and television. She made her film debut in 1971 in the movie "Taking Off," but it wasn't until her breakout role in the 1990 film "Misery" that she became a household name. Bates won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her chilling portrayal of Annie Wilkes, a deranged fan who holds her favorite author captive.

Bates has since appeared in numerous films, including "Fried Green Tomatoes," "Dolores Claiborne," "Titanic," "Primary Colors," "About Schmidt," and "The Blind Side." She has also worked extensively in television, earning critical acclaim for her performances in shows like "American Horror Story," "Six Feet Under," and "The Office."

Bates' talent and versatility have earned her numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. In addition to her Academy Award, she has won two Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. She has also been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Despite her success in film and television, Bates has never lost her love for the stage. In 2012, she returned to Broadway in the play "The Anarchist," and in 2015, she starred in the off-Broadway production of "The Water Engine." Bates has also lent her voice to several audiobook productions, including "The Help" and "The Bridge of San Luis Rey."

Offstage, Bates is known for her activism and philanthropy. She has been a longtime supporter of the Lymphatic Education & Research Network, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about lymphedema. Bates herself was diagnosed with lymphedema, a condition that causes swelling in the arms or legs, after undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

Bates is also a vocal advocate for animal rights. She has worked with organizations like the Humane Society of the United States and the Performing Animal Welfare Society to promote animal welfare and end animal cruelty.

In 2018, Bates received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in recognition of her contributions to the entertainment industry. She continues to be a beloved and respected figure in Hollywood, and her talent and dedication to her craft have made her one of the most celebrated actresses of her generation.

In conclusion, Kathy Bates is a true icon of the entertainment industry. Her talent and versatility have made her a force to be reckoned with on stage, screen, and television. Her dedication to her craft and her activism have made her a beloved figure both in Hollywood and beyond. With a career spanning nearly five decades, Bates has proven herself to be one of the most talented and enduring actresses of her generation.

Kathy Bates Photos

Kathy Bates STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
1988
Elsa Barlow [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
1985
Ella

[Off-Broadway]
1984
Jessie Cates

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1983
Jessie Cates

[Broadway]
1980
June Talley [Replacement]

[Broadway]
1980
Isabel

[Off-Broadway]
1979
Herrick Simmons

[Off-Broadway]
1976
Joanne

[Off-Broadway]
1976
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1975
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1975
Performer


Kathy Bates Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 1987 - Outstanding Actress - Play

Kathy Bates, Frankie and Johnny in the Claire de Lune

Kathy Bates Videos

Kathy Bates News


BWW Q&A: Director Trevor Southworth On Stephen King's MISERY at the Athens Theatre

Stephen King's 'Misery' will take the Stage at the Athens Theatre beginning September 22nd. We sat down with director Trevor Southworth to talk about bringing the show to life on stage.

THE 24 HOUR PLAYS Return to Jaffrey's Park Theatre For Third Time

The Park Theatre will present The 24 Hours Plays: MONADNOCK! on Saturday, September 30, at Jaffrey, New Hampshire's acclaimed Park Theatre performing arts center. Learn more about the performance and how to get tickets here!

Rachel McAdams to Make Broadway Debut in MARY JANE at Manhattan Theatre Club

Manhattan Theatre Club will present the Broadway premiere of Mary Jane written by Pulitzer Prize finalist Amy Herzog, starring Academy Award® nominee & Critic’s Choice Award Winner Rachel McAdams and directed by Anne Kauffman. Learn how to purchase tickets!

SPAMALOT & More Lead Orlando's September 2023 Theater Top Picks

Orlando is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Our top picks for Orlando in September 2023 include The Comedy of Errors, The Prom, Reefer Madness, and more!

Unveiling the Terror: Stephen King's MISERY Takes the Stage at the Athens Theatre! 

In the realm of modern horror literature, few names are as synonymous with fear and suspense as Stephen King. With a vast array of chilling stories that have captivated readers for decades, one of his most iconic and spine-tingling tales is Misery.  Now, fans and theater enthusiasts alike are about to embark on a heart-pounding journey as this gripping novel finds new life on the stage of the historic Athens Theatre from September 22nd to October 15th. 

Unveiling the Terror: Stephen King's MISERY Takes the Stage at the Athens Theatre

In the realm of modern horror literature, few names are as synonymous with fear and suspense as Stephen King. With a vast array of chilling stories that have captivated readers for decades, one of his most iconic and spine-tingling tales is Misery.

Bradley Whitford and Daniel Dae Kim Will Guest Star in PETER PAN GOES WRONG in Los Angeles

Broadway’s Peter Pan Goes Wrong will welcome Emmy winner Bradley Whitford of “The West Wing” and “The Handmaid’s Tale” and Daniel Dae Kim, star of “Hawaii 5-0,” “Lost,” and “The Good Doctor” to the company as special guest stars at Center Theatre Group at the Ahmanson Theatre.

Chris Redd to Play Comedy Works Larimer Square Next Weekend

Chris Redd's first one-hour comedy special Why Am I Like This? premiered on HBO Max last year.  Redd was on Saturday Night Live for 5 seasons, and is the co-creator, writer, and star of Peacock's scripted comedy series, Bust Down. He received the Emmy Award in 2018 for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for the SNL song Come Back, Barack. In 2019 Redd released his debut stand-up album, But Here We Are.

Interview: Timothy Near of THE ROAD TO MECCA at Z Below Reunites with Her Lead Actors to Present Another Fugard Classic

BroadwayWorld talks to director Timothy Near about her new production of Athol Fugard's incandescent 'The Road to Mecca' playing at Z Below in San Francisco June 4 to 30.

TALK OF THE TOWN: James Thurber's Years with Ross to Present Two Industry Readings This Month

ALK OF THE TOWN: James Thurber's Years with Ross, a new comedy by Mike Bencivenga will present two industry readings on Tuesday, May 16 at 3pm and 7pm.

Rian Keating to Bring TIME STAMPS to Guild Hall

Rian Keating will bring his acclaimed 2022 MAC Award-winning Time Stamps:  Life Fragments in Story and Song to the Guild Hall on May 25th at 7pm with Darryl Curry at the piano.  

MAC Winner Rian Keating Returns with TIME STAMPS

Reknowned cabaret storyteller Rian Keating will return to the stage of the Episcopal Actors’ Guild Hall on May 25th to perform his 2022 MAC Award-winning Time Stamps:  Life Fragments in Story and Song to benefit the charitable programs of the EAG and NYC’s professional performing artists in need.

Athol Fugard's THE ROAD TO MECCA is Coming to San Francisco's Z Below This Summer

Athol Fugard’s incandescent and thought-provoking The Road to Mecca is coming to San Francisco’s Z Below, presented by Weathervane Productions.

New Musical 5&DIME to be Presented at Joe's Pub in June

Joe’s Pub will present two first-look performances of the new musical 5 & Dime, with a book by Ashley Robinson, music by Dan G. Sells and lyrics by transgender actress and activist, Shakina.

Lyricist/Composer Sheilah Rae to be Honored by The Bret Adams and Paul Reisch Foundation

The board of The Bret Adams and Paul Reisch Foundation will honor lyricist/composer Sheilah Rae at a private reception on April 20, 2023 at The Players Club, 16 Gramercy Park South.

Photos: Judy Blume & More Attend ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT'S ME, MARGARET. Premiere

Fans crowded all sides of the carpet awaiting the beloved author, Judy Blume, on whose novel the film is based, along with cast members Rachel McAdams, Abby Ryder Fortson, Elle Graham and Echo Kellum, writer/director/producer Kelly Fremon Craig, and producers James L. Brooks, Julie Ansell, Richard Sakai, and Amy Brooks. Check out photos now!

Meet the Cast of SUMMER, 1976; Beginning Previews Tonight!

Summer, 1976 officially begins previews tonight, April 4, at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Meet the cast of Summer, 1976 here!

Review: MISERY Loves Company in This Stage Adaptation of Stephen King's Ultimate Thriller at Jobsite Theater

Misery written by the incomparable “Master of Horror” Stephen King was first released via Viking Press on June 8, 1987. The story revolves around the main character, romance novelist Paul Sheldon, and his self-proclaimed number-one fan Annie Wilkes. Paul is seriously injured in a car crash, and Annie being a former nurse discovers Paul and brings him home for rehabilitation. While staying in Annie’s home, Paul receives treatment and pain meds and soon discovers he is prisoner and forced to adhere to all of his captor’s demands.

Comedian Chris Redd to Perform at The Den Theatre in June

The Den Theatre will present comedian Chris Redd for five stand-up performances June 8 – 10, 2023.

Only One Weekend Left To See MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS At Jefferson Performing Arts Center

Jefferson Performing Arts Society is presenting two back-to-back shows based on novels by two of the most famous writers of crime and horror:  Agatha Christie and Stephen King.

Kathy Bates FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Kathy Bates has appeared on Broadway in 4 shows.

Kathy Bates has not appeared in the West End

Kathy Bates has been nominated for several awards throughout her career. She was nominated for Outstanding Actress - Play at the Drama Desk Awards for her performance in "Frankie and Johnny in the Claire de Lune." She was also nominated for Best Actress at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for her role in "'night, Mother." Additionally, Bates received a nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for her performance in "'Night, Mother."

Kathy Bates has won the Best Actress award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for her performance in the Broadway show 'night, Mother.

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