Hey there! Let me tell you about one of Hollywood's most versatile and inspiring actresses, Kathy Bates. This powerhouse is definitely having a moment right now. With an Oscar nomination for her role in Richard Jewell, she might just take home her second Academy Award. At 71 years old, Kathy has built an incredible career, starring in beloved films like Fried Green Tomatoes and TV shows such as American Horror Story. Born and raised in Tennessee, this talent has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. So, let’s dive into what makes Kathy Bates so special!
Now, you might think you know everything there is to know about Kathy Bates, but trust me, there's always more to discover. Here are five fascinating facts that you’ll definitely want to remember about this incredible woman!
Four Oscar Nominations and Counting
After taking home the Best Actress trophy for her role in the 1990 film Misery, Kathy continued to impress critics and audiences alike. She earned nominations for her performances in Primary Colors (1998), About Schmidt (2002), and now Richard Jewell (2019). Her talent hasn’t gone unnoticed, even by some of her famous co-stars. When Adam Sandler, who played her son in The Waterboy, didn’t receive a nomination for Uncut Gems, Kathy didn’t hesitate to show her support. She tweeted, “I love you. You were robbed!” That’s the kind of person Kathy is—supportive, kind, and always ready to celebrate others' successes alongside her own.
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A Love Boat Adventure
Before Kathy became a household name, she made a memorable appearance on the classic TV series The Love Boat. In a 1978 episode, she played a newlywed trying to consummate her marriage. However, things didn’t exactly go as planned. “Every time we wanted to consummate our marriage, something kept getting in the way,” Kathy shared with Entertainment Weekly. She laughed recalling how her character's husband injured his back while trying to carry her into their bedroom. It’s moments like these that remind us Kathy has always had a great sense of humor, even during her early days in showbiz.

Fighting Cancer Twice and Winning
Kathy's life hasn’t always been smooth sailing. She faced two major battles with cancer—ovarian cancer in 2003 and breast cancer in 2012—but she emerged victorious each time. Speaking to Parade, Kathy reflected on how these experiences transformed her. "Cancer and its aftermath changed my outlook in a profound way," she said. "I've become less of a hermit, and I travel more." Her resilience and positive attitude are truly inspiring, showing us all that we can overcome even the toughest challenges.
Almost Part of Three's Company
Early in her career, Kathy auditioned for the role of Janet Wood on Three’s Company, but the part ultimately went to Joyce DeWitt. And you know what? Kathy didn’t mind one bit. In fact, she felt relieved. During the audition process, she spent hours making sandwiches and staring at a blonde woman's rear end. "I just didn’t know if I wanted to spend my time doing that," she revealed. Kathy knew her talents were destined for greater things, and boy, was she right!
Cherishing Loved Ones
Family and friends mean the world to Kathy Bates. "My inner strength comes from my friends," she told Parade. "I have a very close group of friends and family, and we all help each other through our dark times." It's clear that Kathy values her relationships deeply, leaning on her loved ones during tough moments and celebrating the good times together. This sense of community and support is a cornerstone of who she is, both personally and professionally.
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