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Kathy Bates

Birth Place: Memphis, TN, USA

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BIO

Born in Memphis, Tennessee, she studied theater at Southern Methodist University before moving to New York City to pursue an acting career. She landed minor stage roles before being cast in her first on-screen role in Taking Off (1971). Her first Off-Broadway stage role was in the play Vanities (1976). Throughout the 1970s and early 1980s she continued to perform on screen and on stage, and garnered a nomination for the Tony Award Best Lead Actress in a Play for 'night, Mother (1983), and won an Obie Award for her role in Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune (1988).



She earned the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Annie Wilkes in the thriller Misery (1990). Her other Oscar-nominated roles were in Primary Colors (1998), About Schmidt (2002), and Richard Jewell (2019). Her other notable films include Fried Green Tomatoes (1991), Dolores Claiborne (1995), Titanic (1997), The Waterboy (1998), Revolutionary Road (2008), The Blind Side (2009), and Midnight in Paris (2011).

Bates is also known for her extensive work on television. She won her first Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for the ninth season of Two and a Half Men (2012) and her second for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie for her portrayal of Delphine LaLaurie in American Horror Story: Coven (2013). Her other Emmy-nominated roles were in The Late Shift (1996), Annie (1999), Six Feet Under (2003), Warm Springs (2005), Harry's Law (2011–12), American Horror Story: Freak Show (2014), and American Horror Story: Hotel (2015).

Photos

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


Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 1987 - Outstanding Actress - Play

Kathy Bates, Frankie and Johnny in the Claire de Lune


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1983 - Best Actress

Kathy Bates, 'night, Mother

Tony Awards - 1983 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Kathy Bates, 'Night, Mother

Videos

News


EVANSTON SALT COSTS CLIMBING Comes to Rogue Machine
by Stephi Wild - Jan 22, 2025

Pulitzer Prize finalist Will Arbery confronts humanity’s darkest fears with humor, warmth, and the fortitude of municipal public servants in this play about climate and change.
10 Great Movies About Theater, Actors, & Show Business
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 21, 2025

BroadwayWorld has put together a list of ten films about theater for those seeking a taste of Broadway drama (or comedy). Take a look at the list here and happy watching!
MISERY to be Presented at Resident Ensemble Players in February
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 15, 2025

Get your scares in at the Resident Ensemble Players with Misery, by William Goldman, based on the terrifying novel by Stephen King. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
WICKED, Colman Domingo & More Nominated for SAG Awards- Full List of Nominations
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 8, 2025

This morning, nominees for the 31st Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® honoring outstanding individual, cast and ensemble performances for the past year were announced. Check out the full list of nominations, which include Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Colman Domingo, Martin Short, and more.
EMILIA PEREZ, WICKED Movie, & More Win Golden Globe Awards - Full List of Winners
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 6, 2025

Emilia Perez, the Wicked movie, Kieran Culkin, Jean Smart, and more took home awards at the 82nd Golden Globes. The Wicked movie won the Golden Globe for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement and Emilia Perez took home four awards, including Best Motion Picture- Musical or Comedy. Check out the full list of winners here!
Ariana DeBose, Colman Domingo, & More to Present at 82nd Annual Golden Globes
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 2, 2025

The Golden Globes has announced that Andrew Garfield, Anthony Ramos, Ariana DeBose, Aubrey Plaza, Auliʻi Cravalho, Colman Domingo, Elton John, Glenn Close, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Sarah Paulson, and more will present at the 82nd Annual Golden Globes.
Video: Broadway at the Kennedy Center Honors
by Sidney Paterra - Dec 22, 2024

The 46th Annual Kennedy Center Honors are coming up and we are celebrating the special occasion with some of our favorite videos of past Broadway performances. Check out the full list!
2025 Golden Globes - Full List of Nominations
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 9, 2024

Wicked, Emilia Perez, A Complete Unknown, and more have been nominated for Golden Globes! Check out the full list of nominees, including Colman Domingo, Eddie Redmayne, Denzel Washington, and more!
Photos: Jessica Lange & More at THE GREAT LILLIAN HALL New York Screening
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 6, 2024

On Thursday, December 5, Jessica Lange and director Michael Cristofer came together for an exclusive FYC screening and Q&A of HBO’s THE GREAT LILLIAN HALL. Take a look at the photos here!
Patti LuPone, Michael Urie, & More Nominated for TV Critics Choice Awards
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 5, 2024

Patti LuPone, Michael Urie, Eddie Redmayne, Bridget Everett, Martin Short, and more have been nominated for TV Critics Choice Awards. Check out the full list!
DANAE HAYS: THE FIRST TIME TOUR is Coming To The Martin Marietta Center For The Performing Arts
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 2, 2024

Comedian Danae Hays' THE FIRST TIME TOUR will include a stop in Raleigh at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts. Learn more about Hays and see how to purchase tickets.
William Goldman's Adaptation of MISERY Opens In December At The Warehouse
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 21, 2024

WILLIAM GOLDMAN'S adaptation of MISERY opens December 6 at THE WAREHOUSE THEATRE, bringing Stephen King's thrilling story to the stage. Discover the gripping tale of obsession and survival.
2024 IDEA AWARDS FOR THEATRE Recipients Announced
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 8, 2024

The Bret Adams and Paul Reisch Foundation has announced the recipients of their 2024 Idea Awards for Theatre.
Review: Theatre Raleigh's CURSE OF THE STARVING CLASS
by Jeffrey Kare - Nov 8, 2024

What did our critic think of Theatre Raleigh's CURSE OF THE STARVING CLASS?
Photos: Jessica Lange, Michael Cristofer, & More at THE GREAT LILLIAN HALL Screening
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 4, 2024

On Friday, November 1, Academy Award®, Emmy® winner, and Tony Award® winner Jessica Lange (Lillian Hall, Executive Producer), and Michael Cristofer (Director, Executive Producer) reunited in front of a packed house at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles for a screening of HBO’s THE GREAT LILLIAN HALL. Take a look at photos here!
Interview: Erica Peck talks the Canadian Premiere of TITANIQUE
by Lauren Gienow - Oct 30, 2024

Erica Peck is no stranger to being associated with theatre that garners a cult following. Currently, she is starring as Molly Brown in the musical comedy TITANIQUE. Here, she talks to BWW about this exciting opportunity to celebrate the music of Céline Dion, while bringing the comedy and the vocals to the stage at the Segal Centre in Montreal.
REVIEW: TITANIQUE THE MUSICAL Is A Camp Celebration Of Celine Dion And James Cameron’s 1997 Blockbuster Movie
by Jade Kops - Oct 24, 2024

Following on from a successful debut Off-Broadway, Marla Mindelle, Constantine Rousouli and Tye Blue’s (co writers, with Blue also Director) musical comedy tribute to Celine Dion and James Cameron’s cinema hit, TITANIQUE THE MUSICAL is delighting Sydney audiences.
DANAE HAYS: THE FIRST TIME TOUR is Coming to Barbara B. Mann PAH
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 21, 2024

Comedian Danae Hays will bring her THE FIRST TIME TOUR to the Barbara B. Mann PAH at FSW. Alabama-bred and Nashville-based, comedian, actress, and content creator, Danae Hays represents a fresh, new female voice in the comedy, acting, and music worlds. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Comedian And Tiktok Star Danae Hays To Perform At BroadwaySF's Curran Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 14, 2024

Comedian and TikTok star Danae Hays is set to perform at BroadwaySF's Curran Theatre in October. Learn more about the comedian and see how to purchase tickets.
Danae Hays to Bring FIRST TIME TOUR to Capitol Theater in April 2025
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 14, 2024

Danae Hays will bring her 'First Time Tour' to Capitol Theater, offering audiences a chance to experience her comedic talent live. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Kathy Bates been in?

Kathy Bates has appeared on Broadway in 4 shows.

How many West End shows has Kathy Bates been in?

Kathy Bates has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Kathy Bates been nominated for?

Outstanding Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Frankie and Johnny in the Claire de Lune, Best Actress (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for 'night, Mother and Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for 'Night, Mother.

What awards has Kathy Bates won?

Kathy Bates has won several prestigious awards throughout her career. She received the Best Actress award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for her performance in 'night, Mother. Additionally, she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Misery. Bates also received a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television for her performance in Annie. Furthermore, she has been awarded the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie for her work in My Son Is Innocent. Bates is also a recipient of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, highlighting her significant contributions to film and television.

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Videos