News on your favorite shows, specials & more!
Kathy Bates Headshot

Kathy Bates

Birth Place: Memphis, TN, USA

Get Kathy Bates Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

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


2024 IDEA AWARDS FOR THEATRE Recipients Announced

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.
Kentucky Performing Arts And Icon Presents Danae Hays In Concert

Danae Hays will perform at Kentucky Performing Arts, presented by Icon, offering audiences a chance to experience her artistry live.
Hendersonville Theatre Will Present Stephen King's MISERY

Hendersonville Theatre will present MISERY, a stage adaptation of Stephen King's thriller, from October 24 to November 3. Proceeds support hurricane survivors through the Community Foundation of Henderson County.
FEVER DREAMS (OF ANIMALS ON THE VERGE OF EXTINCTION) Comes to TheaterWorks Hartford

TheaterWorks Hartford, under the leadership of Artistic Director Rob Ruggiero and Managing Director Jeff Griffin, has announced details for its 2024-2025 season opener Fever Dreams (of animals on the verge of extinction).
Playwright Jeffrey Lieber To Give Talk At TheaterWorks Hartford

Join TheaterWorks Hartford for a conversation with playwright Jeffrey Lieber (co-creator of the hit television series LOST on ABC, Executive Producer of Matlock with Kathy Bates) for a fun and interesting conversation on what inspired him to create the play Fever Dreams (of animals on the verge of extinction), which opens TWH's 24/25 season on Thursday, October 3, 2024.
Martin Short, Christine Baranski, & More to Present at 76th Emmy Awards

The Television Academy and ABC have announced the stars slated to appear on the 76th Emmy® Awards, hosted by Eugene Levy and Dan Levy. 
Virginia Rep to Present Stephen King's MISERY in September

Virginia Rep will begin its run of Stephen King’s Misery on August 31 at the Sara Belle and Neil November Theatre. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Chris Redd & More to Perform at The Den Theatre in October

The Den Theatre revealed its lineup of October comedy shows featuring Chris Redd and Ryan Sickle. Enjoy a month of laughter with top comedians in Chicago.
The SAG-AFTRA Foundation Launches Legacy Collection, New Historical Video Series

The SAG-AFTRA Foundation is launching its Legacy Collection today, offering a comprehensive archive of interviews and materials celebrating the contributions of actors and performers in the entertainment industry. Learn more!
Line Up Set for TheatreWorks' 2024 New Works Festival This August

Hundreds of lovers of new theatre will gather this August for an advance look at tomorrow's hits at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley's 21st Annual New Works Festival, running August 9-18. See the full lineup here!
Chris Redd to Perform at Comedy Works Larimer Square This Month

Chris Redd will perform at Comedy Works Larimer Square this month. Learn more about the performance and see how to purchase tickets.
Video: Watch Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron in Trailer for A FAMILY AFFAIR

Netflix has released the first trailer for the upcoming film A Family Affair, a comedy featuring Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron as an unlikely romantic pairing. The surprising romance kicks off comic consequences for a young woman, her mother, and her movie star boss as they face the complications of love, sex, and identity. Watch the trailer now!
Video: Jessica Lange Discusses MOTHER PLAY and THE GREAT LILLIAN HALL

Tony-Award-winning actress Jessica Lange appeared on The View on Thursday to discuss her role in Paula Vogel's Mother Play. On the show, she also talks about her next project The Great Lillian Hall, an HBO film that centers on an aging Broadway performer who is struggling with memory loss. Watch the interview now!

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 the Best Actress award at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for 'night, Mother. Throughout her career, she has received multiple accolades, including the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Misery and the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie for My Last Days as a Gas Paller. Additionally, she has won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Miniseries or Motion Picture for Rent. Bates has also received several nominations, including Tony Award nominations for her performances in 'night, Mother and The Water Engine.

Get Kathy Bates Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos