Kathy Bates Headshot

Kathy Bates

Birth Place: Memphis, TN, USA

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Kathy Bates 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).

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


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

Kathy Bates Videos

Kathy Bates News


5 & DIME New Musical Will Make World Premiere at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley


The World Premiere of 5 & Dime, a new musical based on the classic play Come Back to the 5 & Dime Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean, will be produced by Tony Award recipient theatre company TheatreWorks Silicon Valley.

Meet the Cast of MARY JANE, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway


The Broadway premiere of Mary Jane, written by Pulitzer Prize finalist Amy Herzog, starring Academy Award nominee & Critics Choice Award Winner Rachel McAdams, begins previews on Broadway tonight, Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Meet the cast of Mary Jane here!

Grant Gustin's Theatre Roots: From GLEE to THE FLASH to Broadway


Grant Gustin, who is making his Broadway debut this season in Water For Elephants, is best known for his role on the successful series The Flash. But did you know that Grant Gustin got his start in the theatre? Learn more about Grant Gustin's theatre roots here!

Meet the Cast of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, Beginning Previews on Broadway Tonight!


WATER FOR ELEPHANTS begins previews tonight, Saturday, February 24, 2024, and opens on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at the Imperial Theatre (249 West 45th Street). Meet the cast of Water For Elephants here!

Interview: Stefanie Londino talks playing Miss Hannigan in ANNIE


By telephone recently from a tour stop in her hometown of New Brunswick, N.J., Londino talked about Miss Hannigan and more.

Cast and Creative Team Set For MISERY at Algonquin


Algonquin Arts Theatre has announced the cast and creative team for its winter play, MISERY, by William Goldman based on the novel by Stephen King. The show will run at Algonquin Arts Theatre from February 24 through March 3.

MARY JANE Starring Rachel McAdams Sets Opening Date at Manhattan Theatre Club


Mary Jane, starring Rachel McAdams, has set its opening night date of April 23, following previously announced previews that begin on April 2 at Manhattan Theatre Club’s Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. The limited run will continue through June 2 and we've got the history of the show, info on ticketing and more.

Video: The Best of Broadway at the Kennedy Center Honors


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!

2023 Idea Awards For Theatre To Be Presented To Beth Henley, Jesse Jae Hoon, Brandy, Hoang Collier, Clare Fuyuko Bierman, Erika Ji & Grace Mclean


The Bret Adams and Paul Reisch Foundation has announced the recipients of their 2023 Idea Awards for Theatre; three categories of grants awarded to adventurous new voices in playwriting and musical theatre, as well the visionary playwrights who have inspired and blazed trails before them.

HOT ANGRY MOM to Have World Premiere At Dances With Films in December


HOT ANGRY MOM, a dark comedy TV pilot, will have its world premiere at Dances with Films: NY on Dec 2nd. The series follows a New York City mom who must confront her rage when a video of her meltdown goes viral. Inspired by real-life experiences, the show explores healthy anger and its transformation into power.

Broadway Streaming Guide: Holidays 2023 - Where to Watch WHITE CHRISTMAS, THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL & More


From Hannah Waddingham's new Christmas special to classics like The Muppet Christmas Carol, see which holiday streaming titles are sure to bring any Broadway fan some extra merriment this year. Check out our complete guide to what Broadway fans should be streaming this holiday season on Netflix, Peacock, Disney+, and more now!

Photos: Michael Shannon Honored at the Denver Film Festival


Michael Shannon was honored that the Denver Film at the 46th Denver Film Festival. Shannon accepted the Breakthrough Director award for Eric LaRue alongside Eric LaRue screenwriter, Brett Neveu. Check out photos from the awards show!

Grant Gustin Will Make Broadway Debut in WATER FOR ELEPHANTS; Additional Cast Revealed


Grant Gustin will make his Broadway debut in the upcoming new musical Water For Elephants, which is set for come to Broadway in February 2024! Plus, find out who else will appear in the production.

Randy Johnson's Return To Theatre With Adaptation Of Tim Green's Memoir ANOTHER HILL AND SOMETIMES A MOUNTAIN.


Randy Johnson (A Night with Janis Joplin - Broadway) has been commissioned by producer Raymond Thompson to adapt for the stage Tim Green's memoir ANOTHER HILL AND SOMETIMES A MOUNTAIN.

Rian Keating to Return to Don't Tell Mama with WOMANSONGS Beginning This Month


Rian Keating will return to Don't Tell Mama with Womansongs. Join the 2023 MAC Award Winner for a night of powerful performances beginning this month.

Woody Harrelson, Andy Serkis, and Louisa Harland Will Lead David Ireland's ULSTER AMERICAN at Riverside Studios


A new production of award-winning playwright David Ireland's Ulster American is headed to Riverside Studios this year, starring Woody Harrelson, Andy Serkis, and Louisa Harland. Learn more about the production and find out how to get tickets here!

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!

Kathy Bates 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?

Kathy Bates has been nominated for several awards, including Outstanding Actress - Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "Frankie and Johnny in the Claire de Lune," Best Actress at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "'night, Mother," and Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for "'Night, Mother."

What awards has Kathy Bates won?

Kathy Bates has won the Best Actress award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for the play 'night, Mother.

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