Kathy Bates, the iconic actress known for her versatile roles in film and television, has declared that she will continue acting for as long as she possibly can, even if it means performing until her last breath. In a recent interview, Bates opened up about her passion for acting and how it has become her “life force.” The 76-year-old actress, who recently underwent a remarkable 100lb weight loss over the past seven years, credits her newfound energy and enthusiasm for her craft to her physical transformation.
With a career that spans over three decades, Bates has established herself as one of the hardest-working actresses in Hollywood. Despite contemplating semi-retirement prior to landing her latest role in the Matlock reboot, Bates now reveals that she has no plans to slow down anytime soon. In a candid conversation with Variety, Bates expressed her commitment to acting, stating, “My friends say I’ll probably be like Molière and die in my chair on the stage because it really is a life force for me.”
Bates attributes her renewed work ethic to her significant weight loss, which has given her a new lease on life. Shedding 100lbs has not only improved her physical health but has also boosted her confidence and stamina. Reflecting on her journey, Bates shared, “It’s helped me tremendously that, over the last six or seven years, I’ve lost 100lbs. I don’t think I’ve been this slim since I was in college.”
The actress revealed that her weight had reached its peak while working on NBC’s Harry’s Law in 2011, impacting both her physical endurance and mental well-being. However, with her current vitality and vigor, retirement is no longer on the horizon for Bates. She hopes to continue her work on Matlock for several more years before considering stepping away from the entertainment industry.
Despite not fitting the conventional Hollywood beauty standards, Bates has thrived in her career, securing leading roles in acclaimed productions like American Horror Story. She credits her longevity in the industry to not being pigeonholed as a “beauty queen,” allowing her to explore a diverse range of characters. Bates acknowledged, “I always knew going into this business that it was going to take me a while because I wasn’t a beauty queen. I don’t think I would have gotten the role in Misery if I had been a beauty queen.”
In her latest project, Bates portrays Madeline ‘Matty’ Matlock, a 70-something lawyer who grapples with ageism in her profession. Drawing inspiration from her own experiences and her mother’s unrealized dreams, Bates delves deep into her character to bring Matty to life on screen. She shared, “There’s a lot of my mother in Matty – or, let’s say, there’s a lot of what I imagine my mother could have been if she had had the opportunity to realize her dreams and become a lawyer.”
As Kathy Bates continues to captivate audiences with her powerful performances and unwavering dedication to her craft, it is evident that her passion for acting knows no bounds. With her newfound energy and enthusiasm, Bates is poised to leave a lasting impact on the entertainment industry for years to come.
