Who is Kathy Bates?
Kathy Bates Biography is an award-winning American actress and director. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, she started her career on the stage before becoming a movie star. She isn’t just a famous face; she is a symbol of strength. Many people confuse her with other famous Kathys, like kathy najimy from Hocus Pocus or the famous model kathy ireland. Some even wonder if she is related to the socialite kathy hilton. However, Kathy Bates stands in a league of her own. Unlike the dramatic roles played by kathy baker, Bates often plays characters who are tough, smart, and a little bit stubborn.
How Old is Kathy Bates Today?
If you are wondering how old is kathy bates, she was born on June 28, 1948. As of early 2026, she is 77 years old. Even in her late 70s, her energy is higher than ever. Many fans search online to ask, “is kathy bates still alive?” The answer is a big yes! She is very much alive and working harder than most people half her age. Her secret to staying young is her passion for her craft and her recent focus on her physical well-being.
The Stunning Kathy Bates Weight Loss Journey
One of the biggest topics in the Kathy Bates Biography lately is her health. Over the last few years, the kathy bates weight loss has been nothing short of amazing. She lost a total of 100 pounds! Kathy says she was “scared straight” after being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2017. She didn’t want to suffer like her family members did. She started by changing her diet and not eating after 8 PM. She also began walking more and listening to her body’s signals. While she used Ozempic for the final 20 pounds, she lost the first 80 through pure discipline.
Kathy Bates Matlock: A New Beginning
The show matlock kathy bates has become a massive success on CBS. In this version, she plays Madeline “Matty” Matlock. Many older viewers remember the original show with Andy Griffith, but Kathy brings a fresh, “invisible” quality to the role. She uses her age to her advantage, pretending to be a simple old lady while solving complex legal cases. Interestingly, some fans typo the name as kathy bates matloc, but her performance is perfect regardless of the spelling. This role has earned her a 2025 Emmy nomination, making her the oldest woman to ever be nominated in her category.
Is Kathy Bates Married?
People often ask about kathy bates wife or her husband. To be clear, Kathy was married to actor Tony Campisi from 1991 to 1997. Since their divorce, she has mostly kept her private life to herself. She does not have a wife; she has remained single and focused on her incredible career and her health advocacy. She often jokes that her two Yorkie dogs are her most important companions.
Career Highlights and Famous Roles
The Kathy Bates Biography would not be complete without mentioning her awards. She won an Oscar for her role in Misery. She has also starred in Fried Green Tomatoes, About Schmidt, and the TV series American Horror Story. Whether she is playing a villain or a hero, she brings a deep sense of “realness” to every scene. She has a way of making the audience feel exactly what her character is feeling, which is why she is considered one of the greatest actors of all time.
The Kathy Bates Biography is a story of grit, talent, and a major health comeback. For decades, Kathy Bates has been a household name. You might remember her as the terrifying fan in Misery or the “Unsinkable” Molly Brown in Titanic. Today, she is making headlines again for her incredible lead role in the new hit show matlock kathy bates. Many fans are curious about her recent changes, asking how old is kathy bates and how she transformed her health so drastically. At 77 years old, she is proving that the “third act” of life can be the best one yet.
| Full Name | Kathleen Doyle Bates |
| Current Age | 77 Years Old (as of 2026) |
| Birth Date | June 28, 1948 |
| Birthplace | Memphis, Tennessee, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 3 in (160 cm) |
| Weight Loss | 100 Pounds (Total Transformation) |
| Health Victories | Ovarian Cancer & Breast Cancer Survivor |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Advocacy | Lymphedema Awareness Ambassador |
| Award Type | Total Wins / Nominations |
|---|---|
| Academy Awards (Oscars) | 1 Win / 4 Nominations |
| Emmy Awards | 2 Wins / 15 Nominations |
| Golden Globes | 2 Wins / 8 Nominations |
| SAG Awards | 2 Wins / 13 Nominations |
| Tony Awards | 1 Nomination |
| Role Name | Madeline “Matty” Matlock |
| Network | CBS / Paramount+ |
| Estimated Salary | $175,000 Per Episode |
| Genre | Legal Drama / Mystery |
| Status | Top-Rated Scripted Series |
| High School | White Station High School (Memphis) |
| University | Southern Methodist University (SMU) |
| Degree | Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Theatre |
| Sorority | Alpha Delta Pi |
| Moved to NYC | 1970 (With only $500) |
| Estimated Net Worth | $20 Million |
| Hollywood Walk of Fame | Star received in 2016 |
| Top Grossing Film | Titanic ($2.2 Billion) |
| Famous Villain Rank | #17 (AFI’s 100 Years…100 Heroes & Villains) |
| Directing Credits | NYPD Blue, Six Feet Under, Oz |
Health Battles and Resilience
Kathy is a survivor in every sense of the word. She has beaten both ovarian cancer and breast cancer. After her surgeries, she developed a condition called lymphedema, which causes swelling in the limbs. Instead of hiding, she became a spokesperson for the Lymphatic Education & Research Network. Her kathy bates weight loss actually helped manage her lymphedema symptoms, making it easier for her to stand on set for 14 hours a day while filming matlock kathy bates.
Why We Love Kathy Bates
Kathy is a “people-first” celebrity. She doesn’t pretend to be perfect. She speaks openly about her struggles with food, her fear of illness, and what it feels like to be an older woman in Hollywood. Her honesty makes the Kathy Bates Biography relatable to everyone. She reminds us that it is never too late to take control of your health or to start a new chapter in your career.
The Future for Kathy Bates
With the success of her new show, it doesn’t look like Kathy is retiring anytime soon. She has stated that her new, lighter body has given her a “third act” that she never expected. She is currently enjoying the best reviews of her career. Whether she is walking the red carpet or digging in her garden (she loves raising violets!), Kathy Bates is living her life to the fullest.
Conclusion
Kathy Bates is more than just an actress; she is an inspiration. From her iconic films to her 100-pound kathy bates weight loss journey and her comeback in matlock kathy bates, she has shown the world that age is just a number. She continues to be a powerful voice for health and a master of her craft. We can’t wait to see what she does next!
FAQs
1. Is Kathy Bates still alive?
Yes, Kathy Bates is very much alive and currently starring in the hit CBS legal drama Matlock.
2. How old is Kathy Bates?
As of February 2026, Kathy Bates is 77 years old. She was born on June 28, 1948.
3. How did Kathy Bates lose so much weight?
She lost 100 pounds over seven years. She did this by changing her diet, not eating after 8 PM, walking, and using Ozempic for the final 20 pounds.
4. Who is Kathy Bates’ wife?
Kathy Bates does not have a wife. She was previously married to Tony Campisi and is currently single.
5. Are Kathy Bates and Kathy Najimy related?
No, they are not related. They are both famous actresses, but they do not have a family connection.
6. What is the new Matlock show about?
The new Matlock features Kathy Bates as Madeline “Matty” Matlock, a brilliant lawyer who uses her “unassuming” older age to help solve cases at a big law firm.
