---
name: "Kathy Bates"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/kathy-bates"
fi1m_id: "kathy-bates"
imdb_id: "nm0000870"
tmdb_id: 8534
wikidata_id: "Q544465"
roles: ["Actor","Director"]
born: "28 June 1948"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 20
average_fi1m_score: 66
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 16
updated: "2026-10-05T05:13:06.815723+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Kathy Bates

## Identity

Kathy Bates

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/kathy-bates
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** kathy-bates
- **IMDb ID:** nm0000870
- **TMDB ID:** 8534
- **Wikidata ID:** Q544465
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathy_Bates, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q544465, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000870/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/8534

Actor and director. Born 28 June 1948 in Memphis, Tennessee, USA.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor, Director
- **Born:** 28 June 1948, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- **Active:** 1982–present
- **Also known as:** Kathleen Doyle Bates, Кейти Бейтс
- **Titles on Fi1m:** 20: 16 acting, 4 directing
- **Frequently works with:** [Alan Taylor](https://film.one/person/alan-taylor.md), [Mary Harron](https://film.one/person/mary-harron.md), [Adam Bernstein](https://film.one/person/adam-bernstein.md), [Barbara Kopple](https://film.one/person/barbara-kopple.md), [Bonnie Mark](https://film.one/person/bonnie-mark.md), [Clark Johnson](https://film.one/person/clark-johnson.md), [Darnell Martin](https://film.one/person/darnell-martin.md), [David Mills](https://film.one/person/david-mills.md)
- **Academy Awards:** 1 Oscar (1 won · 3 nominated)
- **Average Fi1m score:** 66, as actor, over 16 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1980s 81 (1), 1990s 82 (6), 2000s 63 (9), 2010s 57 (3), 2020s 75 (1)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 64 to 60 across 14 titles
- **Score spread:** 3 at 80+, 6 at 60–79, 7 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 3 of 12 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Drama 10, Comedy 8, Adventure 3, Romance 3, Thriller 3, Crime 2
- **Screen time:** 28 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $4,174m across 13 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathy_Bates, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q544465, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000870/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/8534

## Streaming the US now

- **Amazon Prime Video:** [*Midnight in Paris*](https://film.one/film/midnight-in-paris.md) (78), [*About Schmidt*](https://film.one/film/about-schmidt.md) (77), [*Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.*](https://film.one/film/are-you-there-god-its-me-margaret.md) (75), [*Bee Movie*](https://film.one/film/bee-movie.md) (55)
- **HBO Max:** [*Six Feet Under*](https://film.one/tv/six-feet-under.md) (86), [*Misery*](https://film.one/film/misery.md) (83), [*Oz*](https://film.one/tv/oz.md) (80)
- **Paramount+:** [*Titanic*](https://film.one/film/titanic.md) (84)
- **Pluto TV:** [*Revolutionary Road*](https://film.one/film/revolutionary-road.md) (71)
- **Netflix:** [*The Highwaymen*](https://film.one/film/the-highwaymen.md) (55)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on Kathy Bates

> Kathy Bates makes affection with demands attached painfully believable. We rate her for that difficult mix of warmth and insistence, but her listening in *Fried Green Tomatoes* is just as persuasive.

In *Misery* (1990), Kathy Bates makes Annie Wilkes's concern for the writer she holds captive horribly convincing. We were frightened by her kindness because she makes James Caan's Paul Sheldon seem obliged to repay it with obedience. Rob Reiner gives the pair a confined thriller in which Caan's wary responses matter as much as her possessiveness. Editor Robert Leighton lets Bates be funny without giving us time to feel safe. Annie can be ridiculous, but the performance never invites us to dismiss her.

That breakthrough was followed by *Fried Green Tomatoes* (1991), which asks her to do much of her work by listening. As Evelyn Couch, absorbing somebody else's experience, she makes the prospect of changing her own life believable. Director Jon Avnet benefits from her willingness to leave the process awkward, while Jessica Tandy prevents the earnestness from becoming oppressive. The screenplay by Fannie Flagg and Carol Sobieski keeps repeating its encouragement, long after Bates has made the point clear.

Supporting roles became a steady part of her film work, including Molly Brown in *Titanic* (1997) and Roberta Hertzel in *About Schmidt* (2002). In Alexander Payne's retirement comedy, her directness interrupts Warren Schmidt's private account of everyone around him. Jack Nicholson makes Warren's reserve seem difficult to abandon; Bates gives him someone who will not politely leave it alone. Their encounters are funny, though Payne pushes the broad comedy far enough to let the surrounding loneliness slip from view. Bates brings welcome energy, but the director still has to decide how much the scene can bear.

Kelly Fremon Craig finds a gentler use for that insistence in *Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.* (2023). Bates's Sylvia Simon takes her granddaughter's move from New York to New Jersey as a personal injury. Bates lets her be unreasonable without suggesting that her love for the girl is in doubt. Craig's gentleness suits her, although the film gives the grown-ups more of interest to do than the child at its centre. If Annie Wilkes is more company than the evening can bear, start with *Fried Green Tomatoes*.

## Biography

Kathy Bates is an American actress. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, she studied theatre at Southern Methodist University before moving to New York City, where she began with minor stage and screen roles.

She received a Tony Award nomination for her performance in 'night, Mother (1983) and an Obie Award for Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune (1988). Her breakthrough came with the role of Annie Wilkes in Misery (1990), for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress. She has since appeared in films including Fried Green Tomatoes (1991), Dolores Claiborne (1995), Titanic (1997), Primary Colors (1998), About Schmidt (2002) and The Blind Side (2009).

Bates has also worked extensively in television, with roles in series such as The Office, Harry's Law and American Horror Story, earning multiple Emmy Award nominations. In 2023 she played Sylvia Simon in Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org, nytimes.com.*

## On Fi1m (20)

### Performed in (16) — the average rests on these

- *Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.* (2023), Fi1m 75, as Sylvia Simon — [page](https://film.one/film/are-you-there-god-its-me-margaret.md)
- *The Highwaymen* (2019), Fi1m 55, as Ma Ferguson — [page](https://film.one/film/the-highwaymen.md)
- *Tammy* (2014), Fi1m 38, as Lenore — [page](https://film.one/film/tammy.md)
- *Midnight in Paris* (2011), Fi1m 78, as Gertrude Stein — [page](https://film.one/film/midnight-in-paris.md)
- *The Blind Side* (2009), Fi1m 52, as Miss Sue — [page](https://film.one/film/the-blind-side.md)
- *Revolutionary Road* (2008), Fi1m 71, as Mrs. Helen Givings — [page](https://film.one/film/revolutionary-road.md)
- *The Day the Earth Stood Still* (2008), Fi1m 40, as Regina Jackson — [page](https://film.one/film/the-day-the-earth-stood-still-2008.md)
- *Bee Movie* (2007), Fi1m 55, as Janet Benson (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/bee-movie.md)
- *The Golden Compass* (2007), Fi1m 54, as Hester (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/the-golden-compass.md)
- *The Office* (2005), Fi1m 77, as Jo Bennett — [page](https://film.one/tv/the-office-2005.md)
- *Around the World in 80 Days* (2004), Fi1m 56, as Queen Victoria — [page](https://film.one/film/around-the-world-in-80-days-2004.md)
- *About Schmidt* (2002), Fi1m 77, as Roberta Hertzel — [page](https://film.one/film/about-schmidt.md)
- *Titanic* (1997), Fi1m 84, as Molly Brown — [page](https://film.one/film/titanic.md)
- *Fried Green Tomatoes* (1991), Fi1m 75, as Evelyn Couch — [page](https://film.one/film/fried-green-tomatoes.md)
- *Misery* (1990), Fi1m 83, as Annie Wilkes — [page](https://film.one/film/misery.md)
- *Cagney & Lacey* (1982), Fi1m 81, Actor — [page](https://film.one/tv/cagney-and-lacey.md)

### Directed (4)

- *Six Feet Under* (2001), Fi1m 86, Director — [page](https://film.one/tv/six-feet-under.md)
- *Oz* (1997), Fi1m 80, Director — [page](https://film.one/tv/oz.md)
- *Homicide: Life on the Street* (1993), Fi1m 89, Director — [page](https://film.one/tv/homicide-life-on-the-street.md)
- *NYPD Blue* (1993), Fi1m 82, Director — [page](https://film.one/tv/nypd-blue.md)

## Complete filmography (136)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *Matlock* (2024), series, as Madeline 'Matty' Matlock · Executive Producer
- *The Great Lillian Hall* (2024), as Edith Wilson · Executive Producer
- *A Family Affair* (2024), as Leila Ford
- *Summer Camp* (2024), as Ginny Moon
- *The Miracle Club* (2023), as Eileen Dunne
- *Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.* (2023), as Sylvia Simon — Fi1m 75, [page](https://film.one/film/are-you-there-god-its-me-margaret.md)
- *Home* (2021), as Bernadette
- *Richard Jewell* (2019), as Bobi Jewell
- *The Highwaymen* (2019), as Ma Ferguson — Fi1m 55, [page](https://film.one/film/the-highwaymen.md)
- *The Death & Life of John F. Donovan* (2019), as Barbara Haggermaker
- *On the Basis of Sex* (2018), as Dorothy Kenyon
- *Krystal* (2018), as Vera
- *Disjointed* (2017), series, as Ruth
- *FEUD* (2017), series, as Joan Blondell
- *Bad Santa 2* (2016), as Sunny Soke
- *Complete Unknown* (2016), as Nina
- *The Boss* (2016), as Ida Marquette
- *The Great Gilly Hopkins* (2015), as Maime Trotter
- *Boychoir* (2015), as Headmistress
- *Tammy* (2014), as Lenore — Fi1m 38, [page](https://film.one/film/tammy.md)
- *Cadaver* (2012), as Beth
- *American Horror Story* (2011), series, as Delphine LaLaurie, Ethel Darling, Iris, Agnes Mary Winstead, Miriam Mead / Delphine LaLaurie
- *Midnight in Paris* (2011), as Gertrude Stein — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/film/midnight-in-paris.md)
- *You May Not Kiss the Bride* (2011), as Bryan's Mother
- *A Little Bit of Heaven* (2011), as Beverly Corbett
- *Harry's Law* (2011), series, as Harriet 'Harry' Korn
- *Mike & Molly* (2010), series, as Kay
- *Valentine's Day* (2010), as Susan
- *The Legend of Pancho Barnes and the Happy Bottom Riding Club* (2009), as Pancho Barnes (Voice)
- *Alice* (2009), series, as Queen of Hearts
- *The Blind Side* (2009), as Miss Sue — Fi1m 52, [page](https://film.one/film/the-blind-side.md)
- *Chéri* (2009), as Madame Peloux
- *Personal Effects* (2009), as Gloria
- *Revolutionary Road* (2008), as Mrs. Helen Givings — Fi1m 71, [page](https://film.one/film/revolutionary-road.md)
- *The Day the Earth Stood Still* (2008), as Regina Jackson — Fi1m 40, [page](https://film.one/film/the-day-the-earth-stood-still-2008.md)
- *Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys* (2008), as Charlotte Cartwright
- *The Golden Compass* (2007), as Hester (voice) — Fi1m 54, [page](https://film.one/film/the-golden-compass.md)
- *P.S. I Love You* (2007), as Patricia
- *Fred Claus* (2007), as Mother Claus
- *Bee Movie* (2007), as Janet Benson (voice) — Fi1m 55, [page](https://film.one/film/bee-movie.md)
- *Christmas Is Here Again* (2007), as Miss Dowdy (voice)
- *The Big Bang Theory* (2007), series, as Mrs. Fowler — Fi1m 68, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-big-bang-theory.md)
- *Guilty Hearts* (2007), as The Judge
- *Charlotte's Web* (2006), as Bitsy the Cow (voice)
- *Bonneville* (2006), as Margene Cunningham
- *Relative Strangers* (2006), as Agnes Menure
- *Failure to Launch* (2006), as Sue
- *Rumor Has It...* (2005), as Aunt Mitsy (uncredited)
- *Ambulance Girl* (2005), as Jane Stern · Director
- *Warm Springs* (2005), as Helena Mahoney
- *The Office* (2005), series, as Jo Bennett — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-office-2005.md)
- *American Dad!* (2005), series, as D.O. Rothy (voice)
- *Hansel and Gretel* (2005), as Narrator (voice)
- *The Bridge of San Luis Rey* (2004), as The Marquesa
- *The Cutting Edge: The Magic of Movie Editing* (2004), as Narrator (voice)
- *Popeye's Voyage: The Quest for Pappy* (2004), as Siren / Sea Hag (voice)
- *Little Black Book* (2004), as Kippie Kann
- *Around the World in 80 Days* (2004), as Queen Victoria — Fi1m 56, [page](https://film.one/film/around-the-world-in-80-days-2004.md)
- *Tupperware!* (2004), as Narrator
- *Two and a Half Men* (2003), series, as Charlie Harper — Fi1m 55, [page](https://film.one/tv/two-and-a-half-men.md)
- *Fargo* (2003), Director
- *Love Liza* (2002), as Mary Ann Bankhead
- *About Schmidt* (2002), as Roberta Hertzel — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/film/about-schmidt.md)
- *Everwood* (2002), series, Director
- *Unconditional Love* (2002), as Grace Beasley
- *Dragonfly* (2002), as Mrs. Belmont
- *My Sister's Keeper* (2002), as Christine Chapman
- *Rat Race* (2001), as The Squirrel Lady (uncredited)
- *American Outlaws* (2001), as Ma James
- *Six Feet Under* (2001), series, as Bettina · Director — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/tv/six-feet-under.md)
- *Without Lying Down: Frances Marion and the Power of Women in Hollywood* (2000), as Frances Marion (voice)
- *Bruno* (2000), as Mother Superior
- *Annie* (1999), as Miss Agatha Hannigan
- *Baby Steps* (1999), as Mrs. Mellon
- *Dash and Lilly* (1999), Director
- *A Civil Action* (1998), as Bankruptcy Judge (uncredited)
- *The Waterboy* (1998), as Mama Boucher
- *The Effects of Magic* (1998), as Raphaella, the Magic Bunny
- *Primary Colors* (1998), as Libby Holden
- *Swept from the Sea* (1998), as Miss Swaffer
- *Titanic* (1997), as Molly Brown — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/film/titanic.md)
- *Oz* (1997), series, Director — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/tv/oz.md)
- *King of the Hill* (1997), series, as Patrol Officer Jane Cooper (voice) — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/tv/king-of-the-hill-1997.md)
- *The War at Home* (1996), as Maurine Collier
- *Diabolique* (1996), as Det. Shirley Vogel
- *The Late Shift* (1996), as Helen Kushnick
- *3rd Rock from the Sun* (1996), series, as Charlotte Everly
- *The West Side Waltz* (1995), as Mr. Goo
- *MADtv* (1995), series, as Stuart's Grandma
- *Angus* (1995), as Meg Bethune
- *Talking With* (1995), as Big Eight (segment "Rodeo") · Director
- *Dolores Claiborne* (1995), as Dolores Claiborne
- *Curse of the Starving Class* (1994), as Ella Tate
- *North* (1994), as Alaskan Mom
- *The Stand* (1994), series, as Rae Flowers (uncredited)
- *A Home of Our Own* (1993), as Frances Lacey
- *NYPD Blue* (1993), series, Director — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/tv/nypd-blue.md)
- *Homicide: Life on the Street* (1993), series, Director — Fi1m 89, [page](https://film.one/tv/homicide-life-on-the-street.md)
- *Living and Working in Space: The Countdown Has Begun* (1993), as Lunar Mom
- *Used People* (1992), as Bibby Berman
- *Hostages* (1992), as Peggy Say
- *Prelude to a Kiss* (1992), as Leah Blier
- *Shelley Duvall's Bedtime Stories* (1992), series, as Narrator (voice)
- *Fried Green Tomatoes* (1991), as Evelyn Couch — Fi1m 75, [page](https://film.one/film/fried-green-tomatoes.md)
- *At Play in the Fields of the Lord* (1991), as Hazel Quarrier
- *Shadows and Fog* (1991), as Prostitute
- *The Road to Mecca* (1991), as Elsa Barlow
- *Misery* (1990), as Annie Wilkes — Fi1m 83, [page](https://film.one/film/misery.md)
- *White Palace* (1990), as Rosemary
- *Dick Tracy* (1990), as Mrs. Green
- *Men Don't Leave* (1990), as Lisa Coleman
- *No Place Like Home* (1989), as Bonnie Cooper
- *High Stakes* (1989), as Jill
- *Roe vs. Wade* (1989), as Jessie
- *Signs of Life* (1989), as Mary Beth Alder
- *American Experience* (1988), series, as Narrator (voice) · Narrator
- *Arthur 2: On the Rocks* (1988), as Mrs. Canby
- *China Beach* (1988), series, Actor
- *My Best Friend Is a Vampire* (1987), as Helen Blake
- *Summer Heat* (1987), as Ruth
- *Murder Ordained* (1987), series, as Bobbi Birk
- *Murder Ordained* (1987), as Bobbi Birk
- *The Morning After* (1986), as Woman on Mateo Street
- *L.A. Law* (1986), series, as Charlotte Haley
- *Johnny Bull* (1986), as Katherine Kovacs
- *Two of a Kind* (1983), as Furniture Man's Wife
- *Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean* (1982), as Stella Mae
- *St. Elsewhere* (1982), series, as Polly Miller — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/tv/st-elsewhere.md)
- *Cagney & Lacey* (1982), series, Actor — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/tv/cagney-and-lacey.md)
- *American Playhouse* (1982), series, as Mary Beth Alder
- *Straight Time* (1978), as Selma Darin
- *The Love Boat* (1977), series, as Sally Allison
- *Taking Off* (1971), as Audition Singer
- *Hallmark Hall of Fame* (1951), series, as Christine Chapman
- *The Smack*, as Babs
- *Scholastic Storybook Treasures: The Classic Collection*, series, Actor

## Gallery

- ![Kathy Bates as Evelyn Couch in Fried Green Tomatoes (1991)](https://film.one/media/title/4060/still-05725a310c6c.jpg) Kathy Bates as Evelyn Couch in *Fried Green Tomatoes* (1991) — Image via TMDB
- ![Kathy Bates](https://film.one/media/person/18504/gallery-1535d8ef6ba9.jpg) Kathy Bates — Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/49/SDCC_2015_-_Kathy_Bates_%2819551149449%29_%28cropped%29.jpg/1280px-SDCC_2015_-_Kathy_Bates_%2819551149449%29_%28cropped%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Kathy Bates](https://film.one/media/person/18504/gallery-969387f26f07.jpg) Kathy Bates — Image via TMDB
- ![Kathy Bates](https://film.one/media/person/18504/gallery-a5bce4beb72d.jpg) Kathy Bates — Image via TMDB
- ![Kathy Bates](https://film.one/media/person/18504/gallery-127b9dac6f4a.jpg) Kathy Bates — Image via TMDB
- ![Kathy Bates](https://film.one/media/person/18504/gallery-a99696a3691d.jpg) Kathy Bates — Image via TMDB
- ![Kathy Bates](https://film.one/media/person/18504/gallery-84772581548a.jpg) Kathy Bates — Image via TMDB
- ![Kathy Bates](https://film.one/media/person/18504/gallery-6309b9eab3c3.jpg) Kathy Bates — Image via TMDB

## Awards

### Academy Awards — 1 won, 3 nominated

- 2020: Best Supporting Actress (nominated), for *Richard Jewell*
- 2003: Best Supporting Actress (nominated), for *About Schmidt*
- 1999: Best Supporting Actress (nominated), for *Primary Colors*
- 1991: Best Actress (won), for *Misery*

### Primetime Emmy Awards — 2 won

- 2014: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie (won), for *American Horror Story: Coven*
- 2012: Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series (won), for *Two and a Half Men*

### Other awards — 0 won, 1 nominated

- Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play 1983: Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play (nominated)

*From Wikidata, which records wins more completely than nominations.*

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/kathy-bates