Kathleen Doyle Bates, known professionally as Kathy Bates, is an acclaimed American actress whose career spans over five decades. Born on June 28, 1948, in Memphis, Tennessee, Bates has become a prominent figure in both film and television, celebrated for her remarkable performances that often showcase her versatility and depth. She gained international recognition for her role as Annie Wilkes in the psychological thriller Misery (1990), a performance that earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress and solidified her status as a powerhouse in the entertainment industry.

Bates grew up in a supportive family, with her father, Langdon Doyle Bates, and her mother, Bertye Kathleen Talbot, who passed away in 1997, fostering her early interest in the arts. She pursued her passion for theater at Southern Methodist University before moving to New York City to embark on an acting career. There, she began landing minor roles in stage productions, with her first significant on-screen appearance in Taking Off (1971). Her Broadway debut came with the play Vanities in 1976, and she was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance in 'night, Mother in 1983. Her talent was further recognized with an Obie Award for her role in Terrence McNally's Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune in 1988.

In addition to her Oscar-winning role in Misery, Bates has been nominated for the Academy Award on three other occasions, showcasing her exceptional range. She received nominations for her performances as a political operative in Primary Colors (1998), a free-spirited neighbor in About Schmidt (2002), and as the mother of a bombing suspect in Richard Jewell (2019). Her filmography also includes memorable roles in classics such as Fried Green Tomatoes (1991), Dolores Claiborne (1995), Titanic (1997), The Waterboy (1998), Revolutionary Road (2008), The Blind Side (2009), Midnight in Paris (2011), and more recently, Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. (2023).

On television, Bates has made significant contributions, winning two Primetime Emmy Awards for her performances. She was recognized for her role as the Ghost of Charlie Harper in Two and a Half Men (2012) and for her portrayal of Delphine LaLaurie in American Horror Story: Coven (2013). Bates has also received Emmy nominations for her work in The Late Shift (1996), Annie (1999), Six Feet Under (2003), Warm Springs (2005), Harry's Law (2011–2012), American Horror Story: Freak Show (2014), and American Horror Story: Hotel (2015). She has recently taken on the titular role in the CBS series Matlock, which began airing in 2024, earning her yet another Emmy nomination.

Outside of her acting career, Bates is also recognized for her advocacy work, particularly in health awareness. After undergoing a double mastectomy and developing lymphedema, she became a spokesperson for the Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN), using her platform to raise awareness about the condition and support those affected by it. Kathy Bates continues to inspire audiences with her talent and resilience, making her a beloved figure in the entertainment world.