Kathy Bates: 'Matlock' Season 2, Weight Loss Journey, and Emmy Buzz
Kathy Bates is experiencing a career resurgence with the success of "Matlock" Season 2, coupled with a significant weight loss transformation and critical acclaim. This article delves into her journey, exploring her reflections on the past, her present triumphs, and future aspirations.
Sam Rockwell's Praise and Bates' Reaction
Sam Rockwell, Bates' former co-star, described her as a "badass motherfucker," praising her talent and energy. Bates, while in her "Matlock" dressing room, responded humorously, admitting she feels like a "baller" when around him. She revealed their playful text exchanges and embraced the idea of playing a Marvel/DC superhero or supervillain.
A Career Transformation and "Redemption Stage"
At 77, Bates feels she's entered the "redemption stage" of her life, marked by career acceleration and personal well-being. The success of "Matlock," returning for Season 2, has given her a new sense of purpose. She uses her influence to ensure the show films in Los Angeles and that the cast and crew are treated well. Bates believes she has fought her way through rapids and is finally her true self, which makes her feel that she is in the best time of her life.
Weight Loss and Health
Bates has lost around 100 pounds and maintains a clean bill of health after surviving multiple cancer battles. This physical transformation has boosted her confidence. Bates addressed the misconceptions regarding the use of Ozempic stating, "People say, ‘Well, it was the Ozempic.’ F— you, it was the Ozempic! It took me years to do this". She explained that it was the result of years of healthy habits, with Ozempic helping her lose the last 15 to 20 pounds.
"Matlock" Success and Accolades
"Matlock" has garnered nearly 16 million viewers, leading to a string of honors for Bates, including a Critics Choice Award. She is also the oldest-ever Emmy nominee in the outstanding drama actress category. She enjoys the historic significance and appreciates the designer dresses being sent to her.
Embracing Transformation and Overcoming Challenges
Bates shared an emotional experience of trying on a dress that fit after years of weight struggles. This led her to reflect on the emotional armor she carried and the emotions surfacing without it. The show "Matlock", for Bates, has been a professional redemption too, for someone who says she was “about ready to hang it up” before the show came along.
"Matlock" Character and Dynamic
Bates plays Madeline Kingston, who goes undercover as "Matty" Matlock. The character is set on avenging her daughter’s death from opioids. The series balances tones, requiring Bates to deliver nuanced performances. The relationship between Matty and Olympia (played by Skye Marshall) is a key element of the show. Skye Marshall also noted that Kathy Bates empowers you in the simplest forms, recalling the pilot that aired with numbers “through the roof” where they both started crying with joy.
Looking Back at "Misery" and Early Career
Bates reflects on feeling "ill prepared" when she hit the big time with "Misery" in 1991, describing herself as a "country bumpkin." She felt unprotected and inexperienced despite her success. This naivete was compared to her character, Annie Wilkes, by director Rob Reiner. The role landed her a Best Actress award at the 1991 Oscars ceremony which was presented by Daniel Day-Lewis. She expresses regret over her performance in "Fried Green Tomatoes" feeling she could have done a better job.
Recent Projects and Recognition
In recent years, Bates has earned an Emmy for "American Horror Story: Coven" and an Oscar nomination for "Richard Jewell." She starred in the sitcom "Disjointed." Fellow "American Horror Story" alum, Jessica Lange has said Bates is "one of the best actors I've ever worked with.” Anthony Ramos spoke fondly of a spiritual moment he shared with Bates before they got on stage at the Golden Globes.
Remembering "Harry's Law" and Speaking Out
Bates remembers her time on "Harry's Law" where she played Harriet Korn. The show was canceled despite its popularity with older viewers. Bates criticized NBC's decision, feeling they "treated us like shit" for focusing on younger demographics. She humorously states that she felt as though she was getting revenge on them from the success she has now.
Filming in Los Angeles and Supporting the Industry
Bates used her influence to ensure "Matlock" filmed in Los Angeles, supporting the local industry. She prioritizes the well-being of the cast and crew. Jason Ritter mentioned that it was nice for him to be able to go to work, then come home to his daughter. Bates is against filming outside of Los Angeles, stating that this is Hollywood and that there is “so much history here”.
Concerns About the Arts and Diversity
Bates expresses concern about attacks on the arts and wonders what the rollback of diversity and inclusion in Hollywood might mean for shows like hers. She accepted a best dramatic actress prize for "Matlock" from the African American Film Critics Association.
Fighting Lymphedema and Addressing AI
As a global spokesperson for the Lymphatic Education & Research Network, Bates is concerned about government cuts to funding. She shares a personal experience with AI, revealing that a fake version of her is promoting a banana diet on Facebook. Bates stated that you could have her out there selling “ICBM missiles or whatever!”
Kathy Bates at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards
Kathy Bates, nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Matlock, attended the 77th annual Primetime Emmy Awards looking radiant. The event took place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on September 14. She wore an elegant dark floor-length gown with an open neckline paired with eye-catching jewelry, including an 18k white gold double tennis bracelet with pear-cut diamonds totaling 25.65 carats by Rahaminov Diamonds. The jewelry further emphasized the skin-baring silhouette with her grays styled in a voluminous updo. Her makeup featured a bold red lip.
Previous Awards Shows and Fashion Choices
At the 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards, she sported a shiny black tailored blazer with matching pants by Giorgio Armani. She also wore Sneex. At the 2025 Critics' Choice Awards, where she won Best Actress in a Drama Series for Matlock, she wore an edgy black moto-style leather jacket over a black satin top. At the 2025 Golden Globes, Kathy Bates stunned in another Giorgio Armani black number, opting for a beaded dinner jacket that cinched at the waist. She paired the jacket with black tuxedo pants and a matching crystal-covered evening bag.
Emotional Experience at the 2024 Emmys
Bates revealed her weight loss at the 2024 Emmys, looking stunning in a Giorgio Armani dress. Preparing for the event was an "emotional experience," as she fit into clothes she hadn't worn in a while. Pictures on the red carpet were so different from any pictures she'd ever had taken on a red carpet. I just felt so relaxed and ready."
Addressing Ozempic Claims
In a recent interview with Variety, Bates shut down claims that her 100-lb weight loss was solely due to Ozempic, emphasizing the impact of lifestyle and dietary changes over six years. “People say, ‘Well, it was the Ozempic.’ F— you, it was the Ozempic! It took me years to do this,” she told the outlet. “And then when Ozempic came along, I was able to lose the last 15 to 20 pounds and keep it off,” she added.
Looking Forward
Kathy Bates hopes her career momentum continues, expressing her love for what she does. She remains a "badass motherfucker," ready for new challenges and opportunities, whether as a dramatic actress or a comic-book-movie outlaw.
