7 Shocking Facts About Kathy Bates: Her Current Age, Matlock Reboot, And Inspiring Health Battle

The question of "How old is Kathy Bates?" is more than just a search for a number; it’s a testament to the enduring, five-decade-long career of one of Hollywood’s most formidable talents. As of today, December 10, 2025, the celebrated actress is 77 years old, a milestone she achieved on June 28th. Her age is particularly striking when considering her current, high-profile role as the titular star in the new CBS legal drama, Matlock, a project that proves her legendary work ethic and magnetic screen presence remain undiminished.

Far from slowing down, the Oscar-winning powerhouse continues to dominate both film and television, cementing her status as a true icon. Her recent work on Matlock has not only captivated a new generation of viewers but also earned her a Critics' Choice Award, further validating her ability to breathe life into complex, unforgettable characters, a skill she has honed since her breakthrough role as the terrifying Annie Wilkes in Misery.

Kathleen Doyle Bates: A Complete Biographical Profile

Kathleen Doyle Bates, universally known as Kathy Bates, has established a legacy defined by versatility, intensity, and a knack for portraying strong, often unconventional women. Her career spans theater, film, and television, earning her the rare distinction of winning all three of the major acting awards: an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and two Emmy Awards.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

• Full Name: Kathleen Doyle Bates
• Date of Birth: June 28, 1948
• Current Age (Dec 2025): 77 years old
• Birthplace: Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
• Parents: Bertye Kathleen (née Talbert) and Langdon Doyle Bates
• Education: Southern Methodist University (BFA in Drama)
• Career Start: Late 1960s (New York City theater)
• Hollywood Breakthrough: Misery (1990)
• Major Awards: Academy Award for Best Actress, 2 Golden Globe Awards, 2 Screen Actors Guild Awards, 2 Primetime Emmy Awards, 2 Critics' Choice Awards.
• Key Film Roles: Misery, Titanic, Fried Green Tomatoes, About Schmidt, Primary Colors, Richard Jewell.
• Key TV Roles: American Horror Story (various seasons), Matlock (2024-Present), Harry's Law.
• Health Advocacy: Ovarian and Breast Cancer Survivor, Lymphedema Advocate.

The Current Chapter: Kathy Bates at 77 in the Matlock Reboot

For an actress who has spent over five decades in the demanding world of entertainment, Kathy Bates’s current workload is a powerful statement about her passion and energy. Her latest and most significant project is the lead role in the highly anticipated Matlock reboot on CBS, which is part of the 2024-2025 television schedule.

A Modern Take on a Classic Legal Drama

The new Matlock reimagines the classic Andy Griffith series with Bates stepping into the role of Madeline Matlock, a sharp, septuagenarian attorney who returns to her old law firm to tackle high-profile cases. This role is perfectly tailored to Bates’s unique dramatic and comedic range, allowing her to portray a character who is both formidable and deeply human. The series has been a critical success, highlighting the demand for strong, older female leads in prime-time television.

• The Role: Madeline Matlock, a brilliant but unconventional lawyer.
• The Platform: CBS, part of the 2024-2025 primetime lineup.
• Critical Acclaim: Bates secured a Critics' Choice Award for her performance, demonstrating that her ability to deliver award-worthy performances remains as strong as ever.

The success of Matlock is a clear indication that Kathy Bates is not just resting on her laurels. She is actively shaping the landscape of modern television, proving that talent and experience are the most valuable commodities in Hollywood, regardless of age.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

From Annie Wilkes to Lymphedema Advocate: Her Inspiring Health Journey

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Kathy Bates's life, and one that adds incredible depth to her public persona, is her inspiring and courageous battle against cancer. Her personal health journey is a testament to resilience, transforming her into a powerful advocate for others.

Twice a Cancer Survivor

Bates has faced cancer not once, but twice, demonstrating extraordinary strength and determination. Her first diagnosis came in 2003 when she was diagnosed with Stage I ovarian cancer. Following surgery and chemotherapy, she successfully beat the disease. Nearly a decade later, in 2012, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She chose to undergo a double mastectomy, a decision she has openly discussed to raise awareness.

Her openness about her diagnoses has demystified the process for countless fans and brought much-needed attention to early detection and treatment. She has often credited the support of her friends and her own proactive approach to health for saving her life.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

Advocacy for Lymphedema

A significant, and often lesser-known, part of her health story is her subsequent diagnosis of lymphedema, a chronic condition involving swelling, often in the arms or legs, that can be a side effect of cancer treatment, particularly lymph node removal.

Instead of remaining silent, Bates has become a passionate advocate for lymphedema awareness. She has served as the national spokesperson for the Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN), using her celebrity platform to lobby for research funding and better patient care. This role as a health crusader has added a profound layer to her legacy, showcasing her strength off-screen as much as her talent on-screen.

The Unforgettable Filmography: Iconic Roles and Career Entities

To understand Kathy Bates is to appreciate her incredible filmography, a collection of roles that have earned her a place among the greatest character actors of her generation. Her work is a masterclass in transformation, from the terrifying to the deeply sympathetic.

• Misery (1990): The role of Annie Wilkes, for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress, remains her most iconic performance. It established her as a global star and a master of psychological horror.
• Fried Green Tomatoes (1991): As Evelyn Couch, she delivered a performance that was both hilarious and deeply moving, showcasing her ability to handle complex emotional narratives.
• Titanic (1997): Her portrayal of the historical figure Molly Brown, the "Unsinkable Molly Brown," brought warmth and spirit to the blockbuster film, earning her widespread praise.
• Primary Colors (1998): She earned an Oscar nomination for her supporting role as the fierce political operative Libby Holden, demonstrating her command of dramatic political thrillers.
• About Schmidt (2002): Another Oscar-nominated supporting role, where her brief but unforgettable nude scene became a moment of cinematic bravery and humor.
• American Horror Story (2013-2016, 2018): Her collaboration with Ryan Murphy across multiple seasons (including Coven, Freak Show, and Hotel) introduced her to a new, younger audience and earned her an Emmy Award.
• Richard Jewell (2019): Her powerful performance as Bobi Jewell earned her a fourth Academy Award nomination, proving her relevance in contemporary cinema.

Kathy Bates is a rare talent whose career continues to evolve with grace and power. At 77, she is not merely a figure from Hollywood history but a vital, working actress whose current projects, like the *Matlock* reboot, are as compelling as her classic films. Her age is simply a measure of the wisdom and experience she brings to every role, making her an enduring inspiration both on and off the screen.