Kathy Bates' Final Act: 5 Shocking Details About Her Retirement, 100-Lb Weight Loss, And The 'Matlock' Reboot

Hollywood icon Kathy Bates is currently in the middle of what she calls her "last dance," starring in the highly anticipated CBS reboot of *Matlock* and receiving a prestigious 2025 Emmy nomination for the role. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the legendary actress has been more candid than ever about her health journey, revealing a dramatic 100-pound weight loss and her decision to step away from acting after her current project. This article dives deep into the most recent and compelling updates surrounding the Oscar winner, from her personal health battles to her final, triumphant role on television.

The sheer longevity and versatility of Kathy Bates' career—spanning over five decades from her breakout role as Annie Wilkes in *Misery* to her chilling performances in *American Horror Story*—make her current announcements all the more significant. Her recent public statements about her health and future plans paint a picture of an actress closing a phenomenal chapter on her own terms, making the *Matlock* reboot a must-watch television event.

The Complete Biography and Career Profile of Kathleen Doyle Bates

Kathleen Doyle Bates, known universally as Kathy Bates, is one of the most respected and decorated actresses in American cinema and television. Her ability to inhabit complex, often formidable characters has earned her an Academy Award, two Emmy Awards, and two Golden Globe Awards.

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• Full Name: Kathleen Doyle Bates
• Date of Birth: June 28, 1948
• Age (as of December 2025): 77
• Place of Birth: Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
• Education: Southern Methodist University (SMU) (B.F.A.)
• Spouse: Tony Campisi (m. 1991; div. 1997)
• Major Accolades: Academy Award for Best Actress (*Misery*), multiple Emmy Awards, two Golden Globes.
• Iconic Film Roles: *Misery* (1990), *Fried Green Tomatoes* (1991), *Dolores Claiborne* (1995), *Titanic* (1997), *Primary Colors* (1998), *The Blind Side* (2009), *Richard Jewell* (2019).
• Iconic TV Roles: *American Horror Story* (various seasons), *The Office* (Jo Bennett), and the current CBS series *Matlock* (2024–2025).

1. The Retirement Announcement: 'Matlock' is Her 'Last Dance'

Perhaps the most poignant news surrounding Kathy Bates in late 2024 is her declaration that the CBS legal drama *Matlock* will be her final acting project. The actress has openly referred to the series as her "last dance," signaling her intention to retire from showbiz after the show concludes its run.

The announcement has added a layer of emotional weight to the *Matlock* reboot, which premiered in late 2024. Bates takes on the titular role, a gender-flipped reimagining of the classic character, playing Madeline "Matty" Matlock, a sharp-witted septuagenarian who rejoins the workforce after a successful career to solve cold cases. The series has been met with critical acclaim, further cementing Bates' legacy. The Television Critics Association recognized her enduring career by naming her the 2025 Career Achievement Award recipient, perfectly timed with her final major project.

Her decision to retire comes after a demanding career that has required immense physical and emotional commitment. For an actress who has consistently delivered powerhouse performances, the choice to step away on such a high note—with an Emmy nomination for *Matlock* in 2025—is a testament to her control over her own narrative.

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2. Her Candid Health Journey: 100-Pound Weight Loss and Diabetes Management

In recent years, Kathy Bates has been incredibly open about her health battles, offering a powerful message of resilience and self-care. The most visible change has been her dramatic weight loss, shedding a remarkable 100 pounds.

This health transformation began after she was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. She emphasized that the weight loss was not for vanity but a necessary response to her health difficulties, stating she is now "in the best health I've been in in years." Bates attributes the success to a shift toward a healthier lifestyle and listening to her body's signals, a journey she has been sharing publicly to inspire others facing similar challenges.

Her transparency about her health is part of a broader commitment to advocacy, particularly for issues stemming from her previous cancer diagnoses. Bates is a two-time cancer survivor, having successfully battled ovarian cancer in 2003 and breast cancer in 2012, which led to a double mastectomy.

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3. Lymphedema Advocacy and the Decision Against Breast Reconstruction

Following her double mastectomy, Kathy Bates developed lymphedema, a chronic condition causing swelling, which is a common side effect of lymph node removal during cancer treatment. Rather than hide the condition, Bates has become a vocal advocate, using her platform to raise awareness and push for better research and treatment.

The actress has shared the physical and psychological toll of lymphedema, which she described as a "constant battle," but she continues to work with organizations to champion the cause. Her advocacy has brought much-needed attention to this often-misunderstood post-cancer complication.

In a significant personal update in November 2024, Bates revealed her decision not to undergo breast reconstruction surgery, a choice she made following her double mastectomy. She expressed gratitude for her doctors' decision regarding pain medication during her treatment, which contributed to her choice. This decision is a powerful statement on body image, health autonomy, and prioritizing well-being over societal expectations, further solidifying her role as a genuine and inspiring figure in the entertainment industry.

4. The Lasting Legacy of Her Most Iconic Roles

While *Matlock* is her current focus, no discussion of Kathy Bates is complete without acknowledging the roles that define her topical authority. Her performance as the deranged, obsessive fan Annie Wilkes in the Stephen King adaptation *Misery* (1990) remains a cultural touchstone, earning her the Academy Award for Best Actress.

Beyond the horror genre, Bates has demonstrated incredible range, playing the resilient Evelyn Couch in *Fried Green Tomatoes* (1991), the formidable Dolores Claiborne in the 1995 adaptation, and the unsinkable Molly Brown in *Titanic* (1997). Her frequent collaborations with Ryan Murphy on *American Horror Story* (AHS) have introduced her to a new generation of fans, where she played characters ranging from Madame Delphine LaLaurie to the Butcher, showcasing her unmatched ability to pivot between comedy, drama, and horror.

5. Kathy Bates' Personal Life and Marriage to Tony Campisi

Despite her very public professional life, Bates has kept her personal affairs relatively private. She was married once to fellow actor Tony Campisi.

• Relationship Timeline: Bates and Campisi first met in 1977 at a play. They dated for 14 years before tying the knot.
• Marriage and Divorce: They were married in 1991, the same year Bates won her Oscar for *Misery*. The marriage lasted six years, with the couple divorcing in 1997.

Bates has been single since her divorce from Campisi. Her focus has remained on her career and, more recently, her health and advocacy work. Her enduring friendship with former co-stars and her dedication to her craft continue to define her life outside of her brief, high-profile marriage.

As Kathy Bates enters what she has designated as her final chapter in acting with *Matlock*, her career stands as a monument to talent, persistence, and authenticity. Her willingness to share her struggles with cancer, lymphedema, and weight loss, combined with her continued artistic excellence, makes her retirement not an end, but a powerful, inspiring final bow.