The Untold Truth About Kathy Bates' 'Wife': Is The Matlock Star Currently Married In 2025?

Despite decades of dominating Hollywood with iconic, unforgettable roles, the private life of Oscar-winning actress Kathy Bates remains a subject of intense curiosity for fans, especially regarding her current marital status. As of late 2024, the acclaimed star of *Misery* and the CBS reboot of *Matlock* is not married and does not have a "wife," having been previously married to a man, actor Tony Campisi, for six years before their divorce in 1997. The enduring question about her relationships is often fueled by the stark contrast between her fiercely independent public persona and the reality of her long, single life following a high-profile split that she has openly discussed.

The search term "Kathy Bates wife" is a common query that leads to a deep dive into her relationship history, confirming that the actress, who is now in her mid-70s, has been single for well over two decades, focusing instead on her legendary career which continues to thrive with her latest Emmy-nominated role. The truth is that Kathy Bates has only been married once, and the end of that union coincided with a massive upswing in her professional life, leading her to prioritize work over romance in the subsequent years.

Kathleen Doyle Bates: A Complete Biography and Profile

Kathleen Doyle Bates is one of the most respected and decorated actresses in American cinema, known for her versatility across film, television, and theater. Her career is a testament to perseverance, having achieved her major breakthrough later in life.

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• Full Name: Kathleen Doyle Bates
• Date of Birth: June 28, 1948
• Place of Birth: Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
• Age (as of late 2024): 76
• Education: Southern Methodist University (B.F.A. in Drama, 1969)
• Career Span: 1969–Present
• Spouse: Tony Campisi (m. 1991; div. 1997)
• Children: None
• Key Accolades:
  • Academy Award (Oscar) for Best Actress (*Misery*)
  • Two Primetime Emmy Awards (for *American Horror Story: Coven* and *Two and a Half Men*)
  • Two Golden Globe Awards
  • Two Screen Actors Guild Awards
• Notable Roles (Selected Entities): Annie Wilkes (*Misery*), Evelyn Couch (*Fried Green Tomatoes*), Molly Brown (*Titanic*), Libby Holden (*Primary Colors*), Roberta Hertzel (*About Schmidt*), Bobi Jewell (*Richard Jewell*), Delphine LaLaurie (*AHS: Coven*), Iris (*AHS: Hotel*), Matty Matlock (*Matlock* reboot).

The Only Man in Her Life: Kathy Bates' Marriage to Tony Campisi

The core of Kathy Bates' romantic history revolves entirely around her relationship with actor and playwright Tony Campisi. Their connection was a slow burn that spanned over two decades, though their actual marriage was surprisingly brief.

A 14-Year Courtship Before the Vows

Bates and Campisi first crossed paths in 1977, long before Bates achieved international fame. They were both working in the New York theater scene, and their relationship developed over 14 years of dating. This lengthy courtship is often highlighted as a sign of their deep, established bond before they finally decided to tie the knot.

They married in 1991, shortly after Bates’ career exploded with her Oscar-winning performance as the terrifying Annie Wilkes in *Misery* (1990). Campisi is an actor known for roles in films like *Spider-Man 2* and various television series.

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The Divorce: Fame and Career Demands

The marriage lasted only six years, with the couple divorcing in 1997. The split was reportedly amicable, but sources close to the couple and Bates herself have indicated that the immense success and demanding schedule following *Misery* played a significant role in the dissolution of their marriage.

As Bates became a major Hollywood force, securing roles in classics like *Fried Green Tomatoes* and *Titanic*, the pressures of two demanding acting careers strained the relationship. Bates has since spoken candidly about the difficulties of dating and maintaining a relationship in the spotlight, especially after playing a character as iconic and terrifying as Annie Wilkes, which she joked made it "hard to get a date."

Kathy Bates’ Current Marital Status and Focus in 2025

Today, Kathy Bates is single and has been for over 25 years since her divorce from Tony Campisi. She has channeled her energy into a prolific and critically acclaimed second act of her career, embracing television and securing a new generation of fans.

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The Matlock Reboot and Her "Last Dance"

The most current and relevant project for Bates is the CBS reboot of the legal drama *Matlock*, where she stars as the title character, Madeline "Matty" Matlock. This role has proven to be a massive success, earning her a Golden Globe nomination and an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in the 2025 awards season.

The show has already been renewed for a second season, extending her current run on network television. Intriguingly, Bates recently made headlines by suggesting that the *Matlock* reboot might be her "last dance" in show business, hinting at a potential retirement after the series concludes. This statement has led to speculation about what she might pursue next, though she has not publicly indicated a new romantic partner or a change in her single status.

Health, Weight Loss, and Personal Triumph

In addition to her professional achievements, Bates has been outspoken about her personal health journey. As a two-time cancer survivor (ovarian and breast cancer), she has become a vocal advocate for lymphedema awareness.

She has also undergone a significant, intentional weight loss, which she has attributed to improving her overall health and managing her lymphedema. This focus on her well-being underscores her current priority: self-care and professional fulfillment, rather than actively seeking a spouse or partner.

Why the Search for "Kathy Bates Wife" Persists

The persistent search for "Kathy Bates wife" or "Kathy Bates husband" is a testament to the public's desire to understand the personal life of a star who embodies strength and independence on screen. Bates has never publicly identified as anything other than heterosexual, making the search for a "wife" likely a generalized query for her current partner.

Her work on the anthology series *American Horror Story* (AHS) further cemented her status as a pop culture icon, where she played a variety of complex, often dark characters, including Madame Delphine LaLaurie in *Coven* (which earned her an Emmy). The sheer range and depth of her roles—from the sweet-natured Evelyn Couch in *Fried Green Tomatoes* to the terrifying Annie Wilkes—have created a mystique around her real-life persona, leaving fans to wonder about the person behind the powerful performances.

Ultimately, as of today, Kathy Bates is a single, immensely successful woman who continues to defy expectations, proving that one can achieve legendary status and personal happiness without being defined by marital status. Her focus remains on delivering powerhouse performances, with her current work on *Matlock* promising to be a spectacular final chapter to an already brilliant career.