Kathy Bates’ Age And The Secret 'Last Dance' Project That Earned Her A 2025 Emmy Nod

The legendary Kathleen Doyle Bates, known globally as Kathy Bates, is currently 77 years old as of December 2025, having been born on June 28, 1948, in Memphis, Tennessee. Her remarkable career, spanning over five decades, continues to thrive, most recently with her starring role in the critically acclaimed CBS reboot of *Matlock*, a performance that earned her a major 2025 Emmy nomination. This Oscar and two-time Emmy winner remains one of Hollywood's most respected and versatile actors, consistently taking on complex, memorable roles. While her current age is a testament to her enduring career, it’s the recent news—including a hint that her current show might be her "last dance"—that has fans and critics alike paying close attention to every move she makes.

Kathy Bates: Complete Biography and Profile

Kathleen Doyle Bates was born on June 28, 1948, in Memphis, Tennessee, as the youngest of three daughters. Her father, Langston Doyle Bates, was a mechanical engineer, and her mother, Bertie Kathleen, was a homemaker. This Southern upbringing laid the foundation for the powerful, authentic performances that would later define her career.

• Full Name: Kathleen Doyle Bates
• Date of Birth: June 28, 1948
• Current Age (as of Dec 2025): 77 years old
• Birthplace: Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
• Parents: Langston Doyle Bates (father), Bertie Kathleen Bates (mother)
• Education: Southern Methodist University (BFA)
• Career Span: 1969–present
• Marital Status: Divorced (Tony Campisi, 1991–1997)
• Major Accolades: Academy Award, two Golden Globe Awards, two Emmy Awards, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards.
• Estimated Net Worth: $20–$22 Million (as of 2025)

Bates began her career on the New York stage, making her film debut in 1971. However, it was her chilling, Oscar-winning portrayal of the obsessive fan Annie Wilkes in the 1990 film *Misery* that catapulted her to international stardom.

The ‘Last Dance’: Kathy Bates’ Latest Projects and Retirement Talk

Despite being in her mid-70s, Kathy Bates is currently experiencing a career resurgence that rivals her earlier success. This late-career momentum is centered on her starring role in the CBS legal drama *Matlock*, a modern-day reboot of the classic Andy Griffith series.

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In the new series, Bates plays Madeline “Matty” Matlock, a sharp, septuagenarian lawyer who returns to the firm where she first started her career. The show has been a hit, and her performance was recognized with a prestigious 2025 Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

The buzz around the show, however, has been amplified by Bates’ own comments. She recently referred to *Matlock* as her "last dance," suggesting that this high-profile project might be her final acting role before stepping away from the spotlight. This statement, made in an interview, has led to widespread speculation about her retirement.

However, in a classic Kathy Bates twist, she has also expressed immense joy and engagement with the role, noting that she is "having way too much fun to retire." This conflicting sentiment leaves fans hopeful that the actress will continue her work well into her late 70s and beyond, regardless of the show's future.

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Health Battles and Her Powerful Advocacy for Lymphedema Awareness

A significant part of Kathy Bates’ life and public persona involves her courageous and open battle with two different forms of cancer, which has profoundly impacted her health and led to a new role as a health advocate.

Her first diagnosis was for ovarian cancer in 2003. Years later, in 2012, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Following her second diagnosis, she underwent a double mastectomy. While both surgeries were successful in treating the cancer, the removal of her lymph nodes resulted in a chronic condition known as lymphedema.

Lymphedema is a condition characterized by swelling, typically in the limbs, caused by a blockage in the lymphatic system. Bates has spoken candidly about the difficulties of living with lymphedema, including managing the symptoms and the lack of public awareness about the condition.

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Since her diagnosis, Bates has become a powerful voice in the health community, serving as the national spokesperson for the Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN). She has used her platform to push for more research, better treatment, and increased awareness, transforming her personal struggle into a mission to help others.

To help manage her lymphedema symptoms, Bates undertook a significant weight loss journey, shedding approximately 60 pounds by 2019. This proactive approach to her health demonstrates the same resilience and determination she brings to her acting roles.

The Enduring Legacy of a Character Actress

While the question of "how old is Kathy Bates" is easily answered, the true measure of her career lies in the depth of her filmography and the iconic characters she has brought to life. Her ability to transition seamlessly between comedy, drama, and horror is a testament to her formidable talent.

Her work in the *American Horror Story* anthology series has introduced her to a new generation of fans, showcasing her versatility in macabre and complex roles. Furthermore, her memorable turn as the unsinkable Molly Brown in the 1997 blockbuster *Titanic* remains one of her most beloved performances.

From the terrifying Annie Wilkes to the compassionate Miss Molly Brown, and now the sharp-witted Matty Matlock, Kathy Bates’ legacy is one of uncompromising authenticity and enduring excellence. Her continued presence on screen, even as she hints at retirement, ensures that she remains a vital and compelling figure in Hollywood.