Kathy Bates’ Top 15 Iconic Film and TV Roles You’ll Never Forget

Kathy Bates’ remarkable acting prowess was first unveiled on the New York stage, where she delivered a riveting performance in the ensemble comedic drama “Come Back to the 5 and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean.” Directed by the esteemed Robert Altman, this film adaptation marked a pivotal moment, launching Cher’s acting career and thrusting Bates into the limelight. The storyline revolves around a reunion of a James Dean fan club, where long-buried secrets are unearthed, and old grievances and conflicts take center stage.

Many major stars, including Jessica Lange and Bette Midler, turned down the lead role in this Stephen King adaptation about an obsessed fan who holds her favorite author hostage. However, director Rob Reiner saw Bates’ performance in the play “Aunt Dan and Lemon” and took a chance on the relatively unknown film actress. Bates’ portrayal of the deranged superfan was a resounding success, earning her the Academy Award for Best Actress and numerous other accolades.

Departing from Woody Allen’s signature urban dramas and comedies, “Shadows and Fog” transports viewers to a fictional European setting in an unspecified era. Bates assumes the role of one of a group of vigilante prostitutes, alongside luminaries like Lily Tomlin and Jodie Foster, who band together to stop a serial killer on the loose. Despite the dark subject matter, the film maintains a comedic undertone, punctuated by classic Woody Allen quips, such as when he encounters a sword-swallowing circus performer played by Mia Farrow and inquires about the potential consequences of hiccups during her act.

Following her Oscar-winning turn as the malevolent antagonist in “Misery,” Bates showcased her versatility with a completely opposite role in “Fried Green Tomatoes.” She plays a shy and timid housewife who finds strength through the stories shared by a nursing home resident played by Oscar nominee Jessica Tandy.

The film features a classic movie moment when Bates’ character demolishes another woman’s car after being denied a parking space, declaring, “I’m older, and I have better insurance.”

Adapted from a Stephen King novel, “Dolores Claiborne” holds a special place in Bates’ heart, as she has declared it her favorite of all the roles she has portrayed. The film seamlessly transitions between the present day and the past, exploring the tumultuous relationship between a mother (Bates) and her daughter (Jennifer Jason Leigh), who has not spoken to her in years. The harrowing backstory reveals how Dolores plotted to kill her abusive husband to protect her daughter from his vile actions.

“The Late Shift” is a 1996 HBO TV movie that dramatizes the behind-the-scenes turmoil surrounding the late-night talk show landscape in the 1990s, focusing on the competition between David Letterman and Jay Leno for the coveted host position of “The Tonight Show.” Kathy Bates plays the role of Helen Kushnick, Letterman’s formidable executive producer, who is fiercely protective of her boss and plays a pivotal role in the ensuing drama.

Bates’ powerful performance earned her an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie, further cementing her reputation as a talented and dynamic actress.

James Cameron’s epic, “Titanic,” garnered an astounding eleven Academy Awards and became a box office juggernaut. While the film’s central characters are fictional, Bates portrays the real-life Molly Brown, a role previously brought to life by Best Actress Oscar nominee Debbie Reynolds in “The Unsinkable Molly Brown.” Bates’ haunting reaction to the ship’s sinking, as she watches from a lifeboat, and her impassioned pleas for the crew to return and rescue the drowning passengers are among the film’s most unforgettable moments.

Based on an anonymous insider account of a president and first lady closely resembling Bill and Hillary Clinton, “Primary Colors” earned Bates her second Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Her portrayal of a political operative in the film was so compelling that she also took home the SAG Award for Best Female Actor in a Motion Picture, despite her character’s tragic demise.

Jack Nicholson stars as a directionless widower grappling with retirement in “About Schmidt,” a role that earned Bates her third Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Her portrayal of the free-spirited mother of Nicholson’s daughter’s fiancé includes a memorable comic moment where she attempts to seduce Nicholson in a hot tub.

In “Revolutionary Road,” Bates reunited with her “Titanic” co-stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, this time portraying a busybody real estate agent who finds the deeply unhappy married couple their suburban home. Her character is also the mother of Michael Shannon’s psychologically tormented young man, who delivers a scathing critique of DiCaprio and Winslet’s characters for settling for a humdrum life in the suburbs instead of pursuing their dreams of moving to Paris.

Sandra Bullock’s Academy Award-winning performance in “The Blind Side” was bolstered by Bates’ supporting role as a tutor hired by the wealthy Tennessee family to help a neglected high school football player improve his grades.

In Woody Allen’s whimsical exploration of a screenwriter’s (Owen Wilson) time-traveling adventures in Paris, Bates portrays the famed writer Gertrude Stein, whom Wilson encounters during one of his fantastical nights on the town. Allen’s screenplay for the film earned him an Oscar.

“American Horror Story” is a critically acclaimed anthology series created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, known for its unique blend of horror, drama, and dark humor. Kathy Bates has made a significant impact on the series with her memorable roles.

In “Coven,” she portrays Delphine LaLaurie, a sadistic 19th-century socialite, earning her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie. In “Freak Show,” she takes on the role of Ethel Darling, a bearded lady who fiercely protects her fellow performers.

Bates also stars in “Hotel” as Iris, a devoted mother navigating the eerie world of a haunted hotel. Her diverse performances across these seasons showcase her exceptional range and ability to bring complex characters to life.

“Richard Jewell,” directed by Clint Eastwood, tells the true story of the security guard who was falsely accused of being a suspect in the 1996 Centennial Olympic Park bombing. Kathy Bates plays Bobi Jewell, Richard’s devoted mother, who fiercely supports her son during the intense scrutiny and media frenzy. Her heartfelt portrayal earned Bates an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, highlighting her ability to convey deep emotional strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

As we celebrate Kathy Bates’ remarkable career and her best roles, it’s exciting to look forward to her latest performance in the gender-flipped spinoff of “Matlock,” which continues to showcase her extraordinary talent. With the second episode set to air on CBS on Thursday, October 17, fans old and new are sure to be captivated by her portrayal of this iconic character.

Bates’ ability to bring depth and nuance to every role she takes on not only reinforces her status as a legendary actress but also promises to keep audiences engaged for years to come. Her enduring legacy is a testament to her skill and dedication, making her a true icon in the entertainment industry.