Actress Kathy Bates has been a prominent figure in both television and film for many years. Renowned for her portrayal of strong characters, she carries an equally formidable presence in real life.
After being diagnosed with a chronic illness, she had to make significant lifestyle adjustments…
In 1970, Kathy Bates moved to New York to pursue her acting dreams. Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledges that she was never the typical leading lady but found a way to thrive. “I was never an ingenue. I’ve always just been a character actor. When I was younger, it was a real problem, because I was never pretty enough. It was hard, not just for the lack of work, but because you have to face up to how people are looking at you,” Bates shared.
Her Broadway career took off in 1980 when she portrayed Stella May in Come Back To The Five And Dime Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean. There were times when she missed out on film adaptations of the characters she had played.
However, at the age of 42, she experienced a remarkable transformation into a successful star almost overnight with her role as a deranged fan in Misery, which won her an Academy Award for Best Actress.
Discussing the types of roles she was offered, she remarked, “You’re either young and glamorous and you’re going to get the lead, or it’s the opposite: you’re not attractive enough. So you’re playing the friend or the killer or the lesbian or the doctor or whatever.”
The character who embodies the youthful, attractive role that ends with a romantic resolution often lacks true power. Conversely, a character may possess strength but not exhibit traditional femininity.
She began her directing career with episodes for notable shows such as Homicide: Life On The Street, NYPD Blue, Oz, and the immensely popular series Six Feet Under.
In her personal journey, the actress has faced health challenges, having been diagnosed with cancer on two occasions: first with ovarian cancer in 2003 and then with breast cancer in 2012.
After undergoing surgery for her breast cancer, actress Kathy Bates began to share her experience with lymphedema. She now serves as a spokesperson for the Lymphatic Education & Research Network.
She shared her journey of losing 80 pounds over the past few years. The actress wears compression sleeves to prevent her arms from swelling, especially during flights or when engaging in physically demanding activities, as her condition can worsen without them.
To manage her condition, she reminds herself to take things slow. She explained, “If I can stop rushing, relax my shoulders, straighten my spine, breathe deeply, and focus on each little moment of completing a task, I have more confidence in my ability to live with LE. The pandemic forced me to slow down.”
She encourages others with the condition not to let it hinder their lives. The actress mentioned, “Going out in public wearing a compression garment, especially when people aren’t educated about LE, can sometimes be more painful than the disease itself. However, hiding at home and living a sedentary life will only make things worse for your body and brain.”
She emphasized the importance of not allowing her condition to define her, a principle she actively practices.
She is committed to advocating for increased research on lymphedema and securing funding for those raising awareness about the condition.
Kathy Bates continues to thrive despite her diagnosis, ensuring she takes on roles she loves and pursues the work she is passionate about!
The actress has discovered how to not only coexist with her condition but also to flourish alongside it.
