Kathy Bates Recalls Oscar Win

Kathy Bates, the illustrious actress who snagged an Oscar in 1991 for her iconic performance in the Stephen King thriller "Misery," recently made a surprising discovery that has left fans in disbelief: she had indeed thanked her mother during her acceptance speech, a fact she had forgotten!

A Candid Conversation on CBS Sunday Morning

During a candid chat on "CBS Sunday Morning" with Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz, Bates reflected on the immense sacrifices her parents made to support her pursuit of acting. However, she revealed that her mother's response to her accolades was less than warm. "When I won the Oscar for 'Misery,' she said, 'I don't know what all the excitement is about. You didn't discover the cure for cancer,'" Bates recalled.

The Surprising Twist

As the conversation progressed, Bates expressed her regret for not acknowledging her mother explicitly that night, saying, "I forgot to thank her that night." Mankiewicz, however, had a surprising twist up his sleeve. "You did thank her at the end of your speech," he pointed out.

Astonishment and Realization

Bates immediately disagreed, asserting, "No, I did not. I did not." To her shock, Mankiewicz played a recording of her acceptance speech from the 63rd Academy Awards held on March 25, 1991. As she listened, Bates' expression morphed from skepticism to sheer astonishment as she heard herself say, "I would like to thank my family, my friends, my mom at home, and my dad, who I hope is watching somewhere."

Reflections on Her Mother

"Thank you! Why did I think I didn't thank her?" Bates exclaimed, bewildered by the revelation. Mankiewicz then inquired why this acknowledgment meant so much to her. Bates candidly shared her feelings about her mother, reflecting, "'Cause she should have had my life." She vividly recalled a poignant moment after her mother's passing, saying, "When she died, I remember I said, 'Come into me.' I wanted her spirit to come into me, even though we had so many difficulties. I wanted her spirit to come into me and enjoy everything I was enjoying, because of what she'd given up."

Kathy Bates: A Hollywood Icon

Bates, who is now 76 and a two-time cancer survivor, has had an illustrious film career, starring in works like "Titanic," "About Schmidt," and the acclaimed TV series "American Horror Story." Recently, she hinted at retirement from acting, highlighting the struggle women her age face in a society that often renders them invisible. However, she is currently enjoying a role in the new CBS series "Matlock," which offers a fresh perspective against that backdrop of invisibility.

Looking Forward

"It’s fantastic. I think it's one of the most wonderful roles I've ever had to play," Bates declared with enthusiasm. When asked about her plans for retirement, she firmly asserted, "Not retiring. I want to stay for this show for as long as it runs, and I hope it runs for a very long time."

Conclusion

As fans watch Bates continue to shine in her career, her heartwarming acknowledgment of her mother's influence adds a layer of depth to her already impressive legacy. Stay tuned as Kathy Bates proves that even icons can take surprising journeys of realization!