Kathy Bates' Surprising Revelation

In a surprising revelation, legendary actress Kathy Bates shared that she was unaware she had thanked her mother during her iconic Oscar acceptance speech for her role in the gripping thriller “Misery,” a film adaptation of Stephen King's novel, back in 1991. This unexpected twist came during an interview on “CBS Sunday Morning,” where Bates conversed with Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz.

Reflection on Journey

Reflecting on her journey, Bates emphasized the sacrifices her parents made for her to pursue her passion for acting. Despite her illustrious career, which includes a Tony Award nomination for “'Night, Mother,” her mother’s reaction to her success was less than supportive. Bates recounted her mother's dismissive words upon her Oscar win: “I don't know what all the excitement's about. You didn't discover the cure for cancer.

A Mix of Nostalgia and Disbelief

In a moment of nostalgia mixed with disbelief, Bates expressed regret over what she believed was her omission of thanking her mother in her acceptance speech. However, as Mankiewicz played a recording of her speech from the 63rd Academy Awards, Bates was shocked to realize she had, in fact, acknowledged her mother, saying, “I would like to thank my family, my friends, my mom at home, and my dad, who I hope is watching somewhere.”

Confusion and Warmth

Her response to this revelation was a mix of confusion and warmth: “Why did I think I didn't thank her?” Bates pondered, before explaining the emotional weight of that moment. “'Cause she should have had my life,” Bates revealed, highlighting the complexity of their relationship. “When she died, I wanted her spirit to come into me and enjoy everything I was enjoying, because of what she'd given up.”

Kathy Bates Today

At 76 years old and a two-time cancer survivor, Bates remains a formidable force in Hollywood. Alongside her Oscar-winning performance in “Misery,” she has starred in a plethora of beloved films such as “Titanic,” “About Schmidt,” and the critically acclaimed series “American Horror Story.” Despite having previously suggested she might retire, Bates is currently in her element with a fresh role in the reboot of “Matlock,” where she intends to challenge the societal invisibility often faced by women of her age.

Looking Ahead

In her own words, she states, “It’s fantastic. I think it’s one of the most wonderful roles I've ever had to play.” When asked about her retirement plans, she decisively quipped, “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.”

Inspiration and Legacy

As Kathy Bates continues to inspire through her performances and personal stories, one thing is certain—she is far from being invisible in the industry. Will she pave the way for more roles for women of all ages? Only time will tell!