Actress Kathy Bates has captured the hearts of audiences with her incredible performances for decades. From the big screen to the small screen, she has portrayed fierce characters with unmatched power. But her strength extends far beyond her acting career. Battling a chronic condition, Bates has not only survived, but also thrived, making her an inspiring figure for many.
In the 1970s, Bates took a leap of faith and headed to New York to pursue her dreams of becoming an actress. She admits that she was never the typical ingénue, but that never stopped her. “I was never an ingenue,” she says with a smile. “I’ve always just been a character actor. When I was younger, it was a challenge because I didn’t fit the mold of being traditionally pretty. But it taught me to face up to how people perceive you.”
Her career took off in 1980 when she starred in the Broadway play “Come Back To The Five And Dime Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean” as Stella May. This marked the beginning of her success, although she did miss out on film adaptations of her iconic character a few times. However, at the age of 42, Bates’s life changed overnight with her haunting portrayal of a psychotic fan in the film “Misery,” which earned her the prestigious Best Actress Academy Award.
In an interview, Bates candidly discussed the roles she received throughout her career. “You’re either young and glamorous, getting the lead role, or you’re the opposite: not attractive enough. So, you end up playing the friend, the killer, the lesbian, the doctor, or whatever,” she explained. Bates recognized the lack of power that often came with playing young, pretty characters, while characters with power often lacked femininity.
Bates’s talent and versatility extended beyond acting. She ventured into directing, showcasing her skill in popular TV shows like “Homicide: Life on the Street,” “NYPD Blue,” “Oz,” and the critically acclaimed series “Six Feet Under.”
Behind the scenes, however, Bates faced health setbacks. She bravely battled cancer twice, first ovarian cancer in 2003 and then breast cancer in 2012. Following her breast cancer surgery, the actress revealed her lymphedema diagnosis, becoming an advocate for raising awareness.
Bates has undergone a transformative journey, shedding 80 pounds over the years. To manage her lymphedema, she wears compression sleeves on her arms to prevent swelling. She is diligent about wearing them during strenuous activities or when flying. Slowing down has become essential for managing her condition. “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 lymphedema. The pandemic forced me to slow down,” she shared.
Despite the challenges, Bates encourages others with lymphedema not to let it hinder them from living life to the fullest. “Wearing a compression garment in public, especially when people are unfamiliar with lymphedema, can sometimes be more painful than the disease itself,” she acknowledged. Nevertheless, she is determined not to let her condition define her and urges others to do the same.
Bates actively advocates for more research and funding to raise awareness about lymphedema. Her passion for making a difference shines through as she continues to pursue roles she enjoys and leave her mark in the industry.
Kathy Bates is a true inspiration. She hasn’t just learned to live with her condition; she has discovered how to thrive with it. Let’s share this article to inspire and support others in their fight against lymphedema. Together, we can make a difference!
