Kathy Bates is making headlines for more than just her acting chops—she’s recently shed a whopping 100 pounds, leaving fans and critics buzzing about her weight loss journey.
The 76-year-old star, known for her powerful roles in films like *Misery* and *Titanic*, has revealed that her significant transformation is not linked to the rumored Ozempic craze.
In a candid interview with Variety, Bates spoke about her recent weight loss and how it’s impacted her role in the upcoming CBS reboot of *Matlock*.
“Losing 100 pounds over the last six or seven years has helped me tremendously,” Bates shared. “I don’t think I’ve been this slim since college.”
Back in 2011, during her stint on NBC’s *Harry’s Law*, Bates faced serious health struggles. She admitted, “I had to sit down every moment I could. It was hard to walk.”
At her heaviest, Bates was battling both physical and emotional challenges, feeling “ashamed” of her condition. But now, she says, she’s brimming with energy.
However, her dramatic weight loss has sparked a frenzy among fans who speculate she’s turned to Ozempic—a diabetes drug that has become infamous for its off-label use for weight loss.
One social media user tweeted, “They got Kathy Bates on Ozempic???? D**n.” Another lamented, “Kathy Bates on Ozempic too… we’re losing our fat empresses…”
The rumors, however, are unfounded. Bates has previously discussed her weight loss and health journey, revealing her motivation in a 2019 interview with Extra.
Back then, she credited her weight loss to avoiding diabetes, a condition that runs in her family. “I was facing diabetes and I really didn’t want to live with that,” Bates confessed.
She learned to listen to her body’s signals, like the “involuntary sigh” after eating, which helped her realize when to stop eating.
But Bates’ journey hasn’t been smooth. In 2003, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and later faced breast cancer in 2012, leading to a double mastectomy.
Post-surgery, Bates developed lymphedema, a condition involving swelling due to fluid buildup, which further complicated her health.
Despite these battles, Bates is now looking forward to retirement. After her stint as Madeline Matlock in the CBS reboot of *Matlock*, she plans to step back from the limelight.
The reboot, a gender-flipped take on the classic series, marks a significant moment in Bates’ career. She’s been praised for her portrayal and dedication to the role.
Bates revealed that she was contemplating retirement even before *Matlock* came along, partly triggered by a difficult film shoot last year.
“It becomes my life. Sometimes I get jealous of having this talent. Because I can’t hold it back, and I just want my life,” she admitted.
When her agents sent her the *Matlock* script, Bates found herself deeply connecting with the character, reflecting on the injustices she’s faced in her career.
“Everything I’ve prayed for, worked for, clawed my way up for, I am suddenly able to be asked to use all of it. And it’s exhausting,” she said about her role.
Her co-star Skye P. Marshall lauded Bates’ work ethic, describing her as a “beautiful warrior” who is “so intuitive, so intelligent, and unwilling to tolerate any injustice.”
Bates, who was visibly emotional during the interview, expressed her humility about her privileged position and the state of the world.
Despite her success and upcoming retirement, she remains uncertain about her future, reflecting on her career with mixed emotions.
“My friends say I’ll probably be like Molière and die in my chair on the stage because it really is a life force for me,” Bates mused.
With a storied career and a remarkable personal transformation, Kathy Bates continues to captivate and inspire.
As she steps away from acting, her journey offers a compelling narrative of resilience and self-discovery, reminding us all of the power of personal transformation.