Hollywood icon's stunning weight loss transformation as she returns to TV
Kathy Bates is a name that has become synonymous with the world of TV and film over the years. And now the 76 year old is set to make a return to our screens with the drama Matlock
Kathy Bates, the acclaimed actress with an Academy Award, 14 Emmy Awards, and two Golden Globes to her name, is set for a television comeback in the legal drama Matlock, where she'll portray attorney Madeline Matlock. The 76 year old star will be joined by Skye P. Marshall, Jason Ritter, Leah Lewis, and David del Rio, who round out the cast as her colleagues in the law office, reports OK!.
The veteran actress turned heads at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards earlier this month, stunning onlookers in a long-sleeved purple sequin gown complemented by pointed heels and a chic black clutch bag.
In a candid conversation with Variety, Kathy shared her journey of shedding 100lbs, revealing that the weight loss has significantly boosted her stamina, especially during the demanding hours on set. "It's helped me tremendously that, over the last six or seven years, I've lost 100 pounds," she disclosed. "I don't think I've been this slim since I was in college."
Reflecting on her past struggles with weight during the filming of Harry's Law in 2011, she expressed regret over her physical condition at the time. "I had to sit down every moment that I could. It was hard for me to walk. I'm ashamed I let myself get so out of shape, but now I have a tremendous amount of energy," Bates confessed.
In a 2019 interview with Extra, the American Horror Story actress discussed her 60lb weight loss and the moment that prompted her to make a change. "I was facing diabetes it runs in my family and I really didn't want to live with that," she explained. She added that she was "in the best health I've been in in years and I'm so grateful it's a miracle."
Kathy also credited mindful eating with aiding her weight loss. She continued: "After you eat for 20-30 minutes, you experience an involuntary sigh. It's communication between stomach and brain telling you you had enough... and what I discovered is if you listen to that sigh and push that plate away for just five minutes, you realise you're satisfied and you don't have to eat more."
The Fried Green Tomatoes star has faced several health challenges, including an ovarian cancer diagnosis in 2003 and breast cancer in 2012. She has also spoken publicly about her experience with lymphedema following breast cancer surgery.
In a 2022 interview with MedlinePlus Magazine, she revealed that her lymphedema was under control, thanks in part to her significant weight loss. "My lymphedema (LE) is under control. I've lost about 80 pounds over the last few years, which has helped a lot with the swelling in my arms, but I still wear my compression sleeves if I'm flying or if I'm doing strenuous tasks," she said.