Kathy Bates remains one of Hollywood’s most powerful forces—a veteran actress whose range, resilience, and emotional truth continue to resonate deeply with audiences. From her landmark performances in Misery and Fried Green Tomatoes to her recently renewed spotlight in the Matlock reboot, Bates is showing that time does not erode true artistry. But what has she been up to most recently? What personal transformations have shaped her present, and what can fans expect from her future roles? In this article we’ll explore Kathy Bates’ recent projects, her journey through health and self-confidence, her upcoming work, and her evolving place in popular culture.
Recent Projects and Triumphs
Career High with Matlock
Kathy Bates has made headlines with her starring role in the Matlock reboot on CBS in which she plays Madeline “Matty” Matlock. This gender-swapped reinvention of the classic series casts Bates as a septuagenarian who returns to legal work at a prestigious law firm using her wily tactics and sharp instincts. The show has garnered both critical acclaim and popular attention.
Emmy Milestone
In 2025, Bates became the oldest actress ever nominated for the Emmy Award for Best Lead Actress in a Drama for her work in Matlock at age 77. This achievement not only honors her individual performance, but cements her role as a defining figure pushing boundaries of age norms in the entertainment world.
Health, Weight Loss, and Self-Discovery
Beyond her screen roles, Kathy Bates has also had a highly public and deeply personal journey with health. Since being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, she has made lifestyle changes over several years, shedding approximately 100 pounds. Roughly 80 pounds of this came through diet and exercise, while the remaining portion was aided by a GLP-1 medication. Bates has spoken candidly about confronting family history of illness, fear, and self-esteem.
She describes having felt almost invisible at times professionally and personally, but now embraces a “redemption stage” in her life where she feels most aligned with who she is as an artist and person.
Other Recent Films
In addition to Matlock, Bates has appeared in several other films in recent years:
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Summer Camp (2024), a comedy with Diane Keaton and Alfre Woodard, where Bates plays one of three lifelong friends reuniting.
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A Family Affair (2024), a romantic comedy released on Netflix, in which Bates plays the grandmother Leila Ford.
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The Miracle Club (2023), a period drama about working-class Irish women going on pilgrimage to Lourdes, co-starring Laura Linney and Maggie Smith.
What Lies Ahead
Matlock Season Two and Legacy Talk
Matlock was renewed for a second season, and though there is not yet a confirmed release date, the show is poised to return. Bates has called Matlock perhaps her “last major project” though she has made some statements that suggest retirement is not imminent.
In interviews, Bates has expressed both exhaustion and determination. She has mentioned that Matlock feels like a final grand role—her “last dance” in some sense—but she has also clarified that she is open to more if the work is meaningful.
Continued Influence and Cultural Impact
Her transformation in health and career has become part of the story many admire. She continues to challenge ageism in Hollywood, proving that great performances and roaring success can come later in life. Her candidness about weight, illness, fear, and self-worth also adds dimension to her public persona. Fans and critics alike often point to her vulnerability as part of her power.
Conclusion
Kathy Bates’ recent achievements paint a portrait of an artist renewed. Between her commanding role in Matlock, her Emmy nomination at 77, the dramatic transformations in her health, and her continued presence in film and television, she remains not only relevant—but inspiring. What stands out is not just her past legacy but how she is using this moment in her life to redefine what it means to age, to heal, and to continue creating. For fans, the coming seasons of Matlock and any further projects Bates takes on offer more than entertainment—they offer a model of perseverance, artistry, and authenticity.
If you want, I can write separate articles about specific upcoming films of hers, or focus more on her health journey or interviews — which angle interests you most?
