Kathy Bates is back and unrecognizable. The acclaimed actress is captivating audiences once again with a thrilling new role, but it’s her dramatic weight loss that’s stealing the spotlight as she promotes the series.
Award-winning actress Kathy Bates is gearing up to dazzle in CBS’s highly anticipated series, “Matlock,” and the buzz is palpable. Fans are eagerly awaiting her return to the screen with this exciting new role.
A recent Instagram video offers a sneak peek into the action. At 76, Bates, looking poised in a navy blue suit, joins her co-stars for a playful teaser about the show. The cast’s playful banter includes the tantalizing tease, “More twists coming your way.”
The clip ends with Bates revealing that the series will premiere on September 22. The news of Kathy Bates starring in “Matlock” has certainly stirred up a lot of reactions. Fans are excited, with many eager to see her in action.
A screenshot of Kathy Bates taked from a video posted on June 26, 2024 | Source: Tiktok/@tv_line
One person on X shared their enthusiasm, “Matlock is returning? Kathy Bates is a great actress too. Playing Matlock’s daughter.” Another chimed in, “Kathy Bates is Matlock. I’m very intrigued.”
A screenshot of Kathy Bates taked from a video posted on June 26, 2024 | Source: Tiktok/@tv_line
However, Bates’ recent weight loss has also caught people’s attention. Some fans expressed concern, noting it was a bit alarming for her age. One comment read, “Love Kathy to death but honey you can’t lose that much weight after a certain age. Your skin just hangs there.”
Others had trouble recognizing her. “Wow. I didn’t recognize her.😮,” one fan wrote. Questions like, “OMG, what happened to her? I love her but is this even her? She was fine before????” popped up as well.
Another commenter echoed similar sentiments, “I almost didn’t recognize her… her face looks so thin. I love Kathy always have!” Someone else asked, “Who is this woman.”
A screenshot of Kathy Bates taked from a video posted on June 26, 2024 | Source: Tiktok/@tv_line
There were also speculations about her weight loss, with some suggesting she might be using Ozempic, “Ozempic got Kathy Bates too,” said one person. Despite this, some fans still admired her. One wrote, “She’s one of those who ages beautifully.”
The new CBS series “Matlock” is set to captivate audiences with its fresh take on the classic legal drama from the ’80s and ’90s. This reboot, which ran for nine seasons, brings a modern twist to the beloved show.
Kathy Bates attends CBS’ Fall Schedule Celebration at Paramount Studios on May 02, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
In the series, Bates stars as the clever attorney Madeline “Matty” Matlock. Her character has a hidden agenda as she maneuvers her way into a prestigious Chicago law firm.
Kathy Bates speaks onstage at the “Matlock” Presentation Q&A at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena on July 13, 2024, in Pasadena, California. | Source: Getty Images
While viewers might think they have figured out her motives by the end of the first hour, Bates promises that surprises and twists will keep unfolding right up to the final episode. Reflecting on her role, the Oscar-winning actress shared, “Matlock has an agenda that not everyone knows about. I love playing all those different notes.”
Bates, renowned for her intense and memorable performances, from her Oscar-winning role in “Misery” to her Emmy-nominated portrayal in “American Horror Story,” brings depth and intrigue to her latest character.
When asked if she anticipated landing a role like this at 75, Bates described it as a career milestone. She considers it an extraordinary gift to have such a role at this stage in her career. Bates admitted she never imagined she’d enjoy a third act quite like this one.
Kathy Bates attends the ceremony honoring Dr. Phil McGraw with a Star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame held on February 21, 2020, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
“‘I’ve never thought at my age I’d be playing such a wonderful role and for network, which so many people are going to see,” she noted. She expressed her surprise at being cast in such a richly layered part, especially on a network show with a vast audience.
Kathy Bates attends the 2020 National Board Of Review Gala on January 08, 2020, in New York City.
Her character is a woman who seems forgotten and overlooked, but cleverly turns her perceived disadvantage—her age—into an asset. She uses her deep knowledge of life experience and wisdom to truly connect with people, preferring genuine interactions over technology.
Kathy Bates attends the 2020 National Board Of Review Gala on January 8, 2020, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
This personal touch, rather than relying on digital resources, plays a crucial role in solving cases and navigating her world. When asked if she has ever felt invisible, Bates recounted a humorous incident from the Paramount lot, where “Matlock” is filmed.
Kathy Bates arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards on January 5, 2020, at The Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
She mentioned that during studio tours, she often went unnoticed while riding around in her golf cart. Bates described it as a running joke, explaining that she would pass by, and people would ignore her completely. She recalled thinking to herself, “What’s going on? Don’t they know who I am?”
Kathy Bates is seen on February 21, 2020, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Initially, she would give a small wave, but now she waves her arms frantically to get noticed. Bates joked that her invisibility might be due to aging or losing weight, adding that if she weren’t so well-known, she would likely be invisible.
Kathy Bates attends the 13th Annual CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute at the American Museum of Natural History on December 8, 2019, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Regarding her ideal number of “Matlock” seasons, Bates expressed a desire to do about five. She remarked that it would depend on how long she is able to continue, adding with a smile, “We’ll see how long God gives me.”
In any case, Bates continues to bring her remarkable talent and charisma to every role, proving that she remains a powerful presence in the entertainment world.
