Kathy Bates, known for her brilliant portrayal of the psychotic Annie Wilkes in Misery, had an unforgettable moment at the 1991 Academy Awards when she took home the Oscar for Best Actress. But for over three decades, the acclaimed actress believed she had forgotten to thank one of the most important people in her life – her mother. In a recent interview with CBS Sunday Morning, Bates was surprised to learn that she had, in fact, acknowledged her mother during her acceptance speech, uncovering a tender yet bittersweet moment of self-reflection.
A Family’s Sacrifice and an Unexpected Reaction
In her conversation with Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz, Bates spoke candidly about the sacrifices her parents made to support her acting career. Though her success seemed to validate those efforts, her mother’s reaction to her Oscar win was unexpectedly indifferent.
“When I won the Oscar for Misery, she said, ‘I don’t know what all the excitement’s about. You didn’t discover the cure for cancer,’” Bates recalled.
The actress revealed that she always believed the reason for her mother’s lukewarm response stemmed from her failure to acknowledge her in the acceptance speech. “I forgot to thank her that night,” Bates admitted during the interview.
The Shocking Discovery
However, Mankiewicz came prepared to set the record straight. He told Bates that contrary to her belief, she had indeed thanked her mother during the speech. Bates, skeptical at first, insisted, “No, I did not. I did not. You go back and look at it. I didn’t.”
To her surprise, Mankiewicz then played a recording from the 63rd Academy Awards ceremony on March 25, 1991. The footage showed Bates at the podium saying, “I would like to thank my family, my friends, my mom at home, and my dad, who I hope is watching somewhere.”
Bates was visibly moved, placing her hands over her mouth as she listened in disbelief. “Thank you! Why did I think I didn’t thank her?” she asked.
A Complicated Bond
Reflecting on why the moment mattered so deeply, Bates opened up about the complex relationship she had with her mother. “She should have had my life,” the actress said wistfully. After her mother passed away, Bates shared that she longed for her mother’s spirit to “come into” her, so she could enjoy the success her daughter was experiencing. “Even though we had so many difficulties, I wanted her to come into me and enjoy everything I was enjoying, because of what she’d given up.”
Still Thriving in a Challenging Industry
Now 76 years old and a two-time cancer survivor, Bates continues to be a force in Hollywood. Despite suggesting in the past that she might retire, Bates told Sunday Morning that she has found new inspiration in her role on CBS’s reboot of Matlock. The series plays with themes of invisibility – something Bates says resonates deeply with her experience as an older woman in society and on screen.
“It’s fantastic. I think it’s one of the most wonderful roles I’ve ever had to play,” Bates said. When asked if she had fully given up on retiring, she replied firmly: “Not retiring. I want to stay for this show for as long as it runs, and I hope it runs for a very long time.”
A Life of Accomplishments and Challenges
Throughout her illustrious career, Bates has appeared in a diverse array of films, including Dolores Claiborne, Titanic, Primary Colors, The Waterboy, and Richard Jewell. She has also become a familiar face on television, most notably in the anthology series American Horror Story. Bates’ talent has been recognized not just with an Oscar, but also with numerous other awards and nominations, including for her work in theater.
Her journey from Misery to Matlock demonstrates her resilience, talent, and enduring relevance in the entertainment industry. And now, with the long-overdue realization that she had indeed thanked her mother at the Oscars, Bates seems to have found a sense of peace over one of her most important relationships.
—
Photo Credit: Ron Adar / Shutterstock.com