Renowned for her portrayal of formidable characters on screen, veteran actress Kathy Bates recently disclosed her diagnosis with a serious chronic health condition. This revelation has prompted her to make significant lifestyle adjustments.
In 1970, Kathy Bates ventured to New York with aspirations of an acting career, acknowledging that while she wasn’t conventionally glamorous, she found her niche as a character actor. Reflecting on her early days, she remarked on the challenges of not fitting the ingenue mold and the scrutiny that came with it. However, her Broadway breakthrough came with her role as Stella May in “Come Back to the Five and Dime Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean” in 1980.
Although Bates had portrayed various characters repeatedly on stage, it wasn’t until she reached 42 that her career soared to new heights. Her portrayal of a psychotic fan in the film “Misery” catapulted her to instant success, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
Bates candidly addressed the limited scope of roles available in the industry, highlighting the dichotomy between being perceived as conventionally attractive or relegated to character roles. She remarked that actresses were often categorized based on appearance, with limited opportunities for those who didn’t fit the young and glamorous archetype. Bates noted that while certain roles offered power, they often lacked femininity, emphasizing the complex dynamics at play in casting decisions.
Bates expanded her career into directing, helming episodes for acclaimed TV series such as Six Feet Under, Homicide: Life On The Street, Oz, and NYPD Blue.
Despite her professional success, Bates faced health challenges in her personal life. She battled cancer twice, receiving diagnoses of ovarian cancer in 2003 and breast cancer in 2012. Following her breast cancer surgery, Bates began openly discussing her lymphedema diagnosis and became a spokesperson for the Lymphatic Education & Research Network.
Bates has been candid about her recent 80-pound weight loss and the necessity of wearing compression sleeves to prevent arm swelling. She ensures she wears them during flights or when undertaking strenuous activities to avoid exacerbating her condition.
Managing her condition requires constant mindfulness, as Bates emphasizes the importance of taking it easy and focusing on each task moment by moment. The pandemic served as a reminder for her to slow down and prioritize self-care.
Bates advises individuals with the condition to persevere with their daily lives despite the challenges it presents. She acknowledges the discomfort of wearing compression garments in public, particularly when awareness about lymphedema is lacking. However, she stresses the importance of not letting the condition dictate one’s life and encourages staying active rather than succumbing to a sedentary lifestyle, which can exacerbate both physical and mental health issues.
Bates underscores the importance of not allowing illness to overshadow one’s identity, a principle she adheres to herself. She actively advocates for increased research and funding for lymphedema awareness, despite her diagnosis.
Bates remains committed to pursuing roles she finds fulfilling and completing projects of her choice, demonstrating her resilience and determination to thrive despite her condition. Share this article to inspire others in their own battles against lymphedema.