Born Kathleen Doyle Bates in Memphis, TN; educated at Southern Methodist University (Dallas, TX). Critically acclaimed character player who has enjoyed an extensive career on Broadway, off-Broadway and in regional theater. Bates made an undistinguished TV debut as a new bride continually separated from her husband on ABC's "The Love Boat" and began making sporadic, offbeat film appearances during the 1970s and early 80s (Forman's TAKING OFF, 1971; STRAIGHT TIME, 1978; Robert Altman's COME BACK TO THE FIVE AND DIME, JIMMY DEAN, JIMMY DEAN, 1982). In 1983 Bates won a Tony® nomination for her searingly honest performance as the suicidal daughter in Marsha Norman's hard-hitting drama, 'night, Mother, but the unconventional if versatile actress treaded water afterwards with small film roles in TWO OF A KIND (1983), THE MORNING AFTER (1986) and MY BEST FRIEND IS A VAMPIRE (1988). 1990 brought Bates more interesting and prominent parts in MEN DON'T LEAVE, DICK TRACY and WHITE PALACE, as well as the star-making role of a calmly deranged captor in Rob Reiner's film adaptation of Stephen King's bestseller, MISERY (1990). Critical kudos and an Academy Award® followed in the wake of Bates' menacing but witty performance, and she has since essayed quirky character leads in FRIED GREEN TOMATOES (1991), USED PEOPLE (1992), as the "Unsinkable" Molly Brown in James Cameron's 1997 blockbuster TITANIC, and as John Travolta's presidential campaign manager in PRIMARY COLORS (1998). More recent credits include THE WATERBOY and A CIVIL ACTION (both also 1998), BABY STEPS (1999), BRUNO (2000), RAT RACE and AMERICAN OUTLAWS (both 2001), LOVE LIZA, DRAGONFLY, UNCONDITIONAL LOVE and ABOUT SCHMIDT (all 2002), THE INGRATE, AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS, LITTLE BLACK BOOK and THE BRIDGE OF SAN LUIS REY (all 2004), 10 episodes of the cable TV series "6 Feet Under" (2003-05), 3 & 3 (2005), HAVE MERCY, SOLACE, FAILURE TO LAUNCH, BONNEVILLE and RELATIVE STRANGERS (all 2006), FRED CLAUS and P.S. I LOVE YOU (both 2007), REVOLUTIONARY ROAD, FOUR CHRISTMASES, FIRST COMES LOVE and THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL (all scheduled or rumored for 2008), and PERSONAL EFFECTS (scheduled for 2009).  Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role 1990: MISERY  Nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role 1998: PRIMARY COLORS  Nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role 2002: ABOUT SCHMIDT 3 nominations, 1 Award