Kathy Bates Says Working Is a ‘Magnificent Experience’ After 100-Lb Weight Loss: ‘A Lot Easier’

Kathy Bates said it’s been “a lot easier” working after her 100-pound weight loss, revealing it’s been a “magnificent experience” doing what she loves the most.

The actress, 76, reflected on her health journey and how her recent strides have improved her overall well-being in a new interview at the Paleyfest screening of Matlock on Sunday, March 23.

“When I was so heavy in Harry’s Law, I had to sit down in between every take, and it was awful,” Bates shared with People about her 2011 drama series. “I’m ashamed to have put myself through that, to be honest.”

“But now that I’ve been able to get really healthy, I can move, I can breathe, I can have fun, I’m not sore,” she added. “I get tired and realize I’m like an old lady, but even the kids get tired.”

The Titanic star admitted that she “never expected to have this at my age, at the end of my career.”

Kathy shed an impressive 80 pounds over a seven-year period with diet and exercise before losing an additional 20 pounds on Ozempic, a diabetes medication being used for weight loss.

She spoke about her journey and the impact it had on her body, telling the outlet in October 2024 that it was “hard work for me, especially during the pandemic,” further noting that “it’s very hard to say you’ve had enough.”

Kathy said being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes around 2017 gave her a reality check and was the catalyst to a lifestyle change.

“Physically, I’m capable of doing this show,” she noted. “I don’t have to sit down. I can stand up all day long and walk and move and breathe and do so many things that I couldn’t before.”

Just weeks ago, Kathy was overjoyed when she was named the Best Actress in a Drama Series at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards in February for her portrayal of Madeline Matlock in CBS’ Matlock reboot.

“When we come to work every day, there’s so much love on that set, and so many hundreds of years of experience, rolling the dolly, working the camera, the costumers, the crop people, they’re just the top of the line, and walking onto that set is just it feels like a miracle,” she fondly shared, sweetly adding, “I’m so grateful to all of them.”

As Closer previously reported, Kathy’s weight loss has given her a new lease on life.

“Kathy is healthier and happier and looking to start a new chapter,” an insider shared in September 2024, revealing she is considering hitting the dating scene long after her marriage to Tony Campisi ended in divorce in 1997. They previously tied the knot in 1991.

While the star’s rep later clarified Kathy isn’t retiring and is focused on her acting role, “she believes she’s accomplished all she can in her career, and now it’s time to start focusing on her,” the source noted.

“She would like to meet someone nice — and now that she’s slim and feeling sexier, she wants to put some energy into finding Mr. Right.”