Kathy Bates was born June 28, 1948 in Memphis, Tennessee. While attending White Station High School, she acted in many high school theatrical productions. Ms. Bates credits her White Station High School theater teacher, Gene Crain, with starting her on the road to becoming an actress. After graduating, she attended Southern Methodist University and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theater.

In the 1970s, Ms. Bates performed regularly in New York theater productions, winning critical acclaim for her roles. She has appeared in over three dozen films including Titanic, Used People, Dolores Claiborne, The Waterboy, and Fried Green Tomatoes. Ms. Bates is a remarkably versatile actress, equally capable of playing a world-weary waitress (Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune) or a mentally unstable literary lover (Misery).

Ms. Bates has been nominated for Tony Awards, Academy Awards, and Golden Globe Awards. In 1990, she earned an Academy Award for "Best Actress" and a Golden Globe for "Best Actress in a Motion Picture" for her performance in Misery. Ms. Bates is also a talented director. Among her directing credits are episodes of the television programs Oz and NYPD Blue.

Kathy Bates has had an amazing and inspiring career. Her accomplishments demonstrate that students can get a good start toward a career in the performing arts in the Memphis City Schools.

Match the characters on the left with the movie they appeared in on the right and write the correct letter in the space provided.

Bonus Question:
Name three other members of the Memphis City Schools Alumni Hall of Fame who have appeared in movies.

Suggested Artistic Activities:

1. Write a one-page critical movie review of a movie starring Kathy Bates and share it with the class.

2. Watch an age-appropriate film based on a book, then read the book. Write an essay comparing and contrasting the two versions of the same story.

3. Stage a play and invite another class to view the production.

Additional Resources

Kathy Bates
Brief Biography for Kathy Bates. http://www.thespiannet.com/actresses/B/bates_kathy/index.shtml
In-depth Biography on Kathy Bates. http://www.hollywood.com/celebs/bio/celeb/343739

Educational Fun: Answer Key

Kathy Bates

1. E
2. H
3. A
4. B
5. C
6. I
7. G
8. J
9. F
10. D