Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson: An In-Depth Conversation with Kathy Bates

In the January 14, 2025 episode of Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson, host Jesse Tyler Ferguson sits down with the acclaimed actress Kathy Bates to explore her illustrious career, personal insights, and her leading role in the Paramount series Matlock. Recorded at La Betola di Toroni in Larchmont Village, California, this episode delves deep into Bates' journey in the entertainment industry, her relationships, and her reflections on life and legacy.

A Stellar Introduction

Jesse Tyler Ferguson opens the conversation by reminiscing about Kathy Bates' iconic performances. He recalls watching her in the horror classic Misery, highlighting the duality of her role: “sweet and warm one moment and maniacally evil and untethered the next” (00:00). This performance not only terrified him but also fascinated him with its complexity. Ferguson emphasizes the significance of Bates winning the Best Actress Oscar for Misery, especially against formidable competitors like Meryl Streep in Postcards from the Edge and Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. He remarks, “it felt monumental to me, confirming that sometimes when acting is that truthful and unique, anything is possible” (02:19).

Theater Roots and Early Career

Bates shares her foundational experiences in theater, detailing her involvement in plays such as Vanities. She recounts rehearsing in unconventional spaces, describing it as “what was an old burlesque house” where she and her cast navigated “no heat” and “crummy attic” conditions (02:19–06:10). This period was marked by dedication and perseverance, laying the groundwork for her subsequent successes.

Ferguson inquires about her transition from theater to film, to which Bates attributes much of her early career development to playwright Terrence McNally. She credits McNally for recommending her for the role of Annie Wilkes in Misery, stating, “It was unbelievable. I mean, it was a wonderful part” (06:07). However, this relationship was not without its challenges, leading to an 18-year estrangement after Bates moved to Los Angeles to focus on her film career.

Triumphs in Film and Television

Discussing her illustrious film career, Bates reflects on her versatility and the depth of her characters. She highlights roles such as those in Crimes of the Heart and Night Mother, underscoring her ability to bring authenticity and complexity to each character. Bates draws a parallel between her roles and those of Meryl Streep, expressing admiration while also acknowledging her own unique strengths: “I could never attempt doing it [Sophie’s Choice scene]. So when I see performances like that, or when she played Margaret Thatcher... I watched this. I'm thrilled by it, and I'm envious of it” (34:37).

In her current role as the lead in Matlock, Bates shares her excitement and the uniqueness of the show’s production. She describes the pilot process as feeling like a “well-oiled machine” and praises the showrunner Jenny Ehrman’s creative vision, likening her mind to “a Rubik's cube” (10:20–12:05). Bates also discusses the rigorous demands of filming, especially during long courtroom scenes, and her strategies for memorizing extensive dialogue through repetition (38:14).

Personal Reflections and Family Dynamics

The conversation takes a poignant turn as Bates opens up about her personal life, particularly her relationship with her aging parents. She shares the emotional challenges of witnessing her parents grow older and her father's feelings of obsolescence: “And I remember he had tried to figure out... It’s so sad to talk about” (18:12). Bates reflects on the impact this had on her, questioning her career trajectory and feeling humiliated during her battle with breast cancer, a condition prevalent in her family.

Ferguson relates by sharing his experiences with aging parents, fostering a sense of empathy and mutual understanding. They discuss the importance of cherishing time with loved ones over material pursuits, with Bates advising, “Instead of going and buying clothes, save your money and go on a trip or spend time with your family” (20:16).

Navigating Relationships in the Industry

Bates recounts her complex relationship with Terrence McNally, detailing how their professional partnership soured after her move to Los Angeles. McNally’s public criticisms led to their estrangement, which lasted until his 80th birthday party where they reunited with a simple hug, leaving lingering feelings but no formal reconciliation: “You don’t broach it. I didn’t broach it. We just hugged each other” (30:21).

She reflects on the broader theme of maintaining relationships within the high-pressure environment of the entertainment industry, emphasizing the nuanced and often complicated dynamics with influential figures.

Continuous Growth and Legacy

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Bates’ perspective on acting and personal growth. She expresses a desire to continually evolve, drawing inspiration from peers like Anthony Hopkins and Meryl Streep. Bates shares a dream where she recognizes the impossibility of matching Streep’s transformative performances, leading to a moment of self-acceptance and redefining her artistic identity: “And then when I realized, no way, Jose, could I have done these roles... What does that mean?” (34:37–35:56).

Ferguson commends Bates' humility and relentless pursuit of excellence, remarking, “I do feel like you're one of the greatest actors of our time... Matlock is maybe teaching me some of these things that you have a deep desire to never be done” (33:06). Bates counters by emphasizing the perpetual journey of learning as an artist: “No one ever stop. As an artist, you're always thinking about it” (34:23).

Closing Thoughts

As the episode concludes, Bates reflects on her gratitude and fulfillment in her current projects, particularly Matlock. She expresses immense satisfaction with how her career has intersected with her personal growth, stating, “I feel so lucky, Jesse. I really do” (40:09). Jessie Tyler Ferguson echoes this sentiment, highlighting Bates' enduring passion and dedication to her craft.

Notable Quotes

• Jesse Tyler Ferguson: “It felt monumental to me, confirming that sometimes when acting is that truthful and unique, anything is possible.” (02:19)

• Kathy Bates: “It was unbelievable. I mean, it was a wonderful part.” (06:09)

• Kathy Bates: “You must. Because at the end you'll be saying, is this all there is?” (19:44)

• Kathy Bates: “I could never attempt doing it [Sophie’s Choice scene].” (34:37)

• Kathy Bates: “Instead of going and buying clothes, save your money and go on a trip or spend time with your family.” (20:16)

• Kathy Bates: “We just hugged each other.” (30:24)

• Kathy Bates: “No one ever stop. As an artist, you're always thinking about it.” (34:23)

• Kathy Bates: “I feel so lucky, Jesse. I really do.” (40:09)

Conclusion

This episode of Dinner’s on Me offers a profound look into Kathy Bates' multifaceted life and career. From her groundbreaking roles in theater and film to her heartfelt reflections on family and personal growth, Bates provides listeners with an authentic and inspiring narrative. Jesse Tyler Ferguson masterfully guides the conversation, allowing for a rich and engaging dialogue that underscores the resilience and passion that define Bates' enduring legacy in the entertainment industry.