Podcast Summary: Office Ladies – An Interview with Kathy Bates

Episode Information:

• Title: An Interview with Kathy Bates
• Hosts: Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey
• Release Date: December 11, 2024

1. Introduction to the Episode

In this special episode of Office Ladies, hosts Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey welcome the esteemed actress Kathy Bates for an in-depth conversation. The episode delves into Kathy's experiences on The Office, her new television series Matlock, and her personal health journey, including her battle with cancer and advocacy work.

2. Kathy Bates' Journey on The Office

Joining the Show: Kathy Bates portrayed Sabre CEO Jo Bennett in The Office across eight episodes during seasons six and seven. Reflecting on her entry into the show, Kathy shared her feelings of nervousness and admiration for the cast's comedic prowess.

Kathy Bates [17:04]: "I felt like when I was doing it, I was really running to catch up, and it was a learning curve."

Character Development: Jo Bennett was a fully realized character from the outset, leaving a lasting impression on both the cast and the audience. Kathy expressed her desire to have further explored Jo's character, highlighting memorable scenes and the intricacies of Jo's personality.

Jenna Fischer [22:21]: "We would have liked that. For sure."

Collaborative Environment: Kathy praised the collaborative atmosphere on set, emphasizing the opportunity to learn from talented actors like Steve Carell and the seamless integration of improvisation within the scripted framework.

Kathy Bates [20:48]: "Steve Carell... he just is such a natural in whatever role he puts on. I don't see him acting."

3. Exploring Kathy's New Series: Matlock

Overview of Matlock: Kathy Bates stars in the CBS series Matlock, playing Madeline Kingston, a retired lawyer who returns to practice to seek justice for her daughter's death related to the opioid epidemic. The show has garnered significant attention and has been well-received, prompting discussion about its depth and meaningful storytelling.

Kathy Bates [25:56]: "The numbers are just crazy. They were just off the charts."

Character Complexity: Kathy discussed the duality of her character, Maddie Matlock, and the intricate backstory that adds layers to her role. She highlighted the show's balance between episodic cases and overarching narratives that delve into Maddie's personal motivations and challenges.

Kathy Bates [27:17]: "It was a seminal moment for her, that she was really able to make a difference..."

Creative Collaboration: The collaboration with Jenny Ehrman, the creator of Jane the Virgin, is a focal point of the show. Kathy appreciates the creative input and the opportunity to shape her character's journey alongside the writing team.

Kathy Bates [27:17]: "I want to learn something about myself. We're trying to learn from our experiences."

4. Advocacy and Health Journey

Breast Cancer Survival: Both hosts and Kathy Bates share their experiences with breast cancer. Kathy, a two-time cancer survivor, discusses her battle with ovarian and breast cancer, the challenges of treatment, and her role as a spokesperson for the Lymphatic Education and Research Network (LEARNet).

Jenna Fischer [08:03]: "Kathy was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2003 and breast cancer in 2000 and 2012."

Lymphedema Awareness: Kathy elaborates on her advocacy for lymphedema, a condition resulting from lymph node removal during cancer treatment. She emphasizes the importance of education and support for those affected, sharing stories of individuals impacted by the condition.

Kathy Bates [44:10]: "Nearly 10 million people in this country suffer from some kind of lymphedema..."

Emotional Resilience: Both Jenna and Angela speak candidly about the emotional toll of cancer treatment, the importance of support systems, and the ongoing struggle even after completing major treatments.

Angela Kinsey [59:41]: "I cried for 20 minutes. And we couldn't even use it because it was the first time I said out loud she was cancer free."

5. Personal Anecdotes and Reflections

Behind-the-Scenes Memories: Kathy shares fond memories from her time on The Office, including interactions with co-stars and the unique aspects of filming alongside them. She reminisces about specific scenes, such as the iconic conference room meeting where her character impresses the team with her legal acumen.

Kathy Bates [06:04]: "How do you know the number?... It's sort of her sneaking her way into the law firm, and she ends up in the big conference room meeting."

Hobbies and Interests: Outside of her professional life, Kathy talks about her hobbies, including reading, coloring, and spending time with her dog. She also touches upon her past musical interests, revealing a personal side beyond her acting career.

Kathy Bates [67:53]: "I love playing. I taught myself how to play. And so it was. I miss it."

6. Advice for Aspiring Actors

Drawing from her extensive experience, Kathy offers valuable advice to those pursuing acting. She emphasizes the importance of resilience, continuous learning, and maintaining a balance between a strong professional front and an open, compassionate heart.

Kathy Bates [69:48]: "You have to have a head like a bullet and a heart like a baby... protect your heart. Don't let your heart get hurt by strangers who say things about you or your work."

Balancing Art and Emotion: Kathy discusses the delicate balance actors must maintain between being open-hearted in their craft while shielding themselves from external negativity, especially in the age of social media.

Jenna Fischer [71:38]: "I feel like it's sometimes hard to be an artist because you do have to keep that open heart in order to do the work..."

7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with heartfelt exchanges between the hosts and Kathy Bates, reflecting on the meaningful conversations and shared experiences. Kathy expresses her gratitude for the opportunity to discuss her advocacy work and personal journey, while Jenna and Angela reaffirm their support and admiration.

Angela Kinsey [73:20]: "Yes. Thank you. First of all, we are going to share everything about the Lymphatic Education and Research Network on our social media."

Upcoming Highlights: Jenna and Angela tease upcoming content related to Kathy's advocacy efforts and their ongoing support for each other's creative endeavors, ensuring listeners remain engaged and informed.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Kathy Bates [06:04]: "How do you know the number?... It's sort of her sneaking her way into the law firm, and she ends up in the big conference room meeting."

• Jenna Fischer [08:03]: "Kathy was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2003 and breast cancer in 2000 and 2012."

• Kathy Bates [27:17]: "It was a seminal moment for her, that she was really able to make a difference..."

• Angela Kinsey [59:41]: "I cried for 20 minutes. And we couldn't even use it because it was the first time I said out loud she was cancer free."

• Kathy Bates [69:48]: "You have to have a head like a bullet and a heart like a baby... protect your heart. Don't let your heart get hurt by strangers who say things about you or your work."

Final Note: This episode of Office Ladies offers an inspiring and intimate look into Kathy Bates' multifaceted life, her dedication to her craft, and her unwavering commitment to advocacy. Listeners are encouraged to tune in for more insightful discussions and behind-the-scenes stories from The Office and beyond.