Kathy Bates is an American actress and director best known for her role in the 1990 film Misery, based on the Stephen King book of the same name, for which she won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe.

Her other notable film roles include the '90s films Dick Tracy, Fried Green Tomatoes, Dolores Claiborne, Titanic, The Waterboy, The Late Shift, and Primary Colors. In the 2000s, Bates starred in films including About Schmidt, Failure to Launch, and P.S. I Love You. More recently, her film credits include Valentine's Day, Midnight in Paris, and The Boss.

On television, Bates has guest starred on shows including Cagney & Lacey, St. Elsewhere, L.A. Law, 3rd Rock from the Sun, and Mike & Molly. In 2012, she won an Emmy award for her guest appearance in Two and a Half Men, playing the ghost of Charlie Sheen's character. Bates has also had recurring roles on shows including Six Feet Under and The Office. 

Bates had a starring role in the 2011-12 drama Harry's Law, created by David E. Kelley, and went on to star in the American Horror Story series for which she won an Emmy Award. Most recently, Bates starred in the Netflix sitcom Disjointed, created by The Big Bang Theory's Chuck Lorre.

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