Biography

Academy Award-winning film, stage and television character actress whose films include Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean (1982), Misery (1990), Fried Green Tomatoes (1991), Primary Colors (1998), Dash and Lilly (1999) and Bruno (2000). She received a supporting actress Oscar nomination for her role in the Jack Nicholson film, About Schmidt (2002). Bates was cast as Queen Victoria in the remake of Around the World in 80 Days (2004). Her Broadway appearances include 'Night, Mother (1983). In recent years she has also turned to directing TV shows, including episodes of Six Feet Under and Oz and is slated to helm the movie Have Mercy.