She's battled both ovarian and breast cancer, and now Kathy Bates is sharing the profound lessons she's learned from her health struggles. "Cancer teaches you to value every moment," the iconic actress exclusively told Closer Weekly during the WebMD Health Hero Awards in New York City on January 15. "If you can hold on to that perspective as a cancer survivor, it’s truly the best thing you can do for yourself. I’m incredibly grateful that this experience has given me the chance to use my platform for good."
Kathy Bates Reflects on Privacy and Resilience in Cancer Battle
Surviving cancer not only reshaped Kathy’s outlook on life but also deepened her appreciation for the people around her. At 70, the award-winning actress shared how enduring such a difficult journey has given her a renewed sense of gratitude for her loved ones. "When you go through something as intense as cancer, you realize how much your friends mean to you," she said. "Technology has been a blessing in this regard—it makes staying connected with the people who matter so much easier. It’s amazing how it helps maintain relationships that might otherwise fade over time."
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Kathy at a Stand Up to Cancer event.
One of the most significant turning points in Kathy’s career came when producer Ryan Murphy cast her in American Horror Story after her battle with cancer in 2013. "Ryan Murphy brought me back to life, professionally speaking," she expressed with enthusiasm. "The last six years have been the absolute best of my career. It’s been a renaissance, and I couldn’t be more grateful."
Kathy before (left) and after (right) her 60-pound weight loss.
At the WebMD Health Hero Awards earlier this month, Kathy made headlines not only for her inspiring story but also for her impressive 60-pound weight loss. Speaking with Us Weekly, she revealed the secret behind her dramatic transformation: mindfulness. "It’s all about being aware of when to stop eating," she explained. "My niece shared a little trick with me—it’s actually a biological cue. When you’re eating, you’ll naturally sigh involuntarily at a certain point. That’s your brain and stomach telling you you’ve had enough. The key is paying attention to that signal and pushing your plate away."
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