Net Worth Ranker
What Is Kathy Bates’ Net Worth?
As of 2025, Kathy Bates’ net worth is estimated to be $20 million. This valuation reflects her extensive career as an actress and director, spanning over five decades with significant contributions to film, television, and theater. While precise details regarding the breakdown of her net worth from specific sources (such as individual film salaries or endorsements) are not publicly available, we can infer from her career trajectory how she accumulated her wealth.
Early Career and Broadway Successes
Kathleen Doyle Bates was born on June 28, 1948, in Memphis, Tennessee. She attended White Station High School and later earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Southern Methodist University in 1969. In 1970, she moved to New York City to pursue acting, studying at the William Esper Studio. Her early career involved stage performances, which, while not as financially lucrative as later film roles, were crucial for honing her craft.
Bates made her Broadway debut in 1980 in “Goodbye Fidel.” Although financial details of her early stage work are not accessible, her Tony Award nomination in 1983 for Best Lead Actress in a Play for “‘night, Mother” marked a significant milestone. In 1988, her performance in “Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune” earned her an Obie Award for Distinguished Performance by an Actress and a Drama Desk Award nomination, further solidifying her reputation in the theater world. The financial gains from these performances are difficult to quantify, but they established her as a formidable talent in the entertainment industry, paving the way for more lucrative opportunities in film and television.
Breakthrough Role in “Misery” and Subsequent Film Career
The turning point in Kathy Bates’ career came in 1990 with her role as Annie Wilkes in “Misery.” Her performance earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role and a Golden Globe. While her exact salary for “Misery” is not public knowledge, an Oscar win significantly increases an actor’s earning potential. Following “Misery,” Bates starred in “Fried Green Tomatoes” (1991), which earned her a Golden Globe nomination. Precise salary details for “Fried Green Tomatoes” and other roles from this period are not publicly available.
In 1995, she starred in another Stephen King adaptation, “Dolores Claiborne.” Her role in “Titanic” (1997) as Molly Brown, one of the most commercially successful films of all time (grossing $2.195 billion worldwide), undoubtedly contributed to her financial success. While specific salary figures for “Titanic” are not disclosed, such a high-profile role in a blockbuster film would have commanded a substantial fee. Following “Titanic,” she earned another Academy Award nomination for “Primary Colors” in 1998. From the available data, it’s difficult to assess the exact sum earned from “Primary Colors.” Bates also received Emmy nominations for her work on “3rd Rock from the Sun” and “Dash & Lilly” in 1999.
In 2002, Kathy Bates received an Oscar nomination for her performance in “About Schmidt.” She then appeared in a 10-episode stint on HBO’s “Six Feet Under,” earning another Emmy nomination. During the 2000s, Kathy appeared in several films, including “Around the World in 80 Days” (2004), “Failure to Launch” (2006), “Fred Claus” (2007), “Revolutionary Road” (2008), and “The Blind Side” (2009). Details on her compensation for these films are not publicly accessible. However, given her established status, it is reasonable to assume that she received substantial salaries for these roles, which would have added considerably to her net worth.
Television Roles and “American Horror Story”
Kathy Bates’ television career has also significantly contributed to her net worth. From 2010 to 2011, she played Jo Bennett on NBC’s “The Office.” From 2011 to 2012, she starred as Harriet Korn on NBC’s “Harry’s Law.” The exact salary figures for these roles are not available publicly. From 2017 to 2018, she played Ruth Whitefeather Feldman on Netflix’s “Disjointed.”
In 2013, Bates joined the cast of Ryan Murphy’s anthology horror series “American Horror Story.” She played Delphine LaLaurie in “Coven” (2013–2014), Ethel Darling in “Freak Show” (2014–2015), Iris in “Hotel” (2015–2016), Thomasin “The Butcher” White and Agnes Mary Winstead in “Roanoke” (2016), and Miriam Mead and Delphine LaLaurie in “Apocalypse” (2018). In February 2020, Murphy announced that Bates would be returning for season 10. While specific salary details for her “American Horror Story” roles have not been publicly disclosed, it is likely that she earned a significant income from her recurring appearances on the show. Furthermore, her work on “American Horror Story: Coven” earned her a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie in 2014. It’s important to note that her role in “Two and a Half Men” earned her Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series in 2012.
Recent Projects and Future Endeavors
In recent years, Kathy Bates has starred in the films “Tammy” (2014), “Bad Santa 2” (2016), “On the Basis of Sex” (2018), and “Richard Jewell” (2019). She also appeared on the TV series “Feud: Bette and Joan” (2017), “Lip Sync Battle” (2018), and “The Big Bang Theory” (2018). Bates is set to appear in the film “The Miracle Club,” which is scheduled to be released in 2022. These more recent projects have certainly contributed to her income and maintained her presence in the industry. The salary details for these projects are not publicly known; however, given her industry standing, she likely commands substantial fees.
Real Estate Holdings
In 2001, Kathy Bates purchased an 8-bedroom home in the Hancock Park area of Los Angeles for $2.9 million. This property, featuring a library, theater, swimming pool, spa, and 5-car garage, represents a significant asset. While current market value fluctuations can affect real estate values, such a property in Hancock Park would likely have appreciated substantially over the past two decades. Bates previously owned a Beachwood Canyon mansion that once belonged to “Dracula” star Bela Lugosi. She sold this property to actor Jon Cryer for $859,000 in 1999. These real estate transactions provide insight into her investment choices and contribution to her overall financial picture. It’s worth noting that while real estate holdings contribute to one’s net worth, they are also subject to market conditions and can fluctuate in value.
Awards and Recognition
Kathy Bates has received numerous awards and nominations throughout her career, further cementing her status in the entertainment industry. Her Academy Award for “Misery” in 1991, as well as her nominations for “Primary Colors,” “About Schmidt,” and “Richard Jewell,” reflect her critical acclaim. She has also been nominated for eight Golden Globes, winning for “Misery” in 1991 and “The Late Shift” in 1997. In addition to her 14 Primetime Emmy nominations, she won for “Two and a Half Men” in 2012 and “American Horror Story: Coven” in 2014. These accolades not only recognize her talent but also enhance her marketability, leading to increased earning potential. Kathy Bates has also received awards from American Comedy Awards, Blockbuster Entertainment Awards, Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards, Gold Derby Awards, National Board of Review, Online Film & Television Association, Satellite Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards. She won a François Truffaut Award at the 2006 Giffoni Film Festival and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2011 Women Film Critics Circle Awards. In 2016, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. While these awards do not directly translate to monetary gains, they increase her visibility and appeal to studios and production companies, likely influencing her ability to negotiate higher salaries and secure more lucrative roles.
