Tavis Smiley: My Conversation With Kathy Bates on Ageism in Hollywood

Tonight I'm joined by Academy Award winner Kathy Bates. Throughout her remarkable career, she has delivered a number of iconic performances, including her breakthrough role in the 1990 film Misery and, more recently, her scene-stealing turn in the FX show American Horror Story. In addition to her stellar on-screen work, Bates has served as an inspiration for many as a cancer survivor and spokesperson for the Lymphatic Education & Research Network.

One of Hollywood's most respected character actors, Bates has been able to achieve success in an industry that is notoriously biased against certain age groups and image types. In the clip below, she shares when she learned to develop tough skin in order to deal with what can often be an insensitive business.

For more of our conversation, be sure to tune in to Tavis Smiley on PBS. Check our website for your local TV listings: www.pbs.org/tavis.

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