New Details From Kathy Bates' Past Show Off Another Side Of The Actress's Life

Whether you know her as Misery's sadistic nurse, Annie Wilkes, or as her six kooky character portrayals in her five-season stint on American Horror Story, Kathy Bates is an acting legend. The Oscar and Emmy winner has lived quite the life, battling the beauty-obsessed entertainment industry and her own health complications with grace and strength, just as her feminist characters would. But few fans know all the ups and downs that made her an icon.

A Film Industry Gem

A charming Oscar-winning actor and everyone's favorite murderous bookworm, Kathy Bates is known for portraying women who play the game of life by their own rules. She's been a gem in the film industry for practically four decades, but that journey hasn't been an easy one.

The Big Apple

The Memphis-born gal studied theater at Dallas' Southern Methodist University before eventually moving to New York City in 1970 to pursue her dream of becoming a star. She soon realized that, regardless of her natural acting chops, she'd be scratching at every door for even a drop of work.

Getting Work

Kathy worked random jobs here and there just to make ends meet, even working as a cashier at the Museum of Modern Art for a bit. Her work ethic and raw talent managed to land her some minor roles in theater productions, and eventually, a part in director Miloš Forman's 1971 comedy Taking Off.

The Eye of the Beholder

The small role as character Bobo Bates was just the beginning for Kathy, but several casting agents warned her that she wasn't physically attractive enough to become a successful actor. Hearing that was gut-wrenching.