Kathy Bates Reveals Heartbreaking Reason Director Rejected Her For Film Role She Originated On Stage

It's no secret that most Hollywood films and television shows hyperfixate on casting good-looking actors.

While we all know that, it's terrible to learn that someone was passed by for a role not because of their acting, but because of their unconventional looks.

Kathy Bates, for example, had her breakout film role in Hollywood as Misery's Annie Wilkes, a woman deeply obsessed with author Paul Sheldon and the world he had created in his books. She performed the violent psychological role so well, she earned an Oscar for her very first part.

But the intense breakout onto the Hollywood scene didn't do her the kind of favors you might expect. Bates confessed that she went a long time between being offered parts, and it was no secret that it was because of her "unusual look."

One that really hurt was Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune. She'd previously originated the part on Broadway, so it seemed like a fairly sure thing.

But director Garry Marshall admitted to Bates that he couldn't envision her opposite Al Pacino.

"He couldn't make the leap that people could see me onscreen kissing someone. Me actually kissing a man onscreen, that would not be romantic."

Bates confided that she'd always received that treatment, and she'd once even overheard her father say, "She's not conventionally attractive."

The part eventually went to Michelle Pfeiffer, and she and Pacino explored the roles of Johnny and Frankie falling in love in the café where they both worked.

Those who learned of this on social media didn't seem terribly surprised.

@people/Instagram

@people/Instagram

@people/Instagram

@people/Instagram

@people/Instagram

@people/Instagram

But the folks on the "Entertainment" subReddit had other thoughts, all in favor of Bates' talent.

"And, like, Al Pacino kissing a woman is romantic? No." - KezzardTheWizzard

"This is a huge pet peeve of mine; that we don’t get to see hella charismatic actors play screwball romance dynamics because they’re character actors."

"I want to see Toni Collette and Forest Whitaker as two oddballs falling in love. There’s actors that would clearly have fun acting together, and that’s what should be the draw for romance."

"Kathy Bates is wonderful in a film like Are You There God It’s Me Margaret as the fun, independent, supportive type of person, and she could so easily barrel from that into a romcom with her character. She’s so charming." - orbjo

"That was doing Kathy Bates such a disservice as a woman AND as a great actress. It's time to take him to the cottage, Annie."

"Seriously, do not underestimate Kathy Bates." - ThatsItImOverThis

"Bates specifically does play wacky characters too. Like her big breakout role was 'Misery,' right? She’s a literal comic book psychopath in that movie, respectfully."

"I worked with her on a job once for some mobile game she was a part of, and she was hilarious on set playing a wacky sketchy grandma."

"It seriously wouldn't surprise me AT ALL if she could pull off being charismatic, flirty, and romantic." - Sure_One_7716

"Have you seen 'P.S. I Love You'? Kathy plays a no-nonsense, cold, single mom of adult daughters who couldn't take the time to heal from being abandoned by her husband. At the end, she has grown a bit and begins to open up."

"A handsome older man meets her eyes, she drops her chocolates, and he flirts a bit when handing them to her. The laugh she gives and the twinkle in her eyes is one of my favorite movie moments."

"Kathy deserves a Diane Keaton rom com!" - sensitivekin82

Despite not being consistently recognized for her potential, Kathy Bates has gone on to have an incredibly successful career, in notable roles in Misery, Titantic, Fried Green Tomatoes, and now the TV series, Matlock.

Earlier this year, she received a standing ovation for her work in Matlock, and she said:

"It's the affirmation of a career that hasn't always been up here with the A-team going to Ibize or whatever, you know?"

"It hasn't been a straight trajectory."

To someone who loves Kathy Bates, it's heartbreaking to learn that she was passed over for roles for superficial reasons. With the range of characters she's played, it's hard to believe she couldn't have a believable love story on screen, and make it romantic, too.