Kathy Bates may be a Hollywood legend, but when it comes to social media, her family has put their foot down.
At the 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards, the Matlock star revealed why her niece, Linda, has banned her from using Instagram.
"I'm not allowed to be on Instagram," Bates told E! News’ Erin Lim. "Because my niece Linda says I'll read five million great ones and one bad one, and I'll fixate on the bad."
Despite staying away from social media, Bates is well aware of how much fans adore her—especially after her now-iconic reaction to winning Best Actress in a Drama Series at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards.
"I was like, 'I don't have a speech,'" Bates admitted, explaining her surprised expression. "That's what that was about."
However, she made sure to use her moment on stage to announce a heartfelt gesture—gifting her trophy to Matlock's executive producer, Eric Christian Olsen, whose home was lost in the L.A. wildfires.
Now, Bates is enjoying another big night at the SAG Awards, with two nominations:
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Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series (Matlock)
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Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series (competing against Cate Blanchett, Jodie Foster, Lily Gladstone, and more)
But while she’s savoring the moment, the 76-year-old actress confessed she almost left Hollywood behind.
"I was about to say sayonara before Matlock came along," she admitted. "Because it's very hard as you get older to find roles that let you spread your wings."
It was executive producer Jennie Snyder Urman who convinced her otherwise, offering a character that Bates described as having real substance and depth.
"We're doing so well in the ratings, and it's unbelievable. I just keep pinching myself."
And with or without social media, it’s clear that Kathy Bates is still winning in Hollywood.
Source: E! News