Long live the queen

Kathy Bates was born 75 years ago today in Memphis. In time, her path took her to New York City, where she portrayed Jessie in the seminal, Pulitzer Prize-winning ‘night, Mother, a true tour de force, and then to Hollywood, where she has given some of the smartest, deepest, richest performances across all genres in film and television. While her signature role will always be her Oscar-winning turn as Annie Wilkes in Misery, see below for some other can’t-miss gems. (One favor, Ms. Bates — it’s not too late to consider a return to the stage!)

Career highlights:

Dolores Claiborne (1995)

The Late Shift (1996)

Fried Green Tomatoes (1991)

Primary Colors (1998)

Annie (1999)

About Schmidt (2002)

Harry’s Law (2011-12

Straight Time (1978)

Men Don’t Leave (1990)