Hollywood icon and award-winning actress Kathy Bates has revealed that she wouldn’t have a film career if it wasn’t for the late Rob Reiner. Bates was speaking following the tragic death of the filmmaker, who was found dead alongside his wife Michele Singer Reiner. The pair died on December 14.
Rob directed Bates on the 1990 film “Misery” and it proved to be her breakthrough role on screen, something that she is incredibly grateful for. Now, the actress is the latest to pay an emotional tribute to the legendary figure
Kathy Bates Owes Movie Career To Rob Reiner
Speaking in an interview with CBS News, Bates revealed just how important Rob has been to her in terms of giving her a chance to become a movie star.
The actress won an Academy Award for her performance in “Misery,” which was adapted from the 1987 Stephen King novel of the same name. In the film, she stars as the obsessive Annie Wilkes, who captures and imprisons novelist Paul Sheldon.
During the interview, Bates explained the crucial part that the filmmaker played in her life. She said, “Rob changed the course of my life and if he hadn’t, I wouldn’t be sitting in front of you now.”
She continued, “When I look back over the last 35 years since we made ‘Misery,’ I realize that if I hadn’t done ‘Misery’ it would be like being George Bailey and going back seeing what his life would have been like if he had never been there.”
“I wouldn’t have some of the friends that I have now,” revealed Bates. “I wouldn’t have had the richness in my life. Quite frankly, I probably would have stayed in the theater and I doubt I would have had a movie career. I might have dropped out altogether.”
“I’ve always wanted to be an actress from when I was very very small. I don’t know why, I’ve always had that dream.” And if it wasn’t for Rob, I don’t think that I would ever have been able to make that dream come true in such a dramatic and incredible way.”
Rob Reiner’s Final ‘Spinal Tap’ Film Put On Hold
Although Rob is listed in the credits for “Wind River: Rising” as executive producer, it is not clear what involvement he had in or when the upcoming sequel to the 2017 thriller “Wind River” will actually release.
Instead, it is the “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues” follow-up concert film that many will likely consider to be Rob’s final posthumous release.
“Spinal Tap at Stonehenge: The Final Finale” features the likes of Eric Clapton and Shania Twain performing alongside Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer.
Independent film company Bleecker Street has said that the film’s release is being put on hold until “the best path forward is decided with those closest to Rob and his family.”
