Kathy Bates, the esteemed actress known for her roles in The Shawshank Redemption and American Horror Story, has a unique approach to choosing her projects. In a recent interview, she revealed an intriguing anecdote about her early career, specifically her initial reaction to the script of The Waterboy. Bates admitted that she initially dismissed the script because she was unfamiliar with Adam Sandler, the actor and writer behind the film. She recalled, 'I didn't know who Adam Sandler was, and I got a script. It was a football script, and I was like, 'Oh, let's give me a football.' Twelve pages I read and I thought, 'Oh man, I can't do this thing. This is ridiculous.' So, I just tossed it in the waste basket.'
This story highlights Bates' pragmatic and selective nature in choosing her roles. She explained that her niece, who works with her, retrieved the script from the trash and introduced her to Sandler's work, including his famous 'The Chanukah Song.' Intrigued, Bates decided to give the script another chance and was delighted to discover Sandler's brilliance and humor. She said, 'So I took another look at it, and I thought, well, I'll do this for Linda. Turns out we had the most fun. He's brilliant. He's a genius.'
The Waterboy, a 1998 sports comedy, showcased Bates' versatility as she played the role of Mama Boucher, an overprotective and devoutly Christian mother. Her performance was well-received, and it marked a turning point in her career, as she began to gain recognition for her comedic talents. Bates' willingness to take risks and her open-minded approach to scripts, even those she initially dismissed, have contributed to her successful and diverse body of work. This anecdote provides a fascinating insight into the actress' decision-making process and her unique perspective on the entertainment industry.
