Kathy Bates recalls emotional moment as she fit into Armani gown for 2024 Emmys after massive weight loss

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Kathy Bates experienced a heartfelt moment while preparing for the 2024 Emmys on September 15, marking a major milestone in both her health journey and career.

The 76-year-old Oscar-winning actress, who has lost 100 pounds over the past seven years, shared her emotional experience with People magazine in an exclusive interview.

Kathy Bates celebrates newfound confidence after weight loss

For the first time in years, Kathy Bates felt confident enough to visit Giorgio Armani to find a dress for the prestigious event.

“I was able to go to Giorgio Armani for the first time in quite a while,” she revealed.

She described the fitting process as deeply moving, noting that both she and her friend were overcome with emotion. "We were in tears because everything I came out in just looked exquisite."

Bates ultimately chose a stunning deep purple gown adorned with black beading for the Emmy night.

The transformation was not only physical but emotional, as she described how different she felt this time around.

“The pictures on the red carpet were so different from any pictures I'd ever had taken on a red carpet," she said, reflecting on her newfound confidence. "I just felt so relaxed and ready. I knew I felt great, and I looked great.”

The evening turned out to be more than just about appearances. Bates enjoyed a special moment presenting a skit alongside actors Antony Starr and Giancarlo Esposito. "It was a lovely night. That evening was really special," she added.

Kathy Bates shares heartwarming moment with 'Shogun' star Anna Sawai

One of the night’s most touching highlights came when Kathy Bates met 'Shōgun' star Anna Sawai, who became emotional when Bates complimented her work.

Bates, in turn, was touched by Sawai’s reaction. “I was astounded that she got so emotional or that she even knew my work," Bates said.

"She was so exquisite in Shōgun. To meet her was just a treat for me."

Bates’ health transformation began after she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes around 2017.

“It scared me straight,” she admitted, prompting her to take her health more seriously. Her first change was simple yet effective — she started listening to her body.

“When we’re full, we experience an involuntary sigh,” Bates explained. “I just pushed the plate away.”

Her journey also involved a major shift in diet. “I used to eat terribly: burgers and Cokes and pizza,” she confessed.

She also stopped eating after 8 pm and made a commitment to healthier eating habits, which helped her lose 80 pounds. Later, she lost an additional 20 pounds with the help of Ozempic, though Bates emphasized that the majority of her progress was the result of her own hard work.

"There’s been a lot of talk that I just was able to do this because of Ozempic. But I have to impress upon people out there that this was hard work for me, especially during the pandemic. It’s very hard to say you’ve had enough.”

Kathy Bates focussed on maintaining progress

Now, Kathy Bates faces a new challenge: finding a workout routine that fits her lifestyle.

With the first season of the 'Matlock' reboot wrapped, she’s focused on maintaining her progress.

“That’s going to be my next thing that I’m worried about because I won’t be on set running back and forth,” she said, adding that she’s considering trying Pilates but doesn’t want a trainer.

“I don’t want anybody over my shoulder. It’s just very important to me to keep this going. I don’t want to slip.”

Bates' health transformation has allowed her to fully embrace her role in 'Matlock'.

“Physically, I’m capable of doing this show,” she shared. “I don’t have to sit down. I can stand up all day long and walk and move and breathe and do so many things that I couldn’t before.”

While her recent comments about 'Matlock' being her “last dance” sparked rumors of retirement, Bates clarified that she’s not stepping away from Hollywood just yet.

“I think people got confused and thought I was going to retire,” she explained. “What I meant was, how can it get any better? I would love for this to keep going.”