Kathy Bates: Beauty Secrets, Emmy Awards, and "Harry's Law"

Just call her the silver fox.

Kathy Bates tells me that she no longer gets mistaken for Rosie O'Donnell because of a simple style switcharoo.

Me: Rosie told me that she always gets mistaken for you, Kathy.

Kathy Bates: "I know! She has told me that on occasion – especially when we were younger. I think I look a bit older now since I let my gray hair go…and I love the look."

Ask Kathy Bates about aging in reel and real life and she doesn't skip a beat. No sugar coating either.

"I do think about aging," Kathy says. "Most of all, being a cancer survivor, I'm just really glad to be here."

Fans across the world second that motion.

You know Kathy Bates from her amazing film work in movies including "Misery" and "Delores Claiborne."

I've interviewed her about a dozen times over the years and I'm catching up with her today on the set of her series "Harry's Law" during a break from filming.  The series enters its second season later this month.

"As I get older, I'm happy that the show requires me to walk a lot. It forces me to get a lot of exercise," she says with a delicious laugh.

I agree. Nothing is as good as exercise you absolutely can't avoid!

Kathy laughs. "There are things I can't do as well now as I age, but I don't really let it bother me. Again, I'm just happy to see each new day."

KATHY BATES: MIDLIFER STYLE IS EASY

Kathy is nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for playing curmudgeon lawyer Harriet, a tough talker looking for a fresh start.

She says choosing the gown for awards shows is a pretty easy process – just like picking her wardrobe choices for the show and her personal life.

Kathy recommends that women get a little help from a stylist to get their wardrobe basics. "I have somebody to go shop for me on the show, which is great so I don't have to shop."

On her series, her character looks casual chic.

"I certainly have a lot of help on the show. We have a wonderful costume expert named Lisa Eisler. She has worked with me a lot…especially this last year," Kathy says.

Kathy says that you can't go wrong with a smart suit. "We're working with Marina Rinaldi. They have beautiful suits for women," she says. "These are classic pieces that have so much style."

Kathy's absolutely right. These are sophisticated and timeless pieces made in Italy and include plus sizes in the most gorgeous silks among other fabrics.

MAKEUP IS ABOUT GREAT SKIN

Kathy says that wearing heavy on-set makeup can take a toll on her skin. She says women who walk around in base makeup all day long have the same issues.

"I'm very conscious about skin care," she says. "My best tip is that at the end of every single day no matter how tired you are it's important to cleanse all the makeup off."

"On the set, my makeup artist gives me a mini facial every single day and then we finish up with moisturizer to keep my face soft and supple."

Kathy says to find the product line that works for your skin, but to follow that regime and never skimp on the moisture either.

"Our faces get a lot of wear and tear. You have to take care of yourself."  

KATHY BATES ON AGING: "I LOVE GETTING UP IN THE MORNING AND GOING TO WORK."

She says filming the second season "Harry's Law" has been the kind of hard work that keeps her blood racing.

"We have a wonderful audience base and I'm thrilled to be back," she says.

She says age does not mean resting on your laurels.

"I'm very happy to have a job to go to every day. I love getting up in the morning and going to work. I get to do what I love," she says. "I enjoy acting. I've always enjoyed it.

"Sure, it's a challenge to put in the hours that TV requires. It's been a difficult pleasure," she says.

What is her biggest challenge?

"I guess it's learning lines every day and on the weekends," she says. "It takes up a lot of time, energy and focus. I had to make peace with that. It just comes with the job and I have to get the work done.

"I'm not complaining about it, but for me it's not just about learning the lines, but absorbing them."  

What would she do if she had to start life all over again?

"Oh my Lord!" she cries. "I don't know. I don't even like to think about the prospect of having to do it all over again.

"That's why I'm so grateful to have this job. I know a lot of people my age are having to start all over again. I don't know what I could do?"

Just like everyone else in that pickle, Kathy quickly comes up with a few choice alternatives.

"Well, I guess I'd try to get a job involving animals," she says. "Something more quiet. Less public."

But she could still wear those gorgeous suits!

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