Kathy Bates Claims Garry Marshall Denied Romantic Film Role Over Looks

Kathy Bates revealed that late director Garry Marshall declined to cast her in the 1991 film adaptation of "Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune" because he couldn't imagine audiences seeing her romantically onscreen, despite her originating the role on stage. The part ultimately went to Michelle Pfeiffer, which deeply affected Bates, who recounted feeling rejected by Hollywood standards of beauty throughout her career, including hurtful comments from a journalist and even her own father. Bates, an Oscar winner for her role in "Misery," described the industry’s bias against her looks as a recurring barrier, yet she persisted and built a celebrated career. She shared how a kissing scene in another film was cut, and how she was emotionally hurt by public doubts about her romantic believability in roles. Despite these challenges, Bates expressed pride in her enduring career and dismissed retirement rumors, citing her enjoyment of current work like "Matlock." Bates's experience highlights ongoing issues of appearance-based discrimination in Hollywood casting decisions.