News | Entertainment
18 Jan 2026 14:58
NZCity News
NZCity CalculatorReturn to NZCity

  • Start Page
  • Personalise
  • Sport
  • Weather
  • Finance
  • Shopping
  • Jobs
  • Horoscopes
  • Lotto Results
  • Photo Gallery
  • Site Gallery
  • TVNow
  • Dating
  • SearchNZ
  • NZSearch
  • Crime.co.nz
  • RugbyLeague
  • Make Home
  • About NZCity
  • Contact NZCity
  • Your Privacy
  • Advertising
  • Login
  • Join for Free

  •   Home > News > Entertainment

    Kathy Bates "didn't wanna go through" reconstructive surgery after a double mastectomy because she "enjoyed not having breasts"

    The 76-year-old actress was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 aged 64 and decided for a number of reasons that having a procedure to restore her bosom wouldn't have been right for her


    Appearing on the 'MeSsy' podcast, she told hosts Christina Applegate and Jamie-Lynn Sigler: "This is really weird, maybe - but I had really heavy breasts.

    "They were, like, 10 pounds when they removed them, and I kind of enjoy not having breasts."

    The 'American Horror Story' star's main reason for not wanted the surgery was because of her age and not being "in a relationship" at the time.

    She explained: "At the age I was, I thought, 'You know, I really don't wanna go through that'.

    "I just didn't wanna go through it. I wasn't in a relationship, I was older, and I didn't think that I would be in a relationship.

    "So I was kind of like, 'Why do I have to?' "

    Kathy - who was also diagnosed with ovarian cancer nine years before her breast cancer battle - pointed out that she can still change her figure when necessary for a role, such as in her 'Matlock' reboot where she sports a camisole-esque garment.

    She said: "They put little false-y cups in it, and they're so comfortable, and they give me a nice shape. And that's it."

    Back in 2018, Kathy opened up on her decision to avoid reconstructive surgery, insisting it would've involved her taking too much time away from her acting career, which she described as her "life force".

    She added to People at the time: "I'm having too much fun."

    However, she still wanted to use her experience and position to urge women to stay healthy and keep on top of things with regular check-ups.

    She advised: "Quit taking the damn selfies and worrying about what you look like. Instead, keep everything working and in good order."

    © 2026 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

     Other Entertainment News
     18 Jan: Teyana Taylor won't "abandon" Kanye West, despite his controversial behaviour
     18 Jan: Todd and Julie Chrisley experienced a "humbling season" following their release from prison
     18 Jan: Zoe Saldana is the highest-grossing actor of all time
     18 Jan: A woman who claimed to be Freddie Mercury's secret daughter has died after a battle with a rare form of spinal cancer
     18 Jan: Connor Storrie doesn't think his dad "needs to see" Heated Rivalry
     18 Jan: Tom Brady doesn't "have much time for a personal life"
     18 Jan: Carol Burnett wants to quit acting now she's in her 90s
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has posted a cryptic message on social media following speculation linking his assistant Tony Brown with a move to the All Blacks More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    Revelations New Zealanders faced a 200-percent spike in E-shop scams over the festive season More...



     Today's News

    Entertainment:
    Teyana Taylor won't "abandon" Kanye West, despite his controversial behaviour 14:53

    Entertainment:
    Todd and Julie Chrisley experienced a "humbling season" following their release from prison 14:23

    Living & Travel:
    The Black Foils have confirmed they've been deducted three championship points for their weekend-ending crash with Switzerland at the Sail GP season-opening event in Perth 14:07

    Rugby League:
    A thrilling finish to the AFC divisional round clash between Denver and Buffalo in the NFL playoffs 14:07

    Entertainment:
    Zoe Saldana is the highest-grossing actor of all time 13:53

    Environment:
    Civil Defence has stood up centres at Marae in Bland Bay, Puna-ruku, Oteto and Mokau in Northland after heavy rain and flooding 13:47

    Living & Travel:
    Police are reminding the people to take care during what's likely to be a busy day on holiday highways today 13:27

    Entertainment:
    A woman who claimed to be Freddie Mercury's secret daughter has died after a battle with a rare form of spinal cancer 13:23

    Rugby:
    Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has posted a cryptic message on social media following speculation linking his assistant Tony Brown with a move to the All Blacks 13:07

    Entertainment:
    Connor Storrie doesn't think his dad "needs to see" Heated Rivalry 12:53


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2026 New Zealand City Ltd