News | Entertainment
20 Jan 2026 15:23
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
     20 Jan: Aimee Lou Wood says meeting Julia Roberts "surpassed" her dreams
     20 Jan: Pamela Anderson felt "yucky" being near Seth Rogen at the Golden Globes after he starred in series Pam and Tommy
     20 Jan: Johnny Knoxville can no longer be hit over the head during Jackass stunts, after suffering a brain haemorrhage
     20 Jan: Tom Brady has described his divorce from Gisele Bundchen as "a challenge"
     20 Jan: Ben Affleck hopes his kids "don't waste their life acting"
     19 Jan: Roger Allers, co-director of The Lion King, dies aged 76
     18 Jan: Teddi Mellencamp is "really sick" - months after she revealed her cancer had become "undetectable"
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    Don't be surprised if the coaching nous of Scott Robertson is lured to the UK More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    Fletcher Building's calling time on its construction arm - after a difficult few years More...



     Today's News

    Business:
    Fletcher Building's calling time on its construction arm - after a difficult few years 15:17

    Entertainment:
    Aimee Lou Wood says meeting Julia Roberts "surpassed" her dreams 15:10

    Health & Safety:
    The Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner has ruled a young man's rights were breached at a care home, when he put on 20 kilos in six months 15:07

    Environment:
    A warning the worst could still be yet to come, from blustery wet weather in the upper North Island 14:57

    Entertainment:
    Pamela Anderson felt "yucky" being near Seth Rogen at the Golden Globes after he starred in series Pam and Tommy 14:40

    Accident and Emergency:
    Spain high-speed train crash: signalling vulnerabilities could be key to understanding the accident 14:17

    International:
    Morocco accepts Trump's invite to 'peace' board as Putin yet to decide 14:17

    Entertainment:
    Johnny Knoxville can no longer be hit over the head during Jackass stunts, after suffering a brain haemorrhage 14:10

    Basketball:
    The Breakers are assessing their roster options after confirmation American import Rob Baker is out for the rest of the NBL basketball season 14:07

    Soccer:
    All Whites coach Darren Bazeley's welcoming a rare opportunity ahead of this year's Football World Cup 14:07


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2026 New Zealand City Ltd