Ronny Sianturi
Oscar and Emmy-winning actress Kathy Bates has revealed a surprising detail about her early career, admitting that she initially dismissed the script for the 1998 blockbuster comedy The Waterboy, largely due to her unfamiliarity with its star, Adam Sandler. This candid disclosure, made during a recent video interview with The Hollywood Reporter, offers a fascinating glimpse into the pre-production of a film that would become a significant commercial success and a memorable role for Bates as the overbearing Mama Boucher.
The veteran actress recounted that upon receiving the script for the football-themed comedy, her initial reaction was one of disinterest. "I didn’t know who Adam Sandler was and I got a script. It was a football script, and I was like, ‘Oh, let’s give me a football’," Bates explained, recalling her early apprehension. Her lack of recognition for Sandler, who was then a burgeoning star with a dedicated fanbase cultivated through his tenure on Saturday Night Live, led her to underestimate the project’s potential.
Bates elaborated on her initial dismissal: "Twelve pages I read and I thought, ‘Oh man, I can’t do this thing. This is ridiculous.’ So, I just tossed it in the waste basket." This decisive action, however, was thwarted by her observant niece, who worked with the actress. Upon discovering the discarded script, her niece inquired about its contents. Bates’ response, "It’s a script that some kid Adam Sandler [wrote]," was met with a surprised reaction from her niece, who famously responded, "Adam Sandler! You don’t know the Hanukkah song?"
This pointed question referred to Sandler’s iconic novelty song, "The Chanukah Song," which he first performed on Saturday Night Live in 1994. The song’s widespread popularity and Sandler’s growing comedic reputation, underscored by his successful film career at the time, were evidently not on Bates’ radar. The niece’s intervention served as a crucial turning point, prompting Bates to reconsider her initial judgment.
A Second Look and a Breakthrough Collaboration
Motivated by her niece’s enthusiastic recognition of Sandler and the song’s cultural impact, Bates decided to give the script another chance. "So I took another look at it, and I thought, well, I’ll do this for Linda," she stated, referring to her niece. This revised perspective proved to be a pivotal moment, leading to an experience that far exceeded her initial expectations.
Bates expressed profound satisfaction with the outcome of her second reading and subsequent involvement in the film: "Turns out we had the most fun. He’s brilliant. He’s a genius." Her immersion into the role of Mama Boucher was reportedly an enjoyable and creatively fulfilling endeavor. "I dove in the deep end and just had a great time. Just screwed around. And I loved working with him," she confessed. Bates further observed that this period marked a significant phase in Sandler’s career, noting, "That’s when he first started really getting known and people really flocking to see him."
The Waterboy, released in November 1998, went on to achieve considerable box office success, grossing over $180 million worldwide. The film’s critical reception was mixed, but its enduring popularity, particularly among younger audiences, solidified Sandler’s status as a comedic powerhouse. Bates’ portrayal of Mama Boucher, a fiercely protective and eccentric mother, became one of the film’s most memorable elements, showcasing her versatility and ability to inhabit complex, comedic characters.
A Pattern of Near Misses: The Matlock Revelation
Bates’ admission about The Waterboy script isn’t an isolated incident of almost passing on significant roles. She also revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that she nearly declined the lead role in the recently revived legal drama Matlock due to not finishing the initial screenplay. This parallel anecdote highlights a recurring theme in her career: the importance of fully engaging with material before making a final decision, and the crucial role of trusted advisors in guiding her choices.
The actress described her current role in Matlock as a "miracle," particularly in light of past professional disappointments. "I had one foot out the door," she admitted, referencing a previous film project that had left her disheartened. "A film that I did not too long before just was such a heartbreaking disappointment. You know, at my age, I’m going to be 80 in two years, I just thought, this is not working out, it’s not giving me any happiness." This sentiment reflects a mature perspective on career choices, prioritizing fulfillment and artistic satisfaction over mere participation.
The Twist That Saved Matlock
The script for Matlock initially presented a challenge to Bates. She recounted discussing her reservations with a friend in New York, Billy, expressing her view that it seemed like "just a procedural." However, her friend’s persistent encouragement, "Did you read it? Did you finish it? Read it to the end," proved instrumental. This advice led Bates to discover a crucial plot element: "And, of course, it’s got this great twist at the end."
This revelation fundamentally altered her perception of the project. "And I thought, ‘OK, now we’re talking.’ I wanted it to be about something," she explained. The depth and thematic resonance of the character and the narrative, particularly the underlying mission of her character, Madeline Matlock, resonated with Bates. "I didn’t want it just to be a case of the weak. And the fact that there’s this woman who’s got a real mission and something in the real world that people are struggling with," she added, emphasizing the project’s potential for social relevance.
The series Matlock, which premiered in Fall 2023, follows Madeline Matlock, a sharp and determined investigator who rejoins the legal profession at a prestigious firm. The show has garnered significant attention for its blend of legal drama and character-driven storytelling, with Bates receiving critical acclaim for her performance. The series has already been renewed for a third season, underscoring its popularity and the strength of its central performance.
Gratitude and the Industry Landscape
Bates also expressed a profound sense of gratitude for the opportunity provided by Matlock, particularly in the current challenging climate for the entertainment industry. "Times are hard. A lot of people in this industry are out of work," she stated. This acknowledgment highlights the precariousness faced by many professionals in Hollywood, making the stability and creative output offered by Matlock even more valuable.
"A big part of our joy is that we have a place to go every day. We have something wonderful to make," Bates concluded, emphasizing the sense of purpose and community that her current role provides. This sentiment speaks to the broader implications of successful, long-running television productions, not only for the individuals involved but also for the industry as a whole, fostering employment and creative endeavor during uncertain economic times. The series’ renewal for a third season, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, further solidifies its position as a stable and creatively rewarding venture for its cast and crew.
The anecdote of Bates nearly discarding The Waterboy script, juxtaposed with her near-miss on Matlock, underscores the unpredictable nature of artistic success and the often-unseen factors that contribute to a project’s realization. It also serves as a testament to the crucial role of mentorship, perseverance, and sometimes, a bit of timely advice from loved ones, in shaping impactful careers and delivering memorable performances to audiences worldwide. Her willingness to share these behind-the-scenes moments provides valuable context to her celebrated filmography and her enduring presence in Hollywood.
