On June 28, 2025, CBS paid tribute to acclaimed actress Kathy Bates with its inaugural “CBS Birthday Salute,” celebrating her 77th birthday and illustrious career. The multi-platform event featured heartfelt messages from celebrity friends, fan tributes, and special performances, underscoring Bates’ enduring impact on the entertainment industry.
The celebration highlighted Bates’ return to television in the new “Matlock” series, where she portrays the titular character, Madeline Matlock. The reboot has garnered critical acclaim, with Bates earning a Critics Choice Award in 2025 for her performance. CBS President Mike Benson emphasized the significance of honoring artists like Bates, stating, “We’re so proud to have her and Matlock on CBS, and we’ve had a lot of fun planning all the elements honoring her throughout the day and evening this Saturday, her actual birthday.”
Celebrity friends, including Jason Ritter, Billy Bob … , Melissa McCarthy, and Ben Falcone, shared personal birthday messages, praising Bates’ talent and friendship. Thornton, her co-star in “Bad Santa 2,” affectionately called her “the greatest actress who ever lived,” while McCarthy humorously recounted crying during every take when first working with Bates on “Tammy.”
The tribute also featured fan messages and a unique musical performance by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles, celebrating Bates’ contributions to the arts. In honor of her birthday, CBS donated $10,000 to charitable … and collaborated with Candier to offer a themed candle promotion, with fans receiving a $10 discount on June 28. Additionally, Paper Source created custom envelope art inspired by her “Matlock” role.
Bates’ career spans over five decades, with notable roles in films such as “Misery,” “Titanic,” and “The Blind Side,” and television series like “American Horror Story.” She has received numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, two Emmys, and a Golden Globe. Beyond her acting achievements, Bates is a cancer survivor and advocate for lymphatic disease awareness, having publicly shared her health journey and weight loss transformation.
The “CBS Birthday Salute” not only celebrated Bates’ birthday but also her resilience, versatility, and enduring legacy in the entertainment industry. As CBS hinted at more celebrity birthday tributes to come, this inaugural event set a precedent for honoring artists who bring light into viewers’ lives.