Kathy Bates reveals she almost passed on ‘The Waterboy’ after throwing script away

Kathy Bates has revealed that she almost missed out on one of her memorable comedy roles after initially throwing away the script for The Waterboy.

The 78-year-old Oscar-winning actress, who later starred as Mama Boucher in the 1998 Adam Sandler comedy, admitted she had no idea who Sandler was when she first received the script.

Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Bates recalled reading only a few pages before deciding the film was not for her.

“I didn’t know who Adam Sandler was and I got a script. It was a football script,” she said.

After reading about 12 pages, Bates admitted she was not convinced.

“I thought, ‘Oh man, I can’t do this thing. This is ridiculous.’ So, I just tossed it in the waste basket,” she recalled.

However, her niece, who worked with her, found the script and questioned why she had discarded it.

Bates explained that when she mentioned the script was from “some kid Adam Sandler,” her niece immediately recognized the name and reminded her of Sandler’s famous Saturday Night Live song, The Chanukah Song.

After reconsidering the project, Bates decided to give the role a chance.

“I took another look at it, and I thought, well, I’ll do this for Linda,” she said.

Looking back, Bates said she has no regrets about joining the film and praised Sandler’s talent.

“Turns out we had the most fun. He’s brilliant. He’s a genius,” she shared.

Bates said she enjoyed working alongside Sandler during the period when he was becoming a major Hollywood star.

“That’s when he first started really getting known and people really flocking to see him,” she said.

Beyond reflecting on her past work, Bates also discussed her current career and her appreciation for her role on the television series Matlock.

The actress said the project arrived at an important time in her life and described it as a major opportunity after questioning her future in the industry.

“Matlock is a miracle for me,” Bates said.

She admitted that after a disappointing film experience, she wondered whether acting was still bringing her happiness.

At nearly 80, Bates said she feels grateful to continue working and to be part of a creative environment.

“Times are hard. A lot of people in this industry are out of work and so a big part of our joy is that we have a place to go every day,” she said.