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Thornton and Bates Reflect on Near Misery Collaboration

6/16/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Billy Bob Thornton and Kathy Bates reminisced about their almost-collaboration on the iconic film Misery during Variety's Actors on Actors series. Thornton shared his experience auditioning for a role that didn’t make the final cut. Despite this near miss, both actors have thrived in Hollywood, with Bates clinching an Oscar for Misery and Thornton for Sling Blade.

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Story summary

Billy Bob Thornton and Kathy Bates reminisced about their almost-collaboration on the iconic film Misery during Variety's Actors on Actors series. Thornton shared his experience auditioning for a role that didn’t make the final cut. Despite this near miss, both actors have thrived in Hollywood, with Bates clinching an Oscar for Misery and Thornton for Sling Blade.