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Billy Bob Thornton Shocks Kathy Bates by Revealing He Almost Starred in ‘Misery’ and Their Surprise ‘Matlock’ Connection

Kathy Bates and Billy Bob Thornton reveal during Variety's 'Actors on Actors' that they nearly starred in 'Misery' together.

Bates stars in CBS’ “Matlock,” a reimagining of the ’80s drama, playing a scheming attorney who hides her true identity from her colleagues to obtain justice for her daughter. While on completely different paths as actors, they’ve known each other for three decades, first teaming up on Mike Nichols’ “Primary Colors,” where Bates tried to learn from the legendary director, and turned to him for advice. Ali Larter [who plays Thornton’s feisty ex-wife] bursts through the room wearing half a sarong and starts bossing me around.

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