End of an era: Kathy Bates announces retirement after 'Matlock'
Kathy Bates, the Oscar and Emmy-winning Hollywood actor, has announced her retirement from acting after a career spanning five decades. The 76-year-old actor confirmed this news in an interview with The New York Times on Sunday. Her final performance will be in the upcoming CBS reboot of Matlock, set to premiere on September 22 and later stream on Paramount+.
'This is my last dance': Bates on retirement
Bates, known for her Academy Award-winning role in Misery (1990), has been contemplating retirement for some time. She told NYT, "This is my last dance." The actor disclosed that she had considered retiring earlier after a disappointing film shoot last year but did not specify the production. However, in January 2024, her agents presented her with the script for Matlock which piqued her interest and delayed her retirement plans.
'Matlock' reboot intrigued Bates, offered new acting challenge
The Matlock reboot, a modern take on the namesake classic, features a character in her 70s seeking justice. This concept resonated with Bates who has experienced unfair treatment in her career. "Everything I've prayed for, worked for, clawed my way up for...I am suddenly able to be asked to use all of it," she said. "It becomes my life." "Sometimes I get jealous of having this talent. Because I can't hold it back, and I just want my life."
Bates's illustrious career and final project details
Bates has had a successful career in both film and television, with roles in shows like Six Feet Under, The Office, Two and a Half Men, and American Horror Story: Coven. She received Emmys for Outstanding Guest Actress and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie for the latter two projects. Her recent work includes Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret and Netflix's A Family Affair.
'Matlock' reboot: A look at the cast and plot
The Matlock reboot, commissioned for 18 episodes, is a remake of the original late '80s series starring Andy Griffith. The new version follows a brilliant lawyer's return to a prestigious law firm after achieving success in her younger years. In addition to Bates, the show features Jason Ritter, Skye P Marshall, and Beau Bridges. The series is led by showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman.
