Kathy Bates Admits She Considered Walking Away From Acting Before 'Matlock'
Let me tell you something—before she landed the role of Matty Matlock, Kathy Bates revealed that she had seriously considered stepping away from the world of show business altogether. It's a story of resilience and timing that makes you think about how life-changing moments can come just when you least expect them.
Speaking candidly at the 2025 Screen Guild Actors Awards on Sunday, February 23, Kathy shared her thoughts with E! News. "I was about to say sayonara before Matlock came along, because as you get older, it's incredibly tough to find roles where you can really stretch your wings and take on characters that people will truly connect with," she explained. "I was seriously having second thoughts about whether it was time to call it quits."
Why 'Matlock' Changed Everything for Kathy Bates
It was the writing for the "amazing character" Matty in 'Matlock' that reignited Kathy's passion for acting and convinced her to stick around in Hollywood. "When I read the script, I realized this wasn't just another episodic show—it had depth, substance, and layers beneath the surface," she said. "And look at the ratings! They're incredible. I still can't believe how well it's doing. I just keep pinching myself because it feels like a dream."
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And it's not just the fans who are taking notice—Kathy was nominated at the 31st annual ceremony for her outstanding performance in the Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series category. While the award ultimately went to Anna Sawai for her role in 'Shōgun,' Kathy's nomination is a testament to her incredible talent and the impact she's making with this role.
Kathy's Journey and Her Thoughts on Retirement
Back in September 2024, Kathy made headlines when she told The New York Times that she was entering the "last dance" of her career with 'Matlock.' "It's become my entire life," she admitted. "Sometimes I feel a bit envious of having this incredible talent because I can't just turn it off, and I just want some balance in my life."
However, Kathy later clarified that she wasn't planning on retiring anytime soon. "I think there was some confusion when people thought I was going to retire," the Oscar-winning actress told People in October 2024. "What I meant was, how could it get any better than this? I would love for 'Matlock' to keep going. It's been such a blessing in my life."
As Kathy aged, she found it increasingly difficult to find roles that truly excited her and challenged her as an actress. Luckily, 'Matlock' came along and has been nothing short of a godsend, bringing in fantastic ratings and millions of viewers with every episode. "I remember calling my agents and saying, 'I think maybe I want to go into semi-retirement. If I can't afford to keep my house, I'll sell it and maybe move to New York,'" she recalled. "Then this happened, and I couldn't believe it. It was like fate stepping in and saying, 'No, Kathy, you're not done yet!'"
Kathy's Emotional Farewell to Season 1
Kathy said she got emotional while filming the last episode of 'Matlock' in season 1. "Matty says, 'I want to be a lawyer, I love it so much,'" she reflected. "All I could think about was this: 'We're about to wrap tomorrow, and it's bittersweet because I've never had an experience like this, like Matty, and I don't want it to end.' I love it so much."
In October 2024, CBS announced that 'Matlock' was renewed for season 2, which will air during the 2025-2026 broadcast season. "This reconceived 'MATLOCK' was devised by Jennie Snyder Urman with a brilliant surprise plot twist, and we knew we had something very special the moment we saw the first episode brought to life by the incredibly talented Kathy Bates," said Amy Reisenbach, President of CBS Entertainment. "The audience reception and critical acclaim for it has been overwhelming. We can't wait to get started on a second season."
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