For over five decades, Kathy Bates has lit up the screen with her unforgettable performances. But as she steps into the spotlight once more for the reboot of Matlock, the legendary actress has made some surprising revelations about her future in Hollywood. With a career spanning more than 50 years, Kathy is showing no signs of slowing down, but she's also ready to embrace the next chapter in her life.

Leading the Charge: Kathy Bates Takes on the Role of Madeline Matlock

Back in May 2023, the entertainment world buzzed with the news that Matlock, the beloved legal drama that aired from 1986 to 1995, would be getting a reboot. This time, however, it would star none other than Kathy Bates alongside an impressive lineup including Beau Bridges, Jason Ritter, Skye P. Marshall, David Del Rio, and Leah Lewis. The original show, headlined by Andy Griffith, was a cultural phenomenon, and now Kathy is bringing her own twist to the iconic role.

Kathy has been cast as Madeline Matlock, an attorney who, after years of retirement, decides to return to the legal world by joining a prestigious law firm in New York City. But what made her choose this role? In a candid interview with Entertainment Weekly in September 2024, Kathy shared her thoughts.

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“It was Jennie Urman and that script. The character of Matty is someone I can really relate to, and the writing is just incredible. Part of what makes this show stand out is that it’s not just episodic,” Kathy explained. “Unlike the original Matlock from the '80s, which was purely episodic, our show has a case every week, but there's also a serial aspect to it—a thread that runs through all the episodes. That sense of continuity and depth really drew me in.”

She went on to talk about the show's relevance in today's world. “We’ve done a lot of research, but the feeling of doing something that’s meaningful, something that’s current and important to talk about, that’s what really sealed the deal for me,” Kathy added.

Of course, stepping into such a major role wasn’t without its challenges. “It’s hard work, no doubt about it,” Kathy admitted. “But I’m lucky—I’m in the best shape of my life. Over the last few years, I’ve lost about a hundred pounds, and now I’m moving, breathing, and on my feet all day. I walk about three miles a day while working, so I’m in fantastic shape. I don’t think I could have done this if I wasn’t in such great condition.”

In addition to her role in Matlock, Kathy kept busy in 2024 with performances in The Great Lillian Hall, Summer Camp, and A Family Affair.

Kathy Bates retiring from acting — Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Kathy Bates: The Final Act

Just days after opening up about what drew her to the Matlock reboot, Kathy sat down with The New York Times to reveal a surprising decision: she plans to retire after completing the show.

“Everything I’ve prayed for, worked for, clawed my way up for—I’m suddenly being asked to use all of it. And it’s exhausting,” the Academy Award-winning actress confessed. “This is my last dance.”

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Kathy explained that she had initially planned to retire before the opportunity to join Matlock came along. But now, as she nears the end of her time on the show, she feels ready to step back from the limelight.

“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,” she added, offering a glimpse into the emotional toll that a life in show business can take.

In July 2024, Kathy opened up about the challenges she faced as a young actress in Hollywood. “When I was younger, I guess I would get my feelings really hurt. Sometimes I’d get on a plane and fly home,” she recalled during a Matlock panel at the summer TCA Press Tour. “But the supportive people around me helped me overcome those feelings of doubt. Someone told me, ‘You gotta have a head like a bullet and a heart like a baby.’ So that’s what I’ve tried to do. But sometimes I take it too far and I can be like a bull in a China shop.”

Matlock is set to premiere on CBS on September 22 and will also be available to stream on Paramount+.