Kathy Bates Announces Retirement After 'Matlock' Reboot: 'This Is My Last Dance'
Kathy BatesKathy Bates, the legendary Oscar-winning actress, has announced her retirement from acting following her role in the upcoming CBS series "Matlock." In a candid interview with The New York Times, Bates shared that she was initially ready to retire before being drawn back for one final performance as Madeline "Matty" Matlock in a gender-swapped reboot of the classic legal drama.
Throughout her illustrious career, Bates has been celebrated for her intense and nuanced performances, earning an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the 1990 thriller "Misery." She has also been recognized with Emmy Awards for her work in "Two and a Half Men" and "American Horror Story: Coven." Despite her extensive success across film and television, Bates admits that the demands of acting have taken a toll, describing the profession as "exhausting."
The decision to take on the "Matlock" role came after Bates had already informed her agents of her plans to step away from the industry. However, the script for "Matlock" resonated deeply with her, leading to a change of heart. "Everything I’ve prayed for, worked for, clawed my way up for, I am suddenly able to be asked to use all of it," Bates reflected, noting the opportunity to portray a seasoned lawyer who uses her life experiences to navigate cases.
Bates's character in "Matlock" addresses the invisibility many women feel as they age, a theme that struck a chord with the actress. "There’s this funny thing that happens when women age," her character observes in the series. "We become damn near invisible. It’s useful, because nobody sees us coming."
As Bates prepares to bow out from her long and distinguished career, audiences can look forward to seeing her final performance when "Matlock" premieres on September 22. As she embarks on this last chapter, Bates leaves behind a legacy of remarkable performances that have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
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