Kathy Bates, a renowned actress with a career spanning five decades, has recently shared her thoughts on retirement in light of her role in the CBS series Matlock. Initially contemplating leaving the industry, Bates found new motivation upon reading the script for a gender-flipped version of the iconic series. In an interview with Variety, she expressed her belief that the role was specifically tailored for her. Bates mentioned how the series creator, Jennie Snyder Urman, initially intended for her character to be a younger version, but later shifted focus to portray older women and their often overlooked experiences. This pivot resonated with Bates, who felt excited to share meaningful narratives about aging and visibility, which the show captures.
In September 2024, Bates stirred conversations around her potential retirement, dubbing Matlock as possibly her final project. She described this moment as her “last dance,” following a disappointing film experience that nearly persuaded her to step away from acting for good. At that point, she felt she had accomplished everything in her career and found it exhausting. However, she later clarified her sentiments to People, indicating that while she was unsure how her career could improve beyond this point, her passion for acting remained ignited by the show’s success. Bates acknowledged the difficulties she faced while pursuing roles suitable for women of her age, which made her consider semi-retirement in the past.
Reflecting on her career’s challenges, Bates recounted her experiences leading up to Matlock. In a candid moment during the podcast “Dinner’s On Me,” she credited executive producer Ryan Murphy for rejuvenating her acting journey after casting her in American Horror Story. Prior to that pivotal role, Bates battled breast cancer and faced the abrupt cancellation of her show Harry’s Law—experiences she described as degrading and humiliating. The struggle made her doubt the future of her career, leaving her uncertain if she would secure more opportunities in the industry.
Bates emphasized that she felt on the verge of exiting acting altogether. She described grappling with limited offers for significant roles, leading her to contemplate selling her house and relocating to France. It was during this phase of reflection that the script for Matlock arrived, claiming her full attention and sparking a resurgence of excitement within her. The character and storyline seemed to align perfectly, igniting her desire to continue acting rather than retire.
Throughout her discussions, Bates revealed the depth of her emotional connection to her work and its impact on her life. The evolving roles available for aging women and the opportunity to tell relevance-filled stories kept her engaged and motivated in her craft. Despite her earlier thoughts about retirement, Bates’ passion for acting was rekindled, instilling a sense of purpose and a desire for continued participation in meaningful projects like Matlock.
Thus, Kathy Bates stands at a crossroads, balancing her thoughts on retirement with the opportunities presented by her latest role. The nuanced portrayal of older women in Matlock holds significant importance for her, highlighting not just personal growth, but also a broader conversation about representation and visibility. While she once considered stepping away from acting, the excitement spurred by this project suggests that Bates remains committed to her craft, eager to find new ways to resonate with audiences and share the stories of those who often go unnoticed.
