Kathy Bates Announces Retirement With Legendary New Show, ‘This Is My Last Dance’

Posted: September 11, 2024

Legendary actress Kathy Bates is preparing for retirement after a distinguished career in Hollywood, with her role in CBS’s reboot of Matlock marking her final project. The 76-year-old Oscar and Emmy-winning star recently shared her retirement plans in an interview with The New York Times, stating, “This is my last dance.” In her new show, Bates will portray Madeline “Matty” Matlock, a brilliant septuagenarian lawyer who joins a prestigious law firm, using her unassuming demeanor and sharp tactics to win cases. The reboot, which premieres on September 22, will showcase Bates in the role originally made famous by Andy Griffith.

Throughout Kathy Bates’ career, she has captivated audiences with unforgettable performances in American Horror Story, Misery, Titanic, and Fried Green Tomatoes. Her portrayal of complex characters has made her one of the industry’s most respected actresses. Despite her many accolades, Bates revealed she had contemplated retirement before this new show came her way. After a particularly challenging movie shoot, she considered stepping away from acting altogether.

However, the opportunity to star in Matlock changed her mind. Bates, who is also an executive producer on the series, saw this project as a chance to utilize all the skills she has honed throughout her illustrious 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, adding that the experience has been both rewarding and exhausting. She believes that Matlock will be the perfect conclusion to her time in front of the camera.

With Bates’ retirement imminent, the anticipation for her final role is high. In a fall preview for The Times, columnist Mary McNamara described Matlock as “a showcase for Bates,” emphasizing that she is always worth showcasing. The reboot, reimagined by showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman, also stars Skye P. Marshall, Jason Ritter, David Del Rio, and Leah Lewis.

As Kathy Bates prepares for her retirement, fans can look forward to one last iconic performance from a legendary actress whose contributions have left an indelible mark on Hollywood. Matlock debuts on CBS on September 22 at 8 p.m.