Kathy Bates Reveals Shocking Retirement Thoughts Before Matlock: What Changed Her Mind?

Kathy Bates has had a long and varied career in acting, encompassing film, television, and theater. Over the years, she’s garnered an Oscar, two Emmys, and a Tony nomination, along with numerous other accolades. At 76 years old, she recently won a Critics’ Choice Award for her portrayal of Madeline “Matty” Matlock in the CBS revival of Matlock, scheduled to air in 2025. Interestingly, she was contemplating retirement before taking on this series. Now, she’s discussing the reasons behind her contemplation of stepping away from acting.

The actress had previously expressed that “Matlock” might be her final role before retiring, as she initially considered retirement before the show was presented to her. During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Bates explained her reasons for wanting to quit acting and why she ultimately agreed to take on the “Matlock” project. Her rationale is quite logical:

This resonates deeply with me, it has genuine significance. Prior to this moment, I was gradually losing momentum. The roles I received for films weren’t widely viewed, yet they mattered greatly to me. Disappointment crept in due to the editing process. It became too painful. I began contemplating listing my house for sale and relocating to France or somewhere similar, seeking authentic inspiration. I yearned for genuine stimulation.

Some performers accept roles primarily for financial reasons and job security, yet many, like Bates, seek projects that resonate with them on a personal level. It’s also worth noting that it would be gratifying for the work they are so emotionally invested in to be seen by others. I can certainly understand why Bates might have chosen to retire before Matlock.

With her current project proving both significant and fruitful, it underscores the idea that it’s always possible to discover such rewarding work even towards the later stages of one’s professional journey.

It remains uncertain if Bates will indeed step down after the conclusion of Matlock, but with the series just beginning its second season this fall, such speculation seems premature. Given the numerous plot twists and the ability of Matlock to keep viewers on tenterhooks each episode, it’s highly probable that the show will continue for quite a while yet.

With a Paramount Plus subscription, priced at just $7.99 per month or $79.99 annually, you can now enjoy streaming classic shows such as ‘Matlock’, along with the latest CBS hits and exclusive originals like ‘1923’. Take advantage of this deal today!

In my previous statement, I highlighted that Matlock has been exceptionally successful in terms of viewership. During the 2024-25 season, CBS outperformed its rivals with shows like Tracker and Matlock. Matlock, in particular, attracted an average of close to 10 million viewers, while Tracker, the most popular show of the season, drew almost 11 million average viewers. Both shows have proven themselves as powerhouses, and it’s not hard to imagine them staying strong for many years ahead.

It’s tough to envision how different “Matlock” might have been if Kathy Bates hadn’t been a part of it. With another actress potentially taking the main role and Bates retiring, we could be pondering that. Fortunately, fans won’t need to speculate on that, and instead, they can only wonder about what’s going to happen next on “Matlock”.

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2025-05-31 23:43