Renowned Hollywood actress Kathy Bates, who has graced the silver screen for decades, has announced her retirement from acting.
The Oscar-winning actress disclosed her decision in a recent interview with The New York Times, stating that her upcoming role in the CBS reboot of "Matlock" would be her final performance.
According to the Daily Caller, Bates had been contemplating retirement prior to accepting this role. The actress shared that a disheartening experience on a movie set had significantly "soured" her views on acting. "It becomes my life," she confessed, expressing her frustration with the all-consuming nature of her craft. "Sometimes I get jealous of having this talent. Because I can't hold it back and I just want my life."
Bates, 76, admitted that she fully immerses herself in every character she portrays, a process that can be emotionally draining. However, the script for "Matlock" presented an opportunity she couldn't resist. The role allowed her to utilize her full range of acting skills, making it an ideal swan song for her illustrious career.
In the reboot of "Matlock," Bates plays the lead role of a woman who feels overlooked due to her age. This character resonated with Bates, inspiring her to postpone her retirement and step back into the limelight one last time. "This is my last dance," she told The New York Times, indicating her commitment to give her all for this final performance.
"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, acknowledging the exhaustive nature of her craft.
Bates' acting career is studded with acclaimed roles and prestigious awards. She won an Oscar for her performance in "Misery," and bagged Emmy awards for her roles in "American Horror Story" and "Two and a Half Men." Her other notable performances include roles in "Six Feet Under," "The Office," "Harry's Law," and "Disjointed."
The CBS reboot of "Matlock," featuring Bates' final performance, is set to stream on Paramount+ starting September 22. As Bates takes her final bow, her fans and the entire Hollywood fraternity will undoubtedly be watching, celebrating the end of an era and the remarkable career of a truly gifted actress.
Login