Kathy Bates Says She’ll Retire from Acting After ‘Matlock’

[Music] Kathy Bates a Powerhouse in the entertainment industry with a career that spans more than five decades has announced that she will retire from acting after the conclusion of her latest project the upcoming CBS legal drama madlock the decision to step away from the Limelight marks the end of a remarkable career defined by iconic roles transformative performances and a Relentless pursuit of Excellence at 76 Bates has cemented her Legacy as one of Hollywood's most versatile and fearless actors she has tackled a wide array of roles from the chillingly obsessive fan in misery that earned her an Academy Award to her heartwarming turn in fried green tomatoes to a host of Unforgettable performances across television stage and film now she plans to bow out with madlock a gender swapped reboot of the 19 86 to 1995 courtroom drama that starred Andy Griffith this is my last dance Bates told the New York Times reflecting on her time in the industry for someone who has achieved so much the decision to retire isn't taken lightly in fact Bates spoke candidly about the exhaustion she feels now at this point in her career everything I've prayed for work for claw my way up for I am suddenly able to be asked to use all of it she shared and it's exhausting her portrayal in Matlock where she takes over the titular role as a Savvy attorney seems to be a fitting swan song for Bates it's like nothing I've ever experienced Bates said of the project adding that it's allowed her to dig deep into her personal experiences and draw on everything she's learned over 50 years in the industry bit said the show which is set to debut on CBS on September 22nd encompasses all aspects of acting and showcases her full range as an artist I'm able to use everything that I was taught and I've taught myself I'm able to do the whole spectrum of things that I love to do as an actor in one character for someone whose career has been defined by pushing boundaries and taking on challenging roles Matlock allows Bates to once again delve into the emotional and psychological depth she's known for she described the preparation for her role as meline Matlock as an intense and introspective journey I really did a lot of digging deep in my own personal life my own background my own growing up and all of the experiences that I've had personally bites explained this introspection allowed her to access the vulnerabilities insecurities and regrets that fuel her character's motivations the thing I keep going back to is the regrets she said after I've done the inside work then the scenes happen to me and that's the way it's supposed to be this level of dedication and craftsmanship has long been a Hallmark of bat's career her portrayal of Annie wils in misery remains one of the most chilling and Unforgettable performances in film history earning her the Academy Award for best actress in 1991 Bates later proved her versatility with roles in Titanic Richard Jewel American Horror Story and Two and a Half Men for which she won an Emmy her TV resume is equally impressive with memorable appearances and six feet under the office and disjoint Bates has always approached acting with a deep sense of responsibility and commitment even as she approaches her final project her passion for the craft is evident however as much as acting has been her life it has also come at a cost I never really thought about being a movie star bth said I just wanted to be the best I could be it becomes my life sometimes I get jealous of having this talent because I can't hold it back and I just want my life this internal conflict between her love for acting and the desire for a personal life is something Bates has been candid about and though she may be stepping away from the screen it's clear that the decision is one made from a place of peace and self-awareness physically Bates feels stronger than she has in years having lost 100 lbs over the last few years and embracing a healthier lifestyle I'm moving and breathing and on my feet all day and walking about 3 miles a day working so I'm in fantastic shape she shared I feel good I feel strong I don't think I could have done this if that weren't the case it's fitting that Bates would retire on her own terms after a career that has spanned over five decades and left an indelible mark on the entertainment World whether she's commanding a courtroom as Matlock or terrorizing a riter in misery Cathy Bates has always brought an unparalleled depth and complexity to her roles she has shown audiences time and again what it means to fully embody a character to live inside their fears desires and emotions her performances have been more than just acting they have been a master class in storytelling as Cathy Bates prepares to take her final bowel with mattlock it's a moment to celebrate the extraordinary career of a woman who has given everything to her craft while she may be retiring her impact on film and television will continue to resonate for generations to come for fans this final role feels less like the end of an era and more like the crowning achievement of a career built on passion resilience and unparalleled Talent