Unstoppable
From Misery to Matlock, the legendary Kathy Bates continues to breathe life into some of entertainment’s most formidable characters.
Kathy Bates has long had a life philosophy that has kept her in good stead. Throughout her stellar 50-year acting stage and screen career, which began in 1971 with Milos Forman’s film Taking Off, Bates is known for always working hard to be the best that she can be.
“I’ve only ever been interested in doing the best work that I can possibly do every single time,” says the multi-award-winning actor, now 76. “I always want to dig deep and at the same time also make it look easy.”
During her acclaimed career, Bates has received an Oscar for her portrayal of the psychotic, obsessed fan Annie Wilkes in the 1990 psychological thriller Misery, two Primetime TV Emmy Awards (Two and a Half Men and American Horror Story) and a Best Actress Tony Award for her emotional role in Long Day’s Journey into Night.
The iconic actor stars as an experienced attorney named Madeline “Matty” Matlock in Matlock, a clever new CBS legal series with a surprise twist. It also has a wink and a nod to Andy Griffith’s beloved, folksy legal drama of the same name, which ran from 1986 to 1995, and helped set the stage for the many procedural dramas to follow.
In the new Matlock, Bates’ character, Matty, rejoins the work force at a prestigious law firm, where she uses her unassuming demeanor and clever tactics to win cases and expose corruption. The witty new series fits in perfectly with Bates’ overall career; she is known for her portrayals of strong women who act against the societal norms.
Despite earlier mentions of possible retirement, Bates tells us she’s not ready for her “last dance” anytime soon.
Q&A
You have said your role in Matlock reminds you of your mother. Can you elaborate?
There’s a lot of what I imagine my mother, Mary, could have been if she had been given the opportunity to realize her dreams of becoming a lawyer. I think about the frustration she must have felt of having that kind of dream and having it subverted by the time period she lived in.
You have said your role in Matlock reminds you of your mother. Can you elaborate?
There’s a lot of what I imagine my mother, Mary, could have been if she had been given the opportunity to realize her dreams of becoming a lawyer. I think about the frustration she must have felt of having that kind of dream and having it subverted by the time period she lived in.
Why was this the right role at this time in your life?
Well, because a woman my age would never have received such a role, and the complexity of the role and the writing. I pinch myself every day. This is certainly a business where a lot of ageism exists. I’ve only been interested in doing the best work I can possibly do. So to be able to bring in all those facets that I’ve learned from doing all those different kinds of roles into this, I’m glad I stuck around for it.
Well, because a woman my age would never have received such a role, and the complexity of the role and the writing. I pinch myself every day. This is certainly a business where a lot of ageism exists. I’ve only been interested in doing the best work I can possibly do. So to be able to bring in all those facets that I’ve learned from doing all those different kinds of roles into this, I’m glad I stuck around for it.
Given your own career experiences, do you relate with some of the challenges your character goes through?
When I was younger, I would get my feelings hurt. Sometimes I’d get on a plane and fly home. But I had a wonderful producer, God rest his soul, the three-time Oscar-winning Saul Zaentz. I remember we were in London doing a British press tour and it was a nightmare. I remember I got very upset, and I said, “I’m going home, that’s it. I’m not going to put myself through this anymore.” I remember Saul coming up to me and saying, “You gotta get tougher.” And someone else had said to me around that same time, “You gotta have a head like a bullet and a heart like a baby.” So that’s what I’ve tried to do. But sometimes I take it too far and I can be like a bull in a china shop. But I’m not like my characters; I wish I was.
When I was younger, I would get my feelings hurt. Sometimes I’d get on a plane and fly home. But I had a wonderful producer, God rest his soul, the three-time Oscar-winning Saul Zaentz. I remember we were in London doing a British press tour and it was a nightmare. I remember I got very upset, and I said, “I’m going home, that’s it. I’m not going to put myself through this anymore.” I remember Saul coming up to me and saying, “You gotta get tougher.” And someone else had said to me around that same time, “You gotta have a head like a bullet and a heart like a baby.” So that’s what I’ve tried to do. But sometimes I take it too far and I can be like a bull in a china shop. But I’m not like my characters; I wish I was.
You previously mentioned wanting to retire. Did you change your mind?
I had thought I might semi-retire or retire, but then Matlock came along, so I am not ready to take a final bow yet. I am having the best time with this show. I am eager to stay with this for several years.
I had thought I might semi-retire or retire, but then Matlock came along, so I am not ready to take a final bow yet. I am having the best time with this show. I am eager to stay with this for several years.
Published (and copyrighted) in Suburban Life magazine, March 2025.
