Kathy Bates was ready to retire but decided to take on one last role before calling it quits. The Fried Green Tomatoes actress told the New York Times she will play Madeline Matlock in a reboot of the famed lawyer series created by Andy Griffith. Kathy told the Times she has worked hard her entire career, but this was likely her last role.
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“It becomes my life,” she said. “Sometimes I get jealous of having this talent. Because I can’t hold it back, and I just want my life.”
Kathy Bates Is Tired—It’s Time To Retire
The 76-year-old star has had a career spanning more than 50 years and a list of incredible roles. She has won four Oscars, including Best Actress, for her chilling role in Misery. And while the accolades would likely continue if she took more jobs, Kathy thinks it’s time.
“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 told the Times. “It’s exhausting.”
As a young actress, Kathy nearly quit. She told Entertainment Weekly people easily hurt her feelings, and she would end up in tears on a plane until a producer gave some sage advice.
“‘I had a wonderful producer, God rest, him, Saul Zaentz. And I remember we were in London, and it was just a nightmare. British press… But I remember I got very upset,” she said. “And I said, ‘I’m going home, that’s it. I’m not going to put myself through this anymore.’ And I remember Saul coming up to me and saying, ‘You gotta get tougher.'”
The new Matlock, starring Kathy Bates, premiers on CBS on September 22.
This story’s featured image is by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Image.
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