Returning to Center Stage: Matlock (2024– )
In 2024, at age 76, Kathy Bates took on the lead role of Madeline “Matty” Matlock in the CBS reboot of Matlock, a bold reimagining of the classic ’80s lawyer drama. In this gender-swapped version, Bates plays a retired attorney drawn back into the courtroom to seek justice for her daughter’s tragic opioid overdose.
Initially declaring it would be “my last dance,” Bates later clarified she’s not stepping away from acting just yet, adding: “I would love for this to continue.”
Her performance received widespread acclaim, earning her the Critics Choice Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series, as well as a record-breaking nomination as the oldest-ever Emmy nominee for Best Lead Actress in a Drama at age 77.
As an executive producer, Bates closely collaborates on Matlock, continuing her roots in directing and producing. She approaches every script with curiosity and action—challenging directors creatively and encouraging them to push her performance even further.
The ensemble is led by series developer Jennie Snyder Urman and includes co-stars Skye P. Marshall, Jason Ritter, David Del Rio, and Leah Lewis. The show has been renewed for a second season, expected to premiere in October 2025.
Big-Screen Appearances: 2023–2024 Highlights
The Miracle Club (2023)
This heartfelt drama stars Kathy Bates alongside legends Laura Linney and Maggie Smith (in her final on-screen role). The film follows working-class women on a pilgrimage to Lourdes, blending humor, sorrow, and spiritual introspection.
A Family Affair (2024)
In this romantic comedy from Netflix, Bates plays Leila Ford, the grandmother-in-law to the character played by Zac Efron. The film premiered on June 28, 2024, co-starring Nicole Kidman and Joey King, and highlights Bates’ rare comedic sensibility in a modern love story.
Summer Camp (2024)
Bates appears in this all-star ensemble comedy directed by Castille Landon—sharing the screen with Diane Keaton, Alfre Woodard, and Eugene Levy. Despite mixed reviews, the film brings older women’s experiences front and center in the summer camp reunion setting.
Personal Triumphs Behind the Roles
After battling ovarian and breast cancer, including a mastectomy and lymphedema, Bates lost over 60 pounds to improve her health and mobility—especially for her physical work on Matlock. She describes this transformation as a literal miracle.
Off-screen, Bates has been candid about her struggles with ageism in Hollywood, mental health challenges, and the emotional toll of fame. She has become an advocate for greater inclusion and visibility of older women in entertainment.
Her unexpected career renaissance—credited in part to being cast in American Horror Story by Ryan Murphy—helped reignite her passion for acting when she had nearly stepped away.
Why These Projects Matter
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Full Ownership of Her Work: From lead actress to executive producer, Bates continues shaping her roles with full creative control.
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Emotionally Resonant Storytelling: Whether tackling legal drama or comedy, she brings authenticity rooted in real struggle and empathy.
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Breaking Records: Her Emmy nod and award wins serve as milestones—not only personally, but for representation of older women in TV drama.
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Voice for Others: Her openness about health, body image, and industry bias makes her a role model beyond the screen.
In Summary
Kathy Bates’s recent projects—from Matlock to The Miracle Club and A Family Affair—demonstrate a late-career renaissance fueled by resilience, desire for creative collaboration, and continued on-screen power.
While originally positioning Matlock as her final role, she now embraces the possibility of ongoing work—fuelled by the experience of finding new passion through storytelling at this pivotal moment in her life.
Whether she continues performing or not, there’s no doubt that her legacy—in and beyond Ruth Couch’s hometown—is secure.
