AceShowbiz - Kathy Bates, a luminary of the silver screen, is preparing to take her final bow as she retires from acting. The iconic actress, recognized for her riveting performances in "Misery" and "American Horror Story," has announced that the upcoming "Matlock" reboot on CBS will be her swan song.

Starring as Madeline Matlock, Bates infuses new life into the classic role originally played by Andy Griffith. The reboot, set in the present day, tackles the complexities of ageism head-on.

"A woman my age would never have such a role, ever," Bates stated during the Television Critics Association in July. Executive producer Jennie Snyder Urman sees the show as a commentary on societal biases, particularly those against older women. "Just because you're older doesn't mean you can't be a bad b***h," Urman noted, highlighting the series' intention to defy expectations.

Reflecting on her career, Bates described it as riddled with pain and challenges despite her many accolades. "I never really thought about being a movie star," she told The New York Times, echoing the sentiments of her character in "Misery."

Despite feeling like an outsider, Bates has received considerable acclaim, including an Oscar and multiple Emmy Awards. Nevertheless, she admitted that the industry's pressures often made her feel like a misfit.

The decision to retire comes after a particularly distressing film experience left Bates in tears and contemplating her future.

Despite her initial reservations about the original "Matlock" series, Bates was drawn to the reboot's script, which explores the issue of ageism in society. She described the series as a place where she could fully utilize her talents, but also acknowledged its physical and emotional demands.

"Everything I've prayed for, worked for, clawed my way up for, I am suddenly able to be asked to use all of it. And it's exhausting," she said.

Despite her health struggles, including diagnoses of ovarian and breast cancer and a battle with lymphedema, Bates has managed to maintain a rigorous working routine. "I'm lucky that physically I'm in shape. I've lost about a hundred pounds over the last few years," she revealed, attributing her ability to take on this final role to her improved health.

With "Matlock" premiering on CBS and Paramount+, audiences will get to see Kathy Bates in her final role, blending her life experiences and honed craft into a performance that promises to be as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. For Bates, this is more than just a role; it is a culmination of fifty years of dedication and passion for acting.