The original “Matlock,” which aired from 1986 to 1995, was a reimagining of the long-running “Perry Mason” legal drama. But instead of a hardnosed attorney at the center of its case-of-the-week format,

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 said of the reboot being her final role. “And it’s exhausting.”

Kathy Bates, who has considered retirement before, says she will end her award-winning acting career after CBS' new take on 'Matlock' runs its course.

Ever since her first role in Miloš Forman’s 1971 film “Taking Off,” she has worked consistently. But it wasn’t until Bates was 42, when she won a best actress Oscar for playing the malevolent Annie Wilkes in “Misery,” that everything changed.

Kathy Bates says starring in the reboot of the procedural drama "Matlock" will be her swan song. In an interview with the New York Times, the Oscar-winning actress said she was ready to step out of the spotlight but was drawn to the series after she read the script. Viewers will have to enjoy it, as Bates said this will be her final acting gig.

The Oscar winner found surprising depths in this reboot of the beloved procedural, which she said will be her final job. “This is my last dance,” she said.

Matlock, starring Kathy Bates, not only justifies its existence but stands proudly on its own. Read our review.