Kathy Bates, the acclaimed Oscar-winning actress, recently shared her reflections on life as her 79th birthday approaches later this month. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE during the Matlock For Your Consideration (FYC) event held on June 3 in Los Angeles, Bates expressed her newfound sense of ease at this stage of her life.
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“Sometimes I find myself, at my age, just taking a chill pill,” the actress candidly remarked, discussing how her priorities have shifted over the years. She explained her approach to decision-making, advising listeners to pause and assess whether a problem truly necessitates their attention. “If it’s not on my desk, I just back up and let nature take its course,” she added, reflecting on a more laid-back philosophy as she grows older.
Bates acknowledged the myriad challenges facing the world today but emphasised a personal commitment to focus on the tasks that truly matter to her. “I’m thinking life is a lot easier than I thought it would be,” she continued, indicating a sense of contentment amid global uncertainties. This perspective comes as she prepares to celebrate another milestone birthday on June 28.
Last year, Bates marked her birthday with CBS’s inaugural “Birthday Salute,” adding a celebratory touch to her day. While she is uncertain about this year’s festivities, she shared that her close friend will be flying into town to help honour her special day. The actress playfully remarked about her friend Henry Haber, whom she described as someone who tends to “get me in trouble,” indicating that despite her advancing age, her spirit remains lively.
Bates continues to captivate audiences as she reprises her role as attorney Matty Matlock in the successful CBS series, which has recently wrapped its second season. The show has garnered attention not only for its compelling legal dramas but also for its intriguing plot twists. Following the conclusion of the season, Bates noted the excitement surrounding the finale, where her character and co-star Skye P. Marshall’s character decided to leave the prestigious Jacobson Moore law firm to start their own practice.
Reflecting on her work, Bates discussed the collaborative nature of the show, highlighting the creative strength of showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman. “Sometimes I think she creates an arc so you know generally what’s going to happen, but you don’t really experience it until you go through shooting it,” Bates said. This nuanced approach to storytelling showcases the depth of character development that has become a hallmark of the series.
Fans of Matlock will be thrilled to learn that CBS has confirmed a third season, set to premiere in 2027. This news comes as the show’s creators continue to evolve the narrative. Urman revealed in a recent interview with Deadline that the upcoming season will feature a time jump of six months to a year from the conclusion of Season 2. Bates expressed her anticipation for the new storyline, revealing her excitement about the direction in which the series is headed.
Bates described Urman’s enthusiasm as contagious. “She’s so excited about how they’ve unlocked everything,” the actress noted, indicating a strong partnership that promises engaging content for viewers. Bates’s positive outlook on both her personal life and career reinforces her reputation as a resilient figure in the entertainment industry, demonstrating her ability to adapt and thrive.
As she prepares for her birthday and a well-deserved summer break, Bates exemplifies a refreshing attitude towards the challenges life presents, choosing to focus on positivity and meaningful connections. Her journey continues to resonate, reminding us all of the importance of taking a step back to find joy and clarity, no matter the circumstances surrounding us.
Fans can catch up on the first two seasons of Matlock, currently available for streaming on Paramount+, while eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Bates’s flourishing career and life.