Kathy Bates is preparing to say goodbye to her acting career.

The celebrated actress announced just before her “Matlock” reboot premieres on CBS that this series will be her farewell project before she retires.

In a Sunday interview with The New York Times, Bates, who is 76, shared that she began contemplating retirement after a recent film shoot that left her feeling emotionally drained.

While she wasn’t particularly impressed by the original “Matlock” series, she found the reboot’s script, which addresses issues of ageism, intriguing enough to participate.

The Academy Award winner expressed to the Times that this role has allowed her to showcase her talents fully.

“I’m finally able to use everything I’ve prayed for and worked hard for, but it’s draining,” she remarked.

Bates confirmed that “Matlock” will mark her last performance. “This is my final act,” she stated.

Reflecting on her career with the Times, she spoke about the challenges she has faced despite her immense talent.

“There has been a lot of pain in my journey. Do I have the right to feel hurt when I’ve achieved so much?” she questioned.

How Kathy Bates’ gender-swapped ‘Matlock’ showcases a legal ‘genius’

She even described her Oscar win for “Misery” with a touch of criticism.

“During the promotional tour for ‘Misery,’ I never felt quite right,” she admitted. “I often felt out of place. Similar to Annie’s line in ‘Misery,’ ‘I’m not a movie star.’ I feel the same way.”

Kathy Bates discusses health issues: lymphedema and cancer battles

Bates has struggled with lymphedema and was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2003 and breast cancer in 2012.

Lymphedema causes swelling, typically in the arms or legs, often due to infections or cancer, as outlined by MedlinePlus.

“My lymphedema is manageable now. I’ve lost around 80 pounds recently, which has significantly reduced the swelling in my arms,” she shared with a medical outlet in 2022. “I strive for independence; however, I often find myself in pain when my arms become inflamed. I consider myself fortunate, though.”

In her conversation with the Times, she reflected on how her fame, health challenges — “I didn’t prioritize my well-being” — and being typecast in grief-stricken roles made her view the industry pessimistically. She finds solace in acting: “It has always been my refuge.”

In “Matlock,” where she plays a character overcoming obstacles, Bates sees a reflection of herself. “Perhaps that’s part of why this role appealed to me,” she shared.

In this gender-reversed reboot, Bates takes on the role of Madeline Matlock, a lawyer who pays homage to Andy Griffith’s iconic character from the 1986-95 series.

The reboot aims to challenge societal norms around ageism, particularly in Hollywood.

“Women of my age are rarely offered roles like this,” Bates expressed at the Television Critics Association event in July. She had previously played a lawyer in NBC’s more recent but short-lived “Harry’s Law.” “The depth of the writing is unusual. Ageism is a real issue, and I am focused on delivering my best performance.”

“I wanted to explore how society overlooks older women,” said executive producer Jennie Snyder Urman (“Jane the Virgin”) in July. “I aimed for the audience to be surprised by their underestimation. It’s a legal drama that features a new case each week.”

“Yet at its heart, it’s a character study, diving deep into Madeline Matlock’s persona, a formidable individual who doesn’t fit the mold,” she stated to the TCA. “Just because a woman is older doesn’t mean she can’t be fierce.”

Contributing: Gary Levin