On Tuesday, the Matlock star was announced as a 2025 Emmy nominee for Best Lead Actress in a Drama, becoming the oldest performer ever nominated in category at age 77. With the nomination, Bates surpasses the record previously held by Angela Lansbury, who was 70 when she received her final nod in Murder, She Wrote in 1996.

Following an Emmy nomination for her role in 'Matlock,' Kathy Bates is now the oldest nominee for lead actress in a drama series.

Kathy Bates made Emmy history Tuesday, becoming the oldest performer ever nominated in the lead drama actress category at age 77 for her role in the CBS reboot of “ Matlock .” With the nomination, Bates surpasses a record previously held by Angela Lansbury, who was 70 when she received her final nod in 1996 for “Murder, She Wrote.”