The industry tends to narrow with the kinds of stories and characters, that older actors like me get to inhabit.

And that sets up a disturbing dynamic because when we aren't reflected in those stories, we we all start feeling unseen and invisible and people stop noticing us.

And Matty refuses to be unseen, and her unwavering resolve is resonating with our audiences, thank the good Lord, week after week.

Especially older women who have reached out to share how empowered they are finally able to feel seen in their own lives.

And that has been incredibly gratifying to me because it happens in the real world with real people.

But if you'll allow me, my role model and the engine that drives my Matty is my mother, Bertye Bates.

She was born in 1907.

She was smart and quick witted, and she always used to say she wasn't a good mother because she never really wanted to be a mother.

And neither did I. So I get it.

She came along when women didn't have all of the opportunities we fought for.

She wanted to be a lawyer, and she would have been a damn good one.

And she is my Matty.

[applause] She is always in my mind and heart as I reveled in playing this magnificent character.

I pinch myself every day, Jason, when we go into work and I mean how in the world we get to play in such a magnificent show?

How lucky are we?

And what a miracle that I was able to be in this at 77.

I can't believe it.

I love my work.

After 50 years, I'm getting pretty good at it.

And most of all, being with the young people is really food for me.

And I was I meant to write good.

But then I thought, you know, food really is apt because working feeds my soul.

And I learned to listen more and learn more about the world I am living in now.

And at the end of the day, I go home, having felt useful.

I hope I have made Bertye Bates's dream come true.

If not for her, then... Then for the daughters she raised right.

She taught me to love words.

So I hope you've enjoyed mine this evening.

I wouldn't be as confident as I am to stand before you tonight and accept this lovely award without her strength to move through a life she might not have chosen for herself, but dedicated to raising her three daughters who loved her deeply.

And I hope you will allow me to accept this lovely award for her.

The real Mattie Matlock.

Thank you.