He points to his own character on “Matlock” as an example of this shift. “Edwin is not just a throwaway side character. He has depth, he has a backstory, he has his own agency,” Anderson explains. “To be given the opportunity to play a character like this at my age is really special.”
And it’s not just on “Matlock” — Anderson notes that he’s seen a lot of his peers getting meaty roles in recent years. “It feels like the industry is finally waking up to the fact that older actors still have a lot to offer,” he says. “We have life experience, we have talent, and we have stories to tell. It’s great to see that being recognized and celebrated.”
He’s grateful for the chance to work with such a talented cast and crew.
Anderson is quick to praise his co-stars and the behind-the-scenes team on “Matlock.” “I am so lucky to be surrounded by such talented people,” he says. “From Kathy Bates to Jennie Snyder Urman to the entire crew, everyone brings their A-game every day. It’s a joy to come to work and be a part of something so special.”
As for what the future holds for Edwin and Matty, Anderson remains tight-lipped. “There are some big twists and turns coming up, and I don’t want to spoil anything,” he teases. “But I can promise that viewers will be on the edge of their seats until the very end.”
With the success of “Matlock” and the positive reception to his performance, it seems like Sam Anderson’s career is only getting better with age. And with his talent, charm, and dedication to his craft, it’s clear that he deserves all the recognition and praise that comes his way.
For a long time, there was a common stereotype that people of a certain age were incapable or doddering. However, actor Bernard Anderson reflects on how this perception has shifted over the years. He recalls an audition from about 30 years ago where he was up for a role as a son, competing against older actors. In the waiting room, he saw iconic actors vying for the same part, and one actor jokingly remarked, “For God’s sake, don’t any of you have the decency to just die?” This moment of camaraderie and competition among actors left a lasting impression on Anderson, inspiring him to continue pursuing his passion for acting.
Anderson’s career took a major turn when he joined the cast of the popular sci-fi series “Lost” in its second season. Playing the character of Bernard, a “Tailie” who was separated from his wife Rose after the plane crash, Anderson’s role brought diversity to the show. Despite initial surprise from the characters on the island about Bernard being white, the show normalized their interracial relationship, portraying them as a loving couple without focusing on their race. Anderson fondly remembers his time on “Lost,” although he jokes about the constant questions from fans about the characters’ fate and the awkwardness of traveling on planes with his co-star.
Before his role on “Lost,” Anderson was best known for his portrayal of the chief of cardiology on the medical drama “ER.” His experience on both television and stage has been extensive, with a background in theater dating back to the 1970s. Anderson’s passion for theater is evident in his work, with notable performances in plays like David Mamet’s “Edmund” and Edward Albee’s “The Play About the Baby.” He is a dedicated member of the Road Theatre Company, where he serves as a board member and co-artistic director, contributing to the success of the non-profit theater since its inception in 1991.
As Anderson continues to pursue his acting career, he remains grateful for the opportunities that have come his way and the changing landscape of roles available for older actors. His dedication to the craft of acting and his love for the stage shine through in his diverse body of work, spanning television, film, and theater. Anderson’s journey in the entertainment industry serves as a testament to the evolving perceptions of age and the enduring passion for storytelling that transcends stereotypes.
