Skye P. Marshall Shares Journey to "Matlock" and Career Transformation

Skye P. Marshall, known for her role as attorney Olympia Lawrence in the CBS legal drama "Matlock," recently opened up about the pivotal moment that led her to land the role. During an interview with "CBS Mornings," she recounted receiving an important phone call while juggling dentist appointments and caring for her mother, stating that the call set the stage for a significant change in her life. She vividly described how she instinctively knew that returning that call would alter her future, recalling the excitement that led her to "sprint up and down the sidewalk."

Having nurtured a lifelong passion for performance since childhood—whether dressing in a tutu, participating in recitals, or honing her skills in dance ensembles—Marshall never initially viewed acting as a viable career path. She likened her artistic pursuits to a personal escape, explaining that it served as a therapeutic outlet rather than a profession to pursue actively. Before her acting career took off, she served in the military and worked in the pharmaceutical corporate sector. However, she experienced a turning point when she felt discontented with her job, recalling a moment of self-reflection where her younger self prompted her to seek fulfillment and enjoyment in her professional life.

In "Matlock," Marshall's character is the supervisor of Madeline "Matty" Matlock, portrayed by Kathy Bates. Marshall expressed admiration for Bates, whom she regarded with high esteem, though she quickly discovered that Bates values authenticity above all. In her eyes, Bates has been both a strong supporter and a remarkable mentor throughout her career journey.

Marshall also shared a memorable experience from an audition with Bates, where she instinctively broke the unspoken rule of not touching actors in such settings by asking for a hug—a request that Bates readily welcomed. This moment of connection has since cultivated a strong bond between them. The series is gearing up for a special two-hour season finale airing Thursday at 9/8 CT on CBS, with streaming available on Paramount+.