In the original ‘Matlock‘ (1986–1995), Andy Griffith stars as defence attorney Ben Matlock, with Nancy Stafford as private investigator Michelle Thomas and Julie Sommars as prosecutor Julie March.
Main cast
- Ben MatlockAndy Griffith1–9Main
- Tyler HudsonKene Holliday1–4Main
- Michelle ThomasNancy Stafford4–9Main
- Conrad McMastersClarence Gilyard Jr.6–9Main
- Julie MarchJulie Sommars2–9 (recurring in 2–3, main 4–9)Main
- Jerri StoneBrynn Thayer9Main
- Billy LewisWarren Frost1–2Main
Supporting cast
- Cassie PhillipsLori Lethin1Supp
- Ben Matlock (flashback)Andy GriffithSupp
Guest & voice
- Various guests/defendantsDavid Carradine1 episodeGuest
- Various guests/defendantsDanny Thomas1 episodeGuest
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About this cast
The original ‘Matlock’ is an American legal drama that aired on CBS from 1986 to 1995. It stars Andy Griffith as Ben Matlock, a folksy but brilliant defence attorney in Atlanta. The series also featured a rotating cast of assistants and investigators, with Nancy Stafford and Julie Sommars among the most frequent co-stars.
FAQs
Who plays the lead character Ben Matlock in Matlock?
Andy Griffith plays Ben Matlock, the title character, in all nine seasons.
How many seasons of Matlock are there?
The original series has 9 seasons (1986–1995). There is also a 2024 reboot pilot, but the classic series is 9 seasons long.
Who were Ben Matlock’s main assistants?
In early seasons his private investigator was Tyler Hudson (Kene Holliday), then Michelle Thomas (Nancy Stafford) from season 4 onward. Later Conrad McMasters (Clarence Gilyard Jr.) joined as a P.I., and Jerri Stone (Brynn Thayer) was a lawyer in the final season.
Is Matlock based on a real person?
No, Ben Matlock is a fictional creation, though his style was loosely inspired by real lawyers and by the character Perry Mason.
Who was the prosecutor Julie March?
Actress Julie Sommars played prosecutor Julie March, a recurring and then main character from season 2 onward.
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026