You probably remember her as the sharp-as-a-tack Leanne McIntyre on Matlock or perhaps as the resilient Jenny Wolek from those classic years of One Life to Live. But if you’re looking for now Brynn Thayer today, you won't find her just waiting for a call from her agent. At 76, Thayer has pulled off the ultimate Hollywood pivot. She isn't just "still working." She's basically reinvented what it means to be a veteran actress in an industry that famously forgets women once they hit fifty.
Honestly, it’s refreshing.
While some actors from the 80s procedural era are content doing the nostalgia convention circuit—and hey, no shade there, those checks are real—Thayer has spent the last couple of years deep in the "theatre rat" life. If you’ve been following her recent moves, you know she’s traded the courtroom drama for the raw, messy world of playwriting and independent production.
From Matlock to the Writer's Room
Most people don't realize that Thayer’s career didn't peak with Andy Griffith. Far from it. In the last few years, she’s been guest-starring in heavy hitters like 9-1-1 and the Fatal Attraction series. But the real story is her stage work.
She recently wrote and directed a play called Let Me In. It’s a dark comedy—or a "darkish comedy," as she calls it—about the absolute wrecking ball that is grief.
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It wasn't just a creative exercise. The play was born from a deep, personal tragedy: the death of her childhood best friend in a car accident decades ago. Thayer held onto that pain for years before turning it into art. That’s the thing about now Brynn Thayer today; she’s using her experience to tell stories that are actually about something. No fluff. No filler.
Staying Active in 2026
In early 2026, Thayer has remained a fixture in the Los Angeles creative scene. She’s often spotted at events like the special screenings for The Wrecking Crew or participating in workshops at the Beverly Hills Playhouse. She doesn't just show up to be seen. She’s still a student of the craft, often attending the same acting classes as the young actors she eventually casts in her own plays.
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The Resilience Factor
Hollywood is brutal. We know this. But Thayer’s longevity is a bit of an anomaly. Why does she still matter?
- She isn't precious about her roles. Whether it's a one-episode guest spot on NCIS or playing Harvey Specter’s mother on Suits, she brings a specific kind of "Texas steel" to the screen.
- She embraced the "Multi-Hyphenate" life early. Before every influencer was a "creator," Thayer was writing one-woman shows like The Eulogy.
- She keeps it real. In recent interviews, she’s been candid about the reality of aging in Hollywood and the importance of creating your own work instead of waiting for permission.
A Legacy Beyond the Soap Opera
It's easy to pigeonhole her as a soap star. She did eight years on One Life to Live, after all. But now Brynn Thayer today represents the "third act" of a career that many actors would envy. She’s married to David Steinberg (the award-winning manager/producer, not the comedian) and has managed to keep her private life remarkably stable for a Hollywood veteran.
She’s also deeply involved in charitable work, particularly around ALS, a cause she’s supported for years in memory of her friend and former co-star Michael Zaslow.
What You Can Learn from Thayer’s Current Path
If you’re looking at Thayer’s career as a roadmap, the lesson is pretty clear: Don't wait for the industry to give you a seat at the table.
If you’re a creative or just someone looking to pivot in your own career, Thayer’s move from "hired actor" to "writer-director-producer" is the blueprint. She proves that your most impactful work might not happen until you're in your 70s.
What to Watch Next
If you want to catch up on her modern era, skip the Matlock reruns for a second (even though they’re great) and look for:
- Suits (Season 7-9): Her turn as Lily Specter is masterclass in "complicated mother" energy.
- Love & Debt (2019): A solid indie film that shows off her grounded, everyday-woman range.
- 9-1-1: Look for her guest appearances where she proves she can still handle high-octane network drama without breaking a sweat.
Actionable Insight: Keep an eye on local Los Angeles theatre listings for Theatre 68. Thayer frequently collaborates there, and catching one of her directed pieces is the best way to see the "new" Brynn Thayer in her element. She isn't retiring; she's just getting started on the stories she actually wants to tell.