On Wednesday, representatives of Kathryn Kates confirmed to CNN that the actress had died at the age of 73, in Florida. She had been suffering from lung cancer. She had acted in popular TV series “Orange is the New Black” and “Seinfeld.” She had a thirty-year old career in television though she began her career in the local theater scene in Los Angeles, where she moved to from New York, in 1974.
In a statement to CNN, Headline Talent Agency said that Kathryn had passed away peacefully, this Saturday, after battling lung cancer. The statement said that her brother Josh, his wife Sue Ann and her sister Mallory were with her when she passed away. The agency also confirmed that she was 73 years old.
The statement described Kathryn as “brave, thoughtful, wise and loving.” It stated that she had been a part of their agency from several years. It also noted that the lung cancer for which had been treated 20 years ago, had returned a year ago. They said that they were closer to her this past year and would do their best to “honor her incredible legacy.”
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The Headline Talent Agency also posted a tribute to her on their own official account. It described her as a “powerful force of nature.” The social media post said that she loved the craft of acting and that she had “enough patience to fill 10 ships.” It also called her a “true icon.”
Apart from her recurring roles in “Seinfeld” and “Orange is the New Black,” she also acted in “The Good Fight,” “Matlock,” “Thunder Alley,” “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” She portrayed Angie DeCarlo in “The Many Saints of Newark.” This was the prequel to “The Sopranos.”
Kathryn began her career in LA in the Colony Theater and was one of its founding members. She continued to serve in offstage roles. She also was an understudy in Significant Other. She appeared on several Off-Broadway shows for many years.
R.I.P.
