#Kathryn Kates, Seinfeld and Many Saints of Newark Star, Dies at 73

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“#Kathryn Kates, Seinfeld and Many Saints of Newark Star, Dies at 73”

Veteran actress Kathryn Kates has died. The Hollywood Reporter reports that Kates, whose roles include Seinfeld, The Many Saints of Newark, and Orange Is the New Black, passed away peacefully on Saturday while surrounded by family and loved ones. Her death follows a battle with lung cancer. Kates was 73 years old.

“Kathryn was our client for many years, and about one year ago, after finding out that the lung cancer she was treated for 20 years ago had returned, we grew even closer,” Kates’ reps at Headline Talent Agency said in a statement. “She was incredibly brave, thoughtful, wise and loving. Kathryn approached every role she ever played, as well as her daily life with the greatest of passion. We will do our best to honor her incredible legacy. The world truly lost one of the good ones.”

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They added, “Kathryn was a very thoughtful and kind human being who truly loved the craft of acting. She was always incredibly brave and wise and approached every role with the greatest of passion.”

A founding member of The Colony Theatre, Kates has been featured in movies and TV shows for the past four decades. One of her most popular roles was playing the counter woman at Schnitzer’s Deli in multiple episodes of the 90s sitcom Seinfeld. She also appeared in other major TV programs like Matlock, Judging Amy, The Good Fight, Shades of Blue, and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

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Kathryn Kates’ Final Role Will Be In an Upcoming Apple TV Series

In more recent years, Kathryn Kates could be recognized for her role in the hit Netflix series Orange Is the New Black as the mother of Jason Biggs’ character. She also appeared in the 2019 film The Jesus Rolls, a spinoff of The Big Lebowski starring John Turturro. One of her most notable roles came in last year’s The Many Saints of Newark, a movie that serves as a prequel to HBO’s hit show The Sopranos. She played Angie DeCarlo. The final role for Kates will be in an upcoming series in development at Apple TV+. It stars Kates opposite Judd Hirsch, a fellow actor and longtime friend.

“Gut punched this morning to learn of the passing of actress Kathryn Kates,” one of many tributes for the actress posted online states. “She was incredibly nice, talented, and generous with her time. A standard-bearer of the way every performing professional should be. My thoughts to everyone that knew her and loved her.”

“The incredible @kathrynjkates passed away,” another tweet reads. “Kathryn Kates was someone I knew via my daughter having worked with her & we kept in touch. I greatly admired her work & she knew it. I told her many times and I’m glad I did – outspoken, true, caring, memorable actress in every part.”

Kates is survived by her brother Joshua, a sister, sister-in-laws Sue Ann and Gloria, nephew Ben, and their families. Our thoughts go out to them at this painful time. Rest in peace, Kathryn Kates, and thank you for the memories.