Kathryn Kates dead aged 73 following cancer battle

Kathryn Kates has died at the age of 73 after a battle with cancer, her reps have revealed.

Headline Talent Agency confirmed the Seinfeld star passed away on Saturday 22 January as they shared in a statement: “Kathryn has been our client for many years, and we have grown much closer to her in this last year since she knew of her cancer returning.

“She was always incredibly brave and wise and approached every role with the greatest of passion. She will be greatly missed.”

Kathryn was cast for her very first acting role in the 1982 film Life of the Party: The Story of Beatrice.

She got one of her big breaks starring in Seinfeld between 1994 and 1996 as the counter woman in episodes The Rye and The Dinner Party.

Following her role in the TV series Lizzie McGuire as Mrs. Carrabino, Kathryn starred in Friends from College, Hunters, and Shades of Blue.

Her most recent roles include playing Amy Kanter-Bloom in the popular Netflix show Orange Is the New Black and Judge Marlene Simons in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

Fans of the star have since flocked to Twitter to share their condolences as one person wrote: “Rest in Power Kathryn Kates. You were always a joy and lesson to watch work.”

Another shared: “This gorgeous heart. This incredible force. Broken heart Love you #KathrynKates.”

While a third added: “I am so upset to hear about the passing of Kathryn Kates, an actress of tremendous empathy, vigor and joy.

“She played “Sheyne” in the 2018 reading of my musical “Rubble Rubble.” She was so kind to me, and I always assumed we’d make something together again. I will miss her.”