Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
ABC News
ABC News
National

Kathryn Kates, known for roles in Seinfeld and Orange is the New Black, dies aged 73

Kathryn Kates's career spanned decades, (Instagram: HeadlineTalentAgency)

Kathryn Kates, an actor whose career spanned decades and included memorable bit parts in Seinfeld and Orange is the New Black, has died. She was 73.

Her diverse credits also included Law and Order: Special Victims Unit and Lizzie Maguire in a career that began with a TV movie in 1982.

Her more recent work included an appearance in The Many Saints of Newark, a film prequel to HBO series The Sopranos. 

One of her most visible roles was as a surly bakery worker in Seinfeld episodes The Rye and The Dinner Party.

Kathryn Kates played a surly bakery worker in two episodes of Seinfeld. (Supplied: NBC)

"She will always be remembered and adored in our hearts as the powerful force of nature she was," her talent agency said on Instagram

"She loved this craft and had enough patience to fill 10 ships.

"A true icon. We will miss you."

Kates's last post on social media was a video of her reciting a sonnet, along with the written poem "Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep". 

"Keep me alive in your beautiful hearts with unforgettable memories. Teach others what you've learned from me and I will live in forever," the post read.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.