Premium Content:

'Orange is the New Black' star Kathryn Kates dead at 73

Actor Kathryn Kates, known for her myriad television roles including Orange is the New Black, has died at 73.

- Advertisement -

Kates passed away over the weekend in Florida after being diagnosed with lung cancer.

The US actor had been working in television since 1982, landing stand-out roles in Seinfeld as the bakery worker in iconic episodes The Rye and The Dinner Party, Mrs Carrabino in Lizzie McGuire, Judge Marlene Simmons in Law & Order: SVU and Larry’s (Jason Biggs) mother in Orange is the New Black.

“Kathryn passed away peacefully this past Saturday surrounded by her brother Josh, his wife Sue Ann and her sister Mallory,” Kates’ agency Headline said in a media 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.”


You can support our work by subscribing to our Patreon
or contributing to our GoFundMe campaign.

Latest

Ten queer TV series to binge

It's the time of the year where you might have more space to sit on the couch and catch up with some television you've missed.

On This Gay Day | Remembering Sir Nigel Hawthorne and Herb Ritts

Nigel Hawthorne was an acclaimed actor,.

The Year in Review | June 2025

Take a look back though all the news from June 2025.

On This Gay Day | Trailblazing politician Ralph McLean died

Ralph McLean was first elected to the Fitzroy council in 1982.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Ten queer TV series to binge

It's the time of the year where you might have more space to sit on the couch and catch up with some television you've missed.

On This Gay Day | Remembering Sir Nigel Hawthorne and Herb Ritts

Nigel Hawthorne was an acclaimed actor,.

The Year in Review | June 2025

Take a look back though all the news from June 2025.

On This Gay Day | Trailblazing politician Ralph McLean died

Ralph McLean was first elected to the Fitzroy council in 1982.

Dean Misdale brings ‘Dragged Through The Desert’ to Fringe World

The show promises to bring glitz, glamour, and a whole lot of heart to Fringe World Festival 2026.

Ten queer TV series to binge

It's the time of the year where you might have more space to sit on the couch and catch up with some television you've missed.

On This Gay Day | Remembering Sir Nigel Hawthorne and Herb Ritts

Nigel Hawthorne was an acclaimed actor,.

The Year in Review | June 2025

Take a look back though all the news from June 2025.