Kathryn Kates

Kathryn Jane Kates (January 29, 1948 – January 22, 2022) was an American actress known for her appearances on Seinfeld in the episodes 'The Rye' and 'The Dinner Party.' She also had roles in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Orange Is the New Black, The Many Saints of Newark, and other television and film projects. Kates had a successful career in both on-screen and off-Broadway productions. Born in New York City, she graduated from Great Neck North Senior High School in 1967 and later earned a degree from the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University in 1971. After moving to Los Angeles in 1974, Kates became a founding member of The Colony Theatre.