Kathryn Kates has died of cancer at the age of 73.
The actress' death was confirmed by her reps at Headline Talent Agency who revealed she passed away on Saturday.
They released a statement which read: "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 starred in several smaller roles in the early 1980s before guesting on hit shows such as Seinfeld and Matlock by the mid-1990s.
Other guest appearances included roles on the likes of Lizzie McGuire, Judging Amy and Rescue Me.
Later in her career, she starred on the popular series Orange Is the New Black as Amy Kanter-Bloom, who was the mother of Piper Chapman’s ex-fiancé.
She also featured in Jennifer Lopez drama Shades of Blue and as Judge Marlene Simons on the crime drama series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
Last year, she won Best Actress at the NYCTV Festival for her role on Welcome to Sarajevo and played Angie DeCarlo in David Chase's The Many Saints of Newark.
Following the sad news, fans took to social media to share messages of condolences.
One Twitter user wrote: "This gorgeous heart. This incredible force. Broken heart Love you #KathrynKates."
Another penned: "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."
And a third said: "The incredible @kathrynjkates passed away. 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."
Kathryn is survived by her sister, Mallory, and brother, Joshua.
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033.
