| | | BIOGRAPHY
Kathryn Kates grew up in Great Neck, New York and her first stage appearance was with the Great Neck Community Theatre in Hotel Paradiso. At age 8 she began studying acting and stage craft with Gertrude Kerman, and later with Ruth Klinger, Walter Beakel and Arnet Jens. She also studied with William Hickey.
In the mid 1970's Kathryn moved to Los Angeles and was one of the founders of The Colony Theatre. Under the artistic leadership of Terrence Shank, she was co-general manager and served as an acting member and producer for many years. After their first season of productions, The Los Angeles Drama Critics' Circle presented The Colony with a special award for Continuing Excellence in Production. Kathryn helped mount the award winning productions of several world premieres, including THE MARTIAN CHRONICLES, FAHRENHEIT 451, and THE GRAPES OF WRATH, working with such notable actors as Ed Harris, John Larroquette (a fellow Founding Member) and Nan Martin. She earned many acting awards including Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Ruby in Getting Out, which she also produced and moved from The Colony to The Cast Theatre. In 2000, The Colony moved from its 99-seat home of 25 years in the Silverlake section of Los Angeles to a 276 seat Equity Theatre in Burbank, California.
 Kathryn first appeared in film opposite Bette Midler in the memorable role of Miss Nina in the movie JINXED. Shortly after that, she worked with Carol Burnett in BEATRICE, THE LIFE OF THE PARTY. Her many television roles include guest appearances on JUDGING AMY working with Tyne Daly, CAROLINE IN THE CITY working with Lea Thompson, and MATLOCK working with Andy Griffith. She is probably best known for her recurring roles on LIZZY MCGUIRE as the neighbor, Mrs. Carrabino and as The Babka Lady on SEINFELD, working in the famous bakery episodes, The Marble Rye and The Babka.
In 2006, Kathryn moved back to New York where she has had two lead roles playing mothers, one Italian American, one Mexican Jewish. ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY, written and directed by Joe Costanza, played at the Brooklyn Music School Playhouse. She immediately followed that with the lead in HERMANAS, a NYC Fringe Festival piece that played to sold-out houses and rave reviews. HERMANAS was selected to extend its run at the Lion Theatre on Theatre Row. The critics raved about her performance, saying (quotes).
Since moving back to New York, Kathryn has become a familiar face on television with commercials for Levi's, the New York Lottery and Cablevision. She was also hired by Bennett Miller (who directed CAPOTE) to play a Tarot Card Reader and worked opposite Scarlett Johansson in Bob Dylan's music video.
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