How did Kathy Lamkin die? Actress who played 'tea lady' in 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' dies at 74

Texas actress Kathy Lamkin, best known for her performance in the Coen brothers’ Oscar best picture winner 'No Country for Old Men', has died aged 74. Lamkin is also known for her roles in 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' (2003) and its 2006 follow-up, 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning'.

Lamkin died on April 4 after a short illness, her family reportedly said. "It is with a heavy heart that we announce that our dear Kathy Lamkin passed away on Monday, April 4, 2022 after a short illness. She was a bright shining example of kindness and encouragement in everything she did. She will be missed by many. We love you, Kathy,"  Linda McAlister Talent announced on Twitter. 

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Texas Film Commission also took to Twitter to celebrate her life. "We'd like to take a moment to celebrate the life and career of Texas actress Kathy Lamkin, who you may have noticed in such varied works as Hope Floats, No Country for Old Men, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and more over her 20+ year career," it wrote.

Lamkin, who lived in Pearland, Texas, also appeared in other films such as 'Waiting for Guffman' (1996), 'The Life of David Gale' (2003), 'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang' (2005), 'The Astronaut Farmer' (2006), 'The Heartbreak Kid' (2007), 'Welcome to the Rileys' (2010) and 'Sweetwater' (2013). She was seen on episodes of 'Malcolm in the Middle', 'Nip/Tuck', 'Medium', 'Bones', 'Boston Legal' and 'My Name Is Earl' on television. 

Lamkin was norn on December 10, 1947, in Graham, Texas. She attended Texas Woman’s University and then Central Missouri State University, eventually earning her master’s degree from there. She taught theater at Codwell Elementary School in Houston. She created and ran the Unicorn School of Acting and its performing wing, USA Theatre, in Pearland. She is survived by her husband Stephen, children Kati and Greg, and grandchildren Benjamin and Morgan.

Tributes and condolences poured in on social media after the news of her death surfaced. "Sad to hear that Kathy Lamkin, who played "Tea Lady" in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre remake as well as The Beginning, has passed away at 74. The side characters add so much local texture to those movies. Incredibly memorable character, even with such a small role," one user wrote on Twitter. "Kathy Lamkin is in No Country for Old Men for less than a minute, but she makes such an indelible impression that every single person can recall her exact delivery of "Did you not hear me, we can't give out no information about our residents". Anton Chigurh never stood a chance," wrote another. 

"She was a great character actor," wrote one user, while another said, "Sad news R.I.P to the actress Kathy Lamkin, best known as the Tea Lady from the truly great remake of "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" and "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre : The Beginning". I absolutely loved her character". "Sad to hear of the passing of Kathy Lamkin, who stole NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN. Javier Bardem once told me of their scene: "You can't tell whether she frightens him or he falls in love with her — if he's going to kiss her or kill her.'"," commented one user.