Kathy Najimy

Kathy Najimy is an actress, comedian, writer, director, producer, and activist whose career spans more than four decades across film, television, and theater. Najimy is recognized for her performances in more than 25 films and over 100 television projects, and first gained national attention through her work on stage. Her feminist comedy play "The Kathy and Mo Show" premiered in New York City, ran for multiple extended engagements, and generated two HBO specials: "Parallel Lives" and "The Dark Side." The original "Kathy and Mo Show: Parallel Lives," which Najimy co-wrote and starred in, earned her two Cable ACE Awards for the television special and an Obie Award for the off-Broadway production.

Najimy's film career accelerated in the early 1990s with her breakout role as Sister Mary Patrick in the comedy "Sister Act," a role she reprised in "Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit." Her portrayal of Sister Mary Patrick earned her an American Comedy Award for Funniest Supporting Female in a Motion Picture and a nomination from the Hollywood Women's Press Club for Female Discovery of the Year. Najimy also appeared as Mary Sanderson in "Hocus Pocus" alongside Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker, a role that garnered her a Saturn Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress and established her as a prominent figure in pop culture. She later returned to the role in "Hocus Pocus 2."

On television, Najimy has demonstrated range and longevity. Her voice acting work is highlighted by her long-running role as Peggy Hill on Mike Judge's animated series "King of the Hill." She also played Wendy Keegan in HBO's "Veep," starred as Olive on NBC's "Veronica's Closet," and was a series regular on "Numb3rs" and "The Big C." Najimy's voice can also be heard in the Academy Award-winning Pixar film "WALL-E." In theater, she portrayed Mae West in the Broadway play "Dirty Blonde," later reprising the role at The Old Globe Theatre, and received an Outer Critics Circle Best Actress award.

In addition to her entertainment career, Najimy is an advocate for social justice, frequently speaking on issues including equal rights, women's and girls' safety and self-esteem, LGBTQ rights, AIDS awareness, domestic violence, body image, and civil rights. She is a member of Time's Up, a movement against sexual harassment. Najimy has directed and co-written personal monologues with actresses such as Olivia Wilde, Chelsea Handler, Zosia Mamet, Amy Schumer, Debra Messing, Amy Poehler, and Gabourey Sidibe. She has been named Ms. Magazine Woman of the Year and received The NY Lily Award for Actress/Activist of the Year. Najimy is recognized for blending comedic talent with advocacy, making her a distinctive voice in American entertainment, film, and television.