Kathy Kinney Biography

Fast Facts

• After graduating from high school, Kinney worked from 1972 to 1974 with the California Conservation Corps
• Secretary at WCBS-TV in New York while pursuing her career in comedic acting and improvisation, which is where she found a lot of inspiration for her role of Mimi Bobeck on "The Drew Carey Show․"
• Worked with actor Drew Carey on multiple TV programs, including "The Drew Carey Show," "Drew Carey's Improv-A-Ganza," and the American version of "Whose Line Is It Anyway?"
• Co-wrote the book "Queen of Your Own Life: The Grown-up Woman's Guide to Claiming Happiness and Getting the Life You Deserve," with Cindy Ratzlaff, in March 2010
• In 1992, Kinney played the role of a dog trainer on the pilot episode of "The Larry Sanders Show․"
• Her most well-renowned role, the character of Mimi Bobeck on "The Drew Carey Show," was originally only meant to be part of the pilot episode, but positive audience reaction led to the character becoming a permanent addition to the show
• Director Bill Sherwood wrote a part for her specifically for his 1986 movie, "Parting Glances․"