Where Are They Now: Kathy Kinney AKA Mimi From 'The Drew Carey Show'

March 7th, 2013 6:07pm EST

Kathy Kinney is best known as being Drew Carey's nemesis on The Drew Carey Show, but did you know she was in an episode of Seinfield? Watch "The Handicap Spot" and see if you recognize her. Check out some other interesting facts about Kathy and see what she looks like now on the next pages.

Kathy was born in Wisconsin and grew up in an Irish American family. She helped pay for her college education by being a member of the California Conservation Corps. She went to University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

After moving to New York, she found a job as a secretary at WCBS-TV. She would later base her character Mimi on her time working there, as she had a comedic relationship with her boss.

Kathy also worked nights at New York comedy clubs to improve her improvisational comedy, which led to her getting a job as an improv teacher. A director went to one of her classes and offered her what would be her first role, in the 1986 film Parting Glances.

With a film under her belt, Kathy moved to Los Angeles and appeared in several TV shows, including the aforementioned Seinfeld. She also appeared in Grace Under Fire, Full House, Newhart, and Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.

Kathy's most famous role, as Mimi, was not a sure thing. She was only signed on to appear in the pilot of The Drew Carey Show as a woman trying to get a job selling cosmetics. She was turned down for her pancake makeup fashion and the character threatened to sue. The reaction to her character was so great that the writers continued the storyline until the character was offered a job as a secretary to prevent a legal suit. Kathy would appear in 200 episodes.

Kathy has used her improv comedy roots in appearances on Whose Line is it Anyway?, Drew Carey's Improv-A-Ganza, and a USO tour for American troops overseas.

Since the end of The Drew Carey Show, Kathy has appeared as Mimi on her cast mate's other projects. She has appeared as a model on The Price is Right for April Fool's, and on Craig Ferguson's late night talk show.

Kathy is the co-creator and star of Mrs. P, a website that produces illustrated versions of children's tales.

Related: Kathy Kinney, Celebrity, Where Are They Now

Photo Credits: PR Photos, WENN

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