Kathy combines her acting and talents with a passionate commitment to equality and women’s leadership...
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Kathy Najimy
Award-Winning Actress & “Social Action Hero”
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Best known for her award-winning work in more than 30 films—including the blockbusters Sister Act, Hocus Pocus, WALL-E and Rat Race — the voice of Peggy Hill on King of the Hill and roles on VEEP, Younger and Graves, Kathy Najimy is also a celebrated advocate on the frontline of myriad progressive social causes including TIME’S UP, reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ equality and animal rights. She is outspoken, energizing and inspirational. Kathy combines her acting and talents with a passionate commitment to equality and women’s leadership.
As a Ms. Magazine Woman of the Year, Kathy has been called a “social action hero.” She credits her drive to her strong desire to see all living things treated equitably. “First and foremost, I’m a feminist. And basically, that stems from a strong belief that all deserve equal opportunity, rights and respect,” she says. Her long-standing advocacy has placed her at the forefront of the #MeToo and TIME’S UP movements. Kathy has also led the way for AIDS activism for 30 years and has been honored for her work for women’s and girls’ rights and self-esteem, reproductive rights and Gay rights.
A staunch advocate for animal rights, she was awarded the PETA Humanitarian of the Year Award, presented by Sir Paul McCartney. In 2022, Kathy, Kristin Chenoweth, Linda Perry and Chely Wright created and compiled a book called My Moment (Simon and Schuster). Over 100 women, from Gloria Steinem to Allison Russell, Carol Burnett, Lena Waithe, Billy Jean King, Joanna Gaines, Cynthia Erivo, Debra Messing, Chrissy Hynde, Tina Chen and many more, were asked: “What was the first time they fought for themselves?”
Najimy’s producing and directing projects reflect her passion for equality and social justice. She finished directing her first original short film, The Secret Club, and is currently producing a series about Steinem, Ms. magazine and the women’s movement in the ‘70s. She also created the Off-Broadway hit about the life of Steinem, Gloria: A Life. Najimy has starred on Broadway in the Tony award-winning Dirty Blonde. She also performed at Madison Square Garden to benefit V Day in The Vagina Monologues. Her other notable performing credits include the multi-award winning two-woman feminist comedy The Kathy & Mo Show, which she wrote, directed and starred in with Mo Gaffney, and roles on Ellen, Veronica’s Closet, Numb3rs, Unforgettable, VEEP, Chicago Hope, Younger and The Big C. She has even been an entrepreneur, inventing a problem-solving new garment for women.
Warm, delightful, human, humorous and with refreshing candor, Kathy encourages audiences to make a difference in the world. Whether she’s speaking out against sexism, racism or homophobia or speaking up for the power of women to lead in male-dominated industries, audiences are drawn in by her passionate, infectious energy.
Kathy’s first priority — other than her family — is to try to be a member of communities for equality, respect and change. Her philosophy always engages and inspires. “We are all equal, connected by our sense of common humanity and able to achieve great things together,” she says.
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Topics
Topics
Pro-Choice Means Pro Your Choice
LGBTQ Rights: The Time Is Now
AIDS Awareness & Prevention
Animal Rights
Videos
Videos
Kathy Najimy Talks Getting Into Character for "Hocus Pocus 2" | The View
Kathy Najimy, Actor & Activist
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