--- name: "Kathy Najimy" canonical: "https://film.one/person/kathy-najimy" fi1m_id: "kathy-najimy" imdb_id: "nm0001562" tmdb_id: 11074 wikidata_id: "Q235460" roles: ["Actor"] born: "6 February 1957" reviewed_on_fi1m: 6 average_fi1m_score: 78 average_as: "actor" average_over: 6 updated: "2026-10-21T04:26:43.078342+00:00" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Kathy Najimy ## Identity Kathy Najimy - **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/kathy-najimy - **Type:** Person - **Fi1m ID:** kathy-najimy - **IMDb ID:** nm0001562 - **TMDB ID:** 11074 - **Wikidata ID:** Q235460 - **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathy_Najimy, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q235460, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001562/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/11074 Actor. Born 6 February 1957 in San Diego, California, USA. ## Details - **Work:** Actor - **Born:** 6 February 1957, San Diego, California, USA - **Active:** 1991–present - **Also known as:** Kathy Ann Najimy - **Average Fi1m score:** 78, as actor, over 6 titles - **Fi1m score by decade:** 1990s 80 (3), 2000s 92 (1), 2010s 60 (1), 2020s 76 (1) - **Fi1m against the critics:** 82 to 79 across 5 titles - **Score spread:** 3 at 80+, 3 at 60–79, 0 under 60 - **Lead roles:** 0 of 4 acting credits billed first or second - **Genres:** Comedy 4, Family 4, Animation 3, Adventure 2, Science Fiction 2, Drama 1 - **Screen time:** 9 hours of reviewed films - **Box office:** $1,184m across 4 films with figures - **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathy_Najimy, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q235460, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001562/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/11074 ## Streaming the US now - **Disney+:** [*WALL·E*](https://film.one/film/walle.md) (92), [*King of the Hill*](https://film.one/tv/king-of-the-hill-1997.md) (82), [*Sister Act*](https://film.one/film/sister-act.md) (78), [*Hoppers*](https://film.one/film/hoppers.md) (76) For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country. ## Fi1m on Kathy Najimy > Kathy Najimy brings warmth to comedy without slowing the joke down. We value her quickness and her ear for a distinct voice, and wish her films more often gave her something substantial to do. Listen to Kathy Najimy's Dr Sam in *Hoppers* (2026): the voice is warm and the delivery quick. We liked her immediately because she makes that warmth part of the comic pace, rather than a reason to slow things down. Around the stubborn Mabel, she is a welcome presence in a supporting cast given a fair share of the sharp lines. This is the kind of economical comic acting we rate her for, even when the part itself is small. Her early comedy was made with a partner: she co-created and performed *The Kathy and Mo Show* with Mo Gaffney from 1981. The film breakthrough was *Sister Act* (1992), where Sister Mary Patrick's irrepressible enthusiasm suited her ensemble timing. Whoopi Goldberg became a recurring co-star, and Mary Sanderson in *Hocus Pocus* (1993) supplied another lasting part. The subsequent film career largely kept her in comic support. Voice work gave her a more sustained part as Peggy Hill in *King of the Hill* (1997 onwards), including its revival, with creator and voice director Mike Judge among her collaborators. That is a substantial stretch of character work beside the smaller film appearances. She also voices Mary in Andrew Stanton's *WALL·E* (2008). We would send even an animation sceptic to that patient, moving robot romance, though its later action is less distinctive. It makes the environmental warnings feel personal without losing its humour. The limitation is in the parts: major film leads have remained rare since those early breakthroughs. Bubbly enthusiasm is an effective way into a comedy, but it can leave an actor supplying the same kind of pleasure in too many different films. *Hoppers* uses her quick warmth well, even though its crowded plotting and hesitant last act keep our recommendation qualified. We would like the next part to ask a little more of her than being welcome company. ## Biography Kathy Najimy is an American actress. She first came to national attention for her Off-Broadway work with Mo Gaffney as the feminist comedy duo Kathy and Mo; the shows yielded two HBO specials. Najimy is known for her roles as Sister Mary Patrick in *Sister Act* (1992) and its 1993 sequel, Mary Sanderson in *Hocus Pocus* (1993), and the voice of Mary in *WALL·E* (2008). On television she played Olive Massery in *Veronica's Closet* (1997–2000) and voiced Peggy Hill in *King of the Hill* (1997–2010). She voices Dr. Sam in the 2026 Pixar film *Hoppers*. *Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com.* ## On Fi1m (6) - *Hoppers* (2026), Fi1m 76, as Dr. Sam (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/hoppers.md) - *Descendants* (2015), Fi1m 60, as Evil Queen — [page](https://film.one/film/descendants.md) - *WALL·E* (2008), Fi1m 92, as Mary (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/walle.md) - *King of the Hill* (1997), Fi1m 82, as Peggy Hill (voice) — [page](https://film.one/tv/king-of-the-hill-1997.md) - *Sister Act* (1992), Fi1m 78, as Sister Mary Patrick — [page](https://film.one/film/sister-act.md) - *The Fisher King* (1991), Fi1m 80, as Crazed Video Customer — [page](https://film.one/film/the-fisher-king.md) ## Complete filmography (112) Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page. - *Hoppers* (2026), as Dr. Sam (voice) — Fi1m 76, [page](https://film.one/film/hoppers.md) - *Stomach People* (2022), as Mrs. Butt - *Hocus Pocus 2* (2022), as Mary Sanderson - *Bee and PuppyCat* (2022), series, as Tempbot (voice) / Fighter (voice) - *Single All the Way* (2021), as Carole - *Music* (2021), as Evelyn's Mom - *In Search of the Sanderson Sisters: A Hocus Pocus Hulaween Takeover* (2020), as Mary Sanderson - *Duncanville* (2020), series, as Helen Diggins (voice), Additional Voices (voice) - *The Rocketeer* (2019), series, as Sareena Secord (voice) - *The Morning Show* (2019), series, as Sylvia Portman - *Dumplin'* (2018), as Mrs. Michalchuk - *All You Can Eat* (2018), as Debra - *Dating My Mother* (2017), as Lisa - *A Change of Heart* (2017), as Ruthie - *The Good Fight* (2017), series, as Judge Gayle Eno - *Blowtorch* (2016), as Peg - *Graves* (2016), series, as Isaiah's Mother - *BearCity 3* (2016), as Rose Dean - *No Letting Go* (2016), as Dr. Nancy Harris - *A Christmas Melody* (2015), as Aunt Sarah - *Difficult People* (2015), series, as Carol Donato - *Descendants* (2015), as Evil Queen — Fi1m 60, [page](https://film.one/film/descendants.md) - *Younger* (2015), series, as Denise Heller - *BoJack Horseman* (2014), series, as Marcy (voice) — Fi1m 91, [page](https://film.one/tv/bojack-horseman.md) - *A Madea Christmas* (2013), as Kim - *Clutter* (2013), as Ethel Bradford - *The Guilt Trip* (2012), as Gayle - *Stars in Shorts* (2012), as Sid's Mother - *Elementary* (2012), series, as Raina Karnow - *Secret of the Wings* (2012), as Minister of Summer (voice) - *How to Fall in Love* (2012), as Kim - *BearCity 2: The Proposal* (2012), as Rose - *Men at Work* (2012), series, as Sasha Ryan - *Veep* (2012), series, as Wendy Keegan — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/tv/veep.md) - *Deck the Halls* (2011), as Alvirah Meegan - *Five* (2011), as Rocky - *Unforgettable* (2011), series, as Sandra Russo - *Franklin & Bash* (2011), series, as Judge Alice Sturgess - *California Romanza* (2011), as Auntie JoJo - *Mr. Sunshine* (2011), series, as Myrna - *Not Your Time* (2010), as Sid's Mother - *The Big C* (2010), series, as Cathy's Therapist - *Step Up 3D* (2010), as Mrs. Alexander - *Drop Dead Diva* (2009), series, as Claire Porter - *Make It or Break It* (2009), series, as Sheila Baboyon - *Prop 8: The Musical* (2008), as Prop 8 Leader's #2 Wife - *Tinker Bell* (2008), as Minister of Summer (voice) - *Privileged* (2008), series, Actor - *WALL·E* (2008), as Mary (voice) — Fi1m 92, [page](https://film.one/film/walle.md) - *Ugly Betty* (2006), series, as Dr. Frankel - *Scooby-Doo! Pirates Ahoy!* (2006), as Sunny St. Cloud (voice) - *Tom and Jerry: Shiver Me Whiskers* (2006), as Blue Parrot Betty (voice) - *Brother Bear 2* (2006), as Aunt Taqqiq (voice) - *Say Uncle* (2006), as Maggie Butler · Associate Producer - *Rugrats: Tales from the Crib: Three Jacks & A Beanstalk* (2006), as Goosey (voice) - *Getting Played* (2005), as Dr. Heidi Z. Klemmer - *Wayside: The Movie* (2005), as Mrs. Jewls (voice) - *Bam Bam and Celeste* (2005), as Legba - *The Suite Life of Zack & Cody* (2005), series, as Ms. Millitich - *American Dad!* (2005), series, as Cheryl (voice) - *Numb3rs* (2005), series, as Dr. Mildred Finch - *Desperate Housewives* (2004), series, as Detective Denise Lapera — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/tv/desperate-housewives.md) - *Balto III: Wings of Change* (2004), as Dipsy (voice) - *The Making of 'King of the Hill'* (2003), Actor - *Stuart Little: The Animated Series* (2003), series, as Margalo (voice) - *That's So Raven* (2003), series, as Lora Stelladora - *The Scream Team* (2002), as Mariah - *Ozzy & Drix* (2002), series, as Loretta Epstein (voice) - *The Legend of Tarzan* (2001), series, as Dania (voice) - *Oswald* (2001), series, as Bingette (voice) - *Rat Race* (2001), as Beverly Pear - *The Wedding Planner* (2001), as Geri - *Attention Shoppers* (2000), as Penelope - *If These Walls Could Talk 2* (2000), as Doctor - *Snowden's Christmas* (1999), as Tiny (voice) - *The Sissy Duckling* (1999), as Mother Duck #1 (voice) - *Jackie's Back!* (1999), as Lola Molina (Jackie's Stalker) - *CinderElmo* (1999), as Stepmother - *Zack & Reba* (1998), as Ivy Simpson - *Bride of Chucky* (1998), as Motel Maid - *The Jungle Book: Mowgli's Story* (1998), as Chil (voice) - *The Wild Thornberrys* (1998), series, as Ostrich / Sand Grouse (voice) - *Hope Floats* (1998), as Toni Post - *For Your Love* (1998), series, Actor - *Veronica's Closet* (1997), series, as Olive Massery - *Pepper Ann* (1997), series, as Coach Doogan (voice) - *Shantay* (1997), as Toyota Carter - *Nevada* (1997), as Ruth - *Cats Don't Dance* (1997), as Tillie Hippo (voice) - *King of the Hill* (1997), series, as Peggy Hill (voice) — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/tv/king-of-the-hill-1997.md) - *Hey Arnold!* (1996), series, as Madame Blanche (voice) - *Early Edition* (1996), series, as Claire - *Clueless* (1996), series, as Buyer #1 - *E! True Hollywood Story* (1996), series, Actor - *Talking About Sex: A Guide for Families* (1996), Actor - *Dumb and Dumber* (1995), series, as Bunny (voice), Female Dealer / Horselady (voice) - *Jeffrey* (1995), as Acolyte - *The Kathy & Mo Show: The Dark Side* (1995), as Kathy · Writer - *In Search of Dr. Seuss* (1994), as Kathy Lane - *Chicago Hope* (1994), series, as Barbara 'Bix' Konstadt - *It's Pat: The Movie* (1994), as Tippy - *Ellen* (1994), series, as Theresa, Lorna Irons - *Duckman* (1994), series, as Mayor (voice) - *Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit* (1993), as Sister Mary Patrick - *Hocus Pocus* (1993), as Mary Sanderson - *Sister Act* (1992), as Sister Mary Patrick — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/film/sister-act.md) - *This Is My Life* (1992), as Angela - *The Kathy & Mo Show: Parallel Lives* (1991), as Kathy · Writer - *The Fisher King* (1991), as Crazed Video Customer — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/the-fisher-king.md) - *Soapdish* (1991), as Tawyny Miller - *The Hard Way* (1991), as Lang's Girl Friday - *Hocus Pocus 3*, as Mary Sanderson ## Gallery - ![American actress Kathy Najimy at the Big Apple Convention in Manhattan. Photographed by Luigi Novi. This photo may only be used if the photographer is properly (2009)](https://film.one/media/person/7014/gallery-c670297e3d1f.jpg) American actress Kathy Najimy at the Big Apple Convention in Manhattan. Photographed by Luigi Novi. This photo may only be used if the photographer is properly (2009) — Nightscream, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6a/10.17.09KathyNajimyByLuigiNovi.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled) - ![Kathy Najimy](https://film.one/media/person/7014/gallery-3f449f2e5d12.jpg) Kathy Najimy — MingleMediaTVNetwork, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a2/Kathy_Najimy_2011.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled) - ![Kathy Najimy speaking at an event in Phoenix, Arizona. (2023)](https://film.one/media/person/7014/gallery-8dd9af2ed340.jpg) Kathy Najimy speaking at an event in Phoenix, Arizona. (2023) — Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/80/Kathy_Najimy_by_Gage_Skidmore.jpg/1280px-Kathy_Najimy_by_Gage_Skidmore.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail) - ![November 11, 2007 - Kathy Najimy and daughter at Women's Image Network Awards](https://film.one/media/person/7014/gallery-57fad036a72d.jpg) November 11, 2007 - Kathy Najimy and daughter at Women's Image Network Awards — Photo from www.lukeford.net, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a7/Womens_Image_Network_Awards_%2849%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled) - ![Kathy Najimy](https://film.one/media/person/7014/gallery-0a4ff74ab455.jpg) Kathy Najimy — Image via TMDB --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/kathy-najimy