Kathy Najimy is an American actress, comedian, and activist known for her vibrant personality and memorable roles in film and television. She was born on February 6, 1957, in San Diego, California, to Lebanese-American parents. Her father, Fred Najimy, was a postal worker, and her mother, Samia Massery, was a homemaker. 

She grew up in a Maronite Catholic household and attended Crawford High School. She later graduated from San Diego State University. Her father passed away when she was a teenager, which deeply impacted her.

Her career began in the 1980s with her feminist comedy play "The Kathy and Mo Show," which she co-wrote and performed with Mo Gaffney. The play was a success and led to two HBO specials, "Parallel Lives" and "The Dark Side." She gained widespread recognition for her role as Sister Mary Patrick in the comedy film "Sister Act" and its sequel. Another iconic role was Mary Sanderson in the Halloween classic "Hocus Pocus," which she reprised in its sequel decades later. 

Kathy Najimy is also well-known for voicing Peggy Hill in the animated series "King of the Hill," a role that earned her critical acclaim. Her other notable works include "Soapdish," "The Wedding Planner," "Rat Race," and "WALL-E." On television, she appeared in shows like "Veronica's Closet," "Veep," and "Chicago Hope."

In her personal life, she married actor and singer Dan Finnerty in 1998, and they have a daughter named Samia. Kathy is an outspoken advocate for various social causes, including LGBTQ+ rights, body positivity, and women's empowerment.

Throughout her career, she has received numerous accolades, including an Annie Award for her voice work in "King of the Hill" and several nominations for her performances in film and television.