Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · October 3, 2025 · Entertainment

Unmasking Mimi: Kathy Kinney Looks Strikingly Different Without Her Iconic Blue Eyeshadow

She drifted through several beloved sitcoms in the 90s, stealing scenes with her undeniable charisma despite her brief stints

KATHY KINNEY: FROM SITCOM QUEEN TO SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER

Get ready for a blast from the past! TheScholarlyNote.com has spotted 70-year-old Kathy Kinney, the queen of comedy, living her best life in LA. But don't expect to see her signature blue eyeshadow and over-the-top energy; this time around, she's going au naturel.

Kinney, who rose to fame in the 90s as the lovable but sassy Mimi Bobeck on The Drew Carey Show, was spotted running errands in a chic outfit that screamed "I'm still a fashionista at heart." With her signature style toned down, it's hard to believe this is the same woman who left an indelible mark on TV comedy.

Her first splash on the comedy radar came in the role of a lustful town librarian, commanding attention with over-the-top energy, whether trying to seduce a gaggle of vacationing priests or using her feminine wiles to sway a panel of judges in her favor

But let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit the magic of Mimi Bobeck. The character was originally supposed to be a one-off appearance, but Kinney's undeniable charm and wit made her an instant hit with fans. She became a recurring fixture on the show, causing chaos and hilarity wherever she went.

One of the most iconic running gags in TV history revolved around Mimi's pranks on Drew Carey's character. From gluing his hand to a pornographic magazine to sending him to China while he was unconscious (yes, you read that right!), Kinney brought her A-game every time she appeared on screen.

But what makes this sitcom queen so special? For one, her unbreakable bond with co-star Drew Carey has lasted long after the cameras stopped rolling. The two have collaborated on numerous projects over the years, including Whose Line Is It Anyway?, The Price Is Right (where she reprised her role as Mimi for an episode), and even a trip to Iraq in 2006 to entertain American troops.

Kinney and Carey have stayed good friends throughout the years and paired up for projects together such as when she appeared on The Price Is Right, which he hosted, to reprise the role of Mimi as a guest model

Kinney's talents didn't stop at comedy; she has also had a successful run on the animated TV series The Penguin of Madagascar, where she voiced Rhonda the walrus. Who knew she had a knack for voicing adorable creatures?

But what's even more impressive is Kinney's ability to evolve and adapt in her career. After stepping back from mainstream TV, she teamed up with former marketing executive Cindy Ratzlaff to create Queen of Your Own Life, a brand that produces colorful postcards with inspirational quotes designed to serve as "daily meditation." Talk about finding a new passion!

With a storied career spanning decades and an impressive list of credits, it's clear that Kathy Kinney is more than just a sitcom queen – she's a true Hollywood legend. And if you're wondering what's next for this talented actress, we can only imagine the possibilities.

But she truly made her mark as the main character's arch-nemesis, the meddlesome secretary who clung to her job by dangling the threat of a lawsuit

So, where has all the attention gone? It seems like the spotlight hasn't shone brightly on Kinney in quite some time, but with her recent LA outing and newfound passion project, it's clear that she's still got game. Will we see more of Mimi Bobeck or will this sitcom queen surprise us with a new character? Only time (and TheScholarlyNote.com) will tell.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF KATHY KINNEY'S COMEDY CAREER

  • Newhart (1982-1990): Kinney played Miss Goddard, the lusty town librarian who caused chaos wherever she went.
  • Seinfeld: She made a guest appearance on the iconic sitcom, proving her versatility as a comedic actress.
  • Grace Under Fire: Who can forget Kinney's hilarious turn as a quirky character in this classic 90s show?
  • Full House and Boy Meets World: More proof of Kinney's chameleon-like abilities as a comedic actress.
  • The Larry Sanders Show: Kinney guest-starred on this critically acclaimed sitcom, showcasing her range as an actor.
  • My Name is Earl: She made another memorable appearance on this popular comedy series.

Kathy Kinney, 70, was spotted in LA looking unrecognizable, ditching her iconic character's heavy makeup to grab groceries in the supermarket

THE DREW CAREY SHOW

Kinney joined the show in 1995 as Mimi Bobeck, the lovable but sassy secretary who vowed to torment Drew Carey's character. Her outrageous pranks and antics became a hallmark of the show, making her an instant fan favorite.

Kinney's portrayal of Mimi earned her a spot on the main cast after just one episode. Throughout the show's nine-year run (1995-2004), Kinney's chemistry with co-star Drew Carey remained electric, both on and off screen.

Kinney made a lasting impression as Mimi Bobeck, the ABC show’s scheming secretary and main antagonist, who set out to torment Drew Carey after he rejected her job application due to her heavy makeup (bottom left)

TheScholarlyNote.com has confirmed that Kinney is still close friends with Drew Carey, who has appeared in various projects with her over the years. Whether it's a hosting gig or a trip to Iraq to entertain troops, these two comedy legends are an unstoppable duo.

And what about Mimi Bobeck? Will she make another comeback? Stay tuned for more updates from TheScholarlyNote.com!

Originally intended to appear only in the pilot, the character of Mimi was quickly promoted to the main cast thanks to Kinney’s portrayal, which featured endless pranks on Carey

The comedian wore a chic paisley fedora, white linen quarter-sleeve shirt and loose dark blue jeans, accessorized with red sunglasses, a smartwatch and a black crossbody bag