April 26, 2007
You may remember Kathy Najimy as the hilarious Sister Mary Patrick in "Sister Act" and "Sister Act 2." Or in her Obie-winning, off-Broadway "The Kathy and Mo Show," a comedy that later was reprised on HBO.
But Najimy is less well-known for her biggest role: that of an activist. "I'm a feminist before I'm an actress," Najimy said from her Los Angeles home, adding that she doesn't hide her politics for the sake of her career. "That would be dishonest."
One of her favorite causes is Planned Parenthood. In the early 1980s, she was the director of Planned Parenthood's New Image Teen Theater, which performed plays about teen issues in schools and neighborhoods. She sought out Planned Parenthood when she needed birth control as a young woman and admires its commitment to serving people regardless of age, gender or socioeconomic status.
The choice to speak up
Najimy, who was Ms. Magazine's 2004 Woman of the Year, is of Lebanese ancestry. Her mother, who spoke five languages, immigrated to the United States from Beirut at 18.
"She married while in college and had four children," said Najimy, 50. "We learn from our parents, but we also learn from their limitations. I became a feminist watching my mom have so few options. Maybe her life wouldn't have been any different, but the sad thing is that she couldn't choose."
Choice is the underlying value that Najimy seems to cherish most.
"I'm pro-choice, not pro-abortion," she said. "That's the difference between me and the religious right. They say, 'We'll never have an abortion and we'll make sure you won't, either.' I say, 'We'll fight to the bone for your right not to have an abortion. We don't agree with you, but that's your choice.' "
A habit of activism
Najimy is currently the voice behind Peggy Hill in the animated TV show, "King of the Hill," and is a cast member of "NUMB3RS."
I thought it was ironic that, given her politics, Najimy's breakout role was playing a nun.
"I don't generalize about nuns," she laughed, stopping to take down a framed letter from her wall. It was written in 1992 by a Benedictine sister after Najimy published her own abortion story in the book, "The Choices We Made."
"The nun wrote to me: 'I admire you for your contributions,' " read Najimy. " 'I really believe that book has potential healing power.' "
Najimy's power lies in her willingness to risk her career on behalf of the 51% of Americans who are quietly pro-choice, according to a 2006 Gallop poll -- and even for the 41% who are not.
"I respect others' right not to hire me," she said. "But I still have my voice."
Contact DESIREE COOPER at 313-222-6625 or dcooper@freepress.com .
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