After appearing as Prudence Godard on the CBS sitcom Newhart (1989–1990), she achieved fame with her portrayal of Mimi Bobeck on ABC's The Drew Carey Show (1995–2004).
[2] Her film credits include Parting Glances (1987), Scrooged (1988), Three Fugitives (1989), Stanley & Iris, Arachnophobia (both 1990), This Boy's Life (1993), and Picking Up the Pieces (2000).
After completing a six-month Back Country season in Kings Canyon, she left the program with thousands of dollars in scholarships.
[citation needed] Armed with the success of Parting Glances, Kinney visited friends in Los Angeles, and decided to permanently move there to pursue a career in acting.
In L.A., Kinney worked regularly as a character actress, getting small roles in various TV series such as Seinfeld (Season 4, Episode 22, "The Handicap Spot)," Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (with Drew Carey, contemporaneous with The Drew Carey Show's second season), Grace Under Fire, Full House, Boy Meets World, The Larry Sanders Show, and My Name Is Earl.
Her first memorable television role is generally considered her regular stint on Newhart as Miss Goddard, the town librarian (1989–1990).
Positive public reaction prompted the Mimi storyline to continue (the store hired her as a secretary to prevent her from suing).
Kinney's filmography includes Arachnophobia, Stanley & Iris, Scrooged, Three Fugitives, Lenny the Wonder Dog, and This Boy's Life.
[2] Kinney portrays Mrs. P, an eccentric redhead who loves books and reads classic children's stories from her magical library.