Hubbry Logo
Kim ZimmerKim ZimmerMain
Open search
Kim Zimmer
Community hub
Kim Zimmer
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Kim Zimmer
Kim Zimmer
from Wikipedia

Kimberly Jo Zimmer (born February 2, 1955)[2] is an American actress, best known for her role as Reva Shayne on the CBS soap opera Guiding Light. For this portrayal, she has won four Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.[3]

Key Information

Career

[edit]

Zimmer's career began with stage work; an early television role was her portrayal of the character of Bonnie Harmer on One Life to Live in 1978. In 1979, she was tapped to replace Kathleen Turner as Nola Dancy Aldrich on The Doctors. (She later appeared opposite Turner in the 1981 film Body Heat in a plot that addressed similarities in their appearance.) For much of her stint, she was the show's leading lady, but left the show in July 1982 on a maternity leave, escorted off the show by her real life husband, A.C. Weary, who played Nola's newest conquest. She would return one last time later in the year for the funeral of her former mother-in-law, Mona Croft. She had a brief return to One Life to Live from February through November 1983 as Echo DiSavoy.

In 1983, Zimmer was cast in the role for which she is best known, the character of Reva Shayne on the television soap opera Guiding Light. Her portrayal of Reva was a focus of the show until Zimmer left in 1990. She returned to Guiding Light in April 1995 and portrayed Reva until the show's conclusion in September 2009. While Zimmer's Reva was paired with several leading men, her work with Robert Newman (Josh) earned them the label of "supercouple."

Zimmer left Guiding Light in July 1990 and moved to the West Coast for five years, during which she played Jodie DeWitt Walker on Santa Barbara from 1992 to 1993. In 1995, Zimmer appeared in an episode of Seinfeld ("The Diplomat's Club"), as Mr. Pitt's attorney, who suspected Elaine and Jerry were trying to kill Mr. Pitt.

In 2010, Zimmer returned to the role of Echo on One Life to Live.[4] Zimmer was featured in a story along with former Guiding Light co-star Jerry verDorn (Clint Buchanan), Robin Strasser (Dorian Cramer) and Erika Slezak (Viki Lord).[5]

Zimmer has also appeared in several episodic television programs, including Designing Women, MacGyver, Models, Inc., and Babylon 5 (episode "And Now For a Word", year 1995). She also appeared in several made-for-television movies.

Zimmer has starred in a number of theater roles, including several at Augusta's Barn Theatre.[6] In 2011, it was announced that Zimmer would be cast in the Off-Broadway international hit Love, Loss, and What I Wore. She starred as Mrs. Hayes in Connecticut Repertory Theatre's production of Odysseus D.O.A., running through March 4, 2012. Zimmer made her musical theatre debut when she joined the first North American tour of Broadway's Wicked. She played the role of Madame Morrible from 14 August 2012 through 13 December 2013.[7] Zimmer returned to the role with the first North American tour on 30 September 2014.[8] Zimmer has also appeared in several productions of the musical Gypsy, first in 2006 at the Barn Theatre in Augusta, Michigan, and in 2015 at the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera opposite former Guiding Light leading man Robert Newman.

In 2011 she released her memoir called I'm Just Sayin'!: Three Deaths, Seven Husbands and a Clone! My Life as a Daytime Diva.[9]

In 2023, after several years off-screen, Zimmer returned to acting starring in the drama film You Sing Louder, I Sing Louder starring opposite Ewan McGregor and her son Jake Weary.[10]

Personal life

[edit]

Zimmer was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of Burdina Elva (known as "Dede") Zimmer and Walter Jack Zimmer.[11][12] She has an older sister Karen Ann (née Zimmer) Witzel.[12] She graduated from Forest Hills Central High School in Ada Township, which is just east of Grand Rapids, and then studied at Hope College in Holland, Michigan, and at American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco.[3] She is married to actor/director A.C. Weary (Allen Cudney Weary), and they have three children: Rachel, Max, and Jake Weary. Jake is also an actor; he appeared on As the World Turns as Luke Snyder in 2005, and has had various guest roles, including on Law and Order: Special Victims Unit and starred as Deran Cody in Animal Kingdom from 2016 to 2022. She resides in Montclair, New Jersey.

On May 16, 2024, during an appearance on a special Stand Up to Cancer benefit episode of the YouTube podcast series The Locher Room, Zimmer revealed that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2023 and was undergoing treatment.[13]

Filmography

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1978 One Life to Live Bonnie Harmon May 3, 1978 – 1978
1979–1982 The Doctors Nola Dancy Aldrich Series regular: August 18, 1979 – 1982
1981 Body Heat Mary Ann
1983, 2010–2011 One Life to Live Echo DiSavoy Series regular, from March to October 1983, October 1, 2010 – October 14, 2011
1983–1990, 1995–2009 Guiding Light Reva Shayne Series regular, from November 28, 1983 – August 1990, April 28, 1995 – September 18, 2009
Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (1985, 1987, 1990, 2006)
Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama (1988, 2000)
Nominated - Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (1986, 1998, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007)
Nominated - Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama (1986, 1989, 1990, 1998, 1999, 2003)
Nominated — Gold Derby Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (2004, 2006)
1989 Trenchcoat in Paradise Claire Hollander TV movie
1989 Designing Women Mavis Episode: "The Rowdy Girls"
1989–1990 MacGyver Police Lt. Kate Murphy 3 episodes
1991 Hell Hath No Fury Marlene TV movie
1991 Keeping Secrets Maureen TV movie
1992 FBI: The Untold Stories Barbara Oswald Episode: "Lady Skyjacker"
1992–1993 Santa Barbara Jodie Walker Series regular
Nominated - Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama (1993)
1994 The Disappearance of Vonnie Vonnie Kaczmarek Rickman TV movie
1994–1995 Models Inc. Joan 6 episodes
1995 University Hospital Dr. Karen Hale Episode: "Shadow of a Doubt"
1995 Babylon 5 Cynthia Torqueman Episode: "And Now for a Word"
1995 Seinfeld Lenore Episode: "The Diplomat's Club"
2003 Shortcut to Happiness Patty
2006 Little Secrets Nico
2008 The Van Pelt Family Janet Van Pelt Short film
2010 Steamboat Rhonda Web-series
Nominated — Indie Series Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress
2010 Freshman Father Dean Frost TV movie
2013 23 Blast Mary Freeman
2019 Venice the Series Tori 8 episodes
2023 You Sing Louder, I Sing Louder Elsie

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Kim Zimmer (born February 2, 1955) is an American actress renowned for her long-running portrayal of the iconic character on the CBS daytime Guiding Light, a role she originated in 1983 and reprised intermittently until the show's conclusion in 2009. Born in , Zimmer pursued acting after studying at and training at the American Conservatory Theatre in . Her career began in the late with a guest role as Bonnie Harmon on ABC's in 1978, followed by her first major part as Nola Aldrich on NBC's The Doctors from 1979 to 1982. Zimmer's breakthrough came with Guiding Light, where her dynamic performance as the spirited and resilient earned her widespread acclaim and established her as one of daytime television's most celebrated leading ladies. She later originated the role of Echo DiSavoy on from March to October 1983, which she reprised from 2010 to 2011. Beyond soaps, Zimmer has appeared in films such as (1981) and guest-starred on primetime series including , , , and . Her contributions to daytime drama have been honored with four Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, won in 1985, 1987, 1990, and 2006, along with numerous nominations. In recent years, she has continued performing in theater, including the lead role in in 2025. Zimmer's enduring impact on the genre is marked by her ability to embody complex, multifaceted characters over decades.

Early life and education

Upbringing

Kimberly Jo Zimmer was born on February 2, 1955, in , to parents Jack and Didi Zimmer. She grew up in a middle-class Midwestern family alongside an older sister, Karen, in a close-knit environment that valued community involvement. During her childhood, Zimmer participated in various activities that highlighted her athletic and creative sides, including competitive diving, in which she eventually became a professional. Her early interest in was sparked through involvement in local theater and school productions, fostering a passion for amid the supportive cultural scene of Grand Rapids. Although she initially aspired to become a , these experiences shifted her focus toward the stage. Zimmer graduated from in 1973, where the emphasis on education and extracurricular creativity in her suburban upbringing solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in the . At age 18, she transitioned to formal training at nearby .

Training

After graduating from high school, Kim Zimmer pursued higher education at in , where she studied . During this period, she participated in the college's summer repertory theater program, gaining initial hands-on experience in performance. These opportunities allowed her to develop foundational skills through stage work and regional auditions during breaks, building her confidence in live theater settings. She then continued her training at the American Conservatory Theatre (ACT) in . The program's rigorous emphasized voice , movement, and classical theater techniques, equipping her with essential tools for professional performance. At ACT, she honed skills in and work, which became integral to her versatile acting approach. Influences from the faculty further shaped her understanding of and stage presence, fostering a disciplined artistic foundation.

Career

Soap opera roles

Kim Zimmer began her soap opera career in 1978 with a brief role as the escaped fugitive Bonnie Harmon on ABC's One Life to Live, a character inspired by the case. This debut marked her entry into , where she portrayed a terrorist involved in high-stakes drama. In 1979, Zimmer joined NBC's The Doctors as Nola Dancy Aldrich, replacing in the role of a quirky, scheming young woman navigating family secrets and romantic entanglements; she remained with the series until 1982. Her performance helped solidify her presence in the genre, showcasing her ability to handle comedic and dramatic elements in a show known for its medical and personal storylines. Zimmer's breakthrough came in 1983 when she originated the role of on CBS's , a bold farm girl from who became a central figure in Springfield's drama, appearing in over 1,600 episodes across two stints from 1983 to 1990 and 1995 to 2009. arcs included multiple marriages—to Josh Lewis, Kyle Sampson, Billy Lewis, , Richard Winslow, and Jeffrey O'Neill— following a plane crash, and a battle with that highlighted themes of resilience and . For her portrayal, Zimmer earned four for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 1985, 1987, 1990, and 2006, recognizing her dynamic depiction of a complex, unapologetic female lead. Later in 1983, Zimmer returned to One Life to Live as Echo DiSavoy, a scheming singer and ex-wife of the late Charles Delaware, involved in custody battles and romantic rivalries until October; she reprised the role from 2010 to 2011 during the show's final season. In 1992, she took on the role of Jodie DeWitt Walker on NBC's Santa Barbara, a determined mother entangled in mystery and family conflicts, staying until 1993. Over more than 25 years in daytime soaps, Zimmer's roles, particularly Reva, influenced the genre by embodying empowered women who drove narratives through passion, conflict, and redemption, setting tropes for enduring female protagonists.

Theater and prime-time work

Zimmer's theater career gained momentum following her initial appearances, with notable work including the role of Collette in Four Dogs and a Bone in 1993, a satirical play by that highlighted her comedic versatility. In the , she also performed her own nightclub acts, showcasing her singing and dancing talents developed during her training. These performances provided a platform for her multifaceted skills beyond television. In prime-time television and film, Zimmer demonstrated her range in select non-soap roles during the 1980s and 1990s. She debuted on the big screen in (1981), playing Mary Ann, a seductive neighbor whose resemblance to the protagonist leads to a fatal case of in a boathouse explosion. On television, she guest-starred as Murphy in the episode "Deadly Dreams" (1989), portraying a woman entangled in a involving nightmares and murder. Later, she recurred as Joan, a sophisticated older woman hiring a young escort, in the Fox prime-time soap (1994–1995). A significant milestone came in musical theater when Zimmer took on the role of the scheming headmistress Madame Morrible in the first national tour of Wicked, performing from August 2012 through December 2013. She returned to the character in the first national tour from September 2014 to March 2015, earning acclaim for her powerful vocals and sharp comedic timing that brought fresh energy to the villainous role. Zimmer continued her stage work with the off-Broadway ensemble rotation in Nora and Delia Ephron's Love, Loss, and What I Wore in 2011, sharing anecdotes through a series of monologues that drew on her personal experiences. She also appeared in regional productions, such as in Gypsy at Michigan's Barn Theatre in 2006, emphasizing her ability to lead musicals with emotional depth. Theater offered Zimmer a vital creative outlet during breaks from her soap commitments, enabling her to amass over 20 stage credits focused on complex, character-driven roles that allowed for live audience interaction and vocal performance. Her established television profile often facilitated these opportunities, bridging her daytime fame to live theater bookings.

Later projects

Following the cancellation of in 2009, Kim Zimmer entered a hiatus from acting during the , prioritizing family and pursuing only selective projects. This period marked a deliberate step back from the demands of regular television work, allowing her to focus on while maintaining a low profile in the industry. Zimmer made a notable return to the screen in 2023 with the independent drama , directed by Emma Westenberg, where she portrayed Elsie, an eccentric tow truck driver encountered by the protagonists on their road trip. The film, which premiered at the in June 2023 and was released theatrically in February 2024, featured Zimmer sharing scenes with her son, , who played a supporting role as Kip. This mother-son collaboration highlighted a familial dynamic on set, adding a layer of authenticity to the production's themes of reconnection and vulnerability. Her performance as the quirky, no-nonsense Elsie was praised for injecting energy and humor into the film's introspective narrative. In 2025, Zimmer returned to the stage in a lead role for Theatre Raleigh's revival of Horton Foote's Pulitzer Prize-winning play , running from March 26 to April 6. She embodied Carrie Watts, an elderly widow yearning for one last visit to her childhood home, in a production that emphasized themes of aging, independence, and quiet defiance against familial constraints. Directed by Judy Long, the revival drew on Zimmer's decades of dramatic experience to deliver a poignant portrayal, resonating with audiences through its exploration of personal freedom in later life. Post-2020, Zimmer's projects have remained limited in number but strategically impactful, reflecting a resurgence shaped by personal challenges and a commitment to meaningful roles. She made a public appearance in October 2025 on The Locher Room, joining her husband A.C. Weary for a live interview discussing her career and selective . This emphasis on quality over quantity underscores how her recovery from personal hurdles has guided a thoughtful revival, leveraging her four prior Emmy wins to secure roles that align with her artistic priorities.

Personal life

Family

Zimmer has been married to actor and director A.C. Weary since August 29, 1981. The couple met early in their careers while working in daytime television, where Weary had roles on series such as Ryan's Hope and The Edge of Night, and they have since collaborated professionally in the industry. Their enduring partnership, spanning over 44 years as of 2025, has been a cornerstone of Zimmer's personal life amid her acting commitments. Zimmer and Weary have three children: a daughter, Rachel, and two sons, Max and Jake Weary. Jake Weary, born in 1990, has followed in his parents' footsteps as an actor, with notable roles including Cyrus Petrillo on Pretty Little Liars and a part alongside his mother in the 2024 film Bleeding Love. The family has shown strong support for Jake's career, mirroring Zimmer's own path in entertainment. The family resides in , where they have lived since 1984, fostering a close-knit environment that balances professional pursuits with personal milestones. Zimmer has often highlighted the joys of family life, including supporting her children's endeavors while maintaining her own artistic interests.

Health

In November 2023, Kim Zimmer was diagnosed with following a routine mammogram. She publicly disclosed the diagnosis on May 16, 2024, during the Daytime Stands Up to Cancer virtual event, where she shared her experience to raise awareness among fans and the broader community. Zimmer underwent a as her initial treatment and completed a course of , with her final infusion occurring on May 21, 2024. By early 2025, she had finished her primary therapy and was focusing on recovery, crediting her resilience and support system for helping her through the process; in interviews, she described herself as a "tough broad" who prioritized early detection through regular screenings. Her diagnosis briefly impacted project scheduling, allowing time for treatment before resuming professional commitments. The real-life health challenge echoed a storyline from Zimmer's tenure on Guiding Light, where her character faced a diagnosis in 2006, though Zimmer has noted no direct influence from the plot on her personal situation. Post-diagnosis, Zimmer has actively participated in cancer awareness initiatives, including the 2024 benefit, drawing on her legacy to advocate for mammograms and community support in the fight against the disease.

Filmography

Television

Kim Zimmer began her television career in daytime soap operas, quickly establishing herself with recurring and leading roles before branching into guest spots on prime-time series. Her extensive work in soaps spanned decades, with notable long-term commitments that garnered critical acclaim and multiple Daytime Emmy Awards for her performances.
Year(s)ShowRoleNotes
1978One Life to LiveBonnie HarmerBrief recurring role as a terrorist character.
1979–1982The DoctorsNola Dancy AldrichSeries regular; replaced Kathleen Turner in the role; appeared in approximately 800 episodes.
1983–1990, 1995–1999, 2006–2009Guiding LightReva ShayneIconic leading role; multiple stints totaling over 3,500 episodes; earned four Daytime Emmy Awards (1985, 1987, 1990, 2006).
1983, 2010–2011One Life to LiveEcho DiSavoySeries regular (1983, ~150 episodes); recurring return (2010–2011, ~50 episodes).
1989MacGyverPolice Lt. Kate MurphyGuest role in episode "Deadly Dreams."
1989Designing WomenMavisGuest role in episode "The Rowdy Girls."
1992–1993Santa BarbaraJodie DeWitt WalkerRecurring role as love interest to Warren Lockridge; approximately 100 episodes.
1994Models Inc.JoanRecurring guest; 6 episodes.
1995SeinfeldLenoreGuest role as Justin Pitt's attorney in episode "The Diplomat's Club."
1995Babylon 5Cynthia TorquemanGuest role in episode "And Now for a Word."
In recent years, Zimmer has made select television appearances, primarily in interview formats reflecting on her soap opera legacy, such as her October 2025 guest spot on The Locher Room alongside husband A.C. Weary.

Film

Kim Zimmer's feature film career, though limited compared to her extensive television work, spans several decades with roles ranging from supporting parts in thrillers to more prominent maternal figures in independent dramas. Her early screen appearance came in the neo-noir thriller (1981), directed by , where she played Mary Ann, a friend of the central character who provides key testimony in the film's climactic courtroom scene. In the mid-2000s, Zimmer took on smaller supporting roles, including Patty in (2003), a fantasy drama directed by , in which she portrayed a entangled in a Faustian bargain narrative. She followed this with the role of Nico, a neighborhood resident, in the family-oriented comedy Little Secrets (2006), directed by Blaise Tappfield, where her character offers guidance to the young protagonist keeping a secret. Zimmer's mid-career film work remained sporadic amid her commitments, but she returned to the screen as Mary Freeman, the supportive mother of the lead character, in the inspirational sports drama (2014), directed by and of a blind high school athlete. More recently, Zimmer earned a lead supporting role as Elsie, a driver and , in the road-trip drama (2024), directed by Emma Westenberg and co-starring and her real-life son as Kip.

Theater

Kim Zimmer began her stage career with regional theater work, including productions at the Barn Theatre in , starting in the early . She performed her own nightclub act during the , showcasing her versatility beyond scripted roles. In 1993, Zimmer appeared in Four Dogs and a Bone at the , taking on a lead role in the satirical play by . She followed this with Dirty Blonde in 2000 at , portraying one of the ensemble characters in Claudia Shear's comedy-drama. Zimmer returned to regional theater in 2006, starring as Mama Rose in a production of Gypsy at the Barn Theatre. In 2011, she joined the ensemble of Love, Loss, and What I Wore at the , performing in the Nora and play from February 16 to March 20 as part of the rotating cast. From 2012 to 2015, Zimmer took on the role of Madame Morrible in the first national tour of Wicked, with replacement runs including August 14, 2012, to August 25, 2013; September 18 to December 15, 2013; and September 30, 2014, to March 15, 2015. She continued regional performances at the Barn Theatre, including Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard (2011), Dolly Levi in Hello, Dolly! (2014), and Truvy in Steel Magnolias (July 30 to August 11, 2019). Further regional credits include in Mamma Mia! at the Barn Theatre through August 1, 2021; in Misery at the same venue from September 8 to 11, 2022; and Mama Rose in Gypsy at the Civic Light in 2015. In 2016, she starred in the world premiere of Old Love New Love by Laura Brienza at Luna Stage in . In March 2025, Zimmer starred as Carrie Watts in a revival of at Theatre Raleigh.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.