Kate Walsh was born in San Jose, California, on October 13, 1967. She grew up partly in San Jose and partly in Tucson, Arizona, later attending the University of Arizona, where she got involved in regional theater. She later moved to Chicago where she began working with the Piven Theatre Workshop and, later, the Chicago Shakespeare Repertory. She performed on National Public Radio in the production of the radio play "Born Guilty". Walsh later moved to New York City and joined the comedy troupe "Burn Manhattan", performing in a number of Off-Broadway plays.

Her first major television appearance came on The Drew Carey Show where she portrayed Niki Fifer, Drew's girlfriend and a woman struggling with her weight. She went on to portray Carol Nelson in HBO's The Mind of the Married Man television series, and played Norm MacDonald's romantic interest in the sitcom Norm. She continued to appear on television programs in supporting or bit parts.



Attended University of Arizona Grew up in San Jose, California and Tucson, Arizona. Was a runway model in Japan during the early 1980s. The Japanese were fascinated by her size and height (5' 10"). The film, The Sweetest Thing (2002), was written by Kate's best friend, Nancy Pimental. The film's female characters were based on Nancy and Kate. Also, Kate can be seen on the DVD's special features. Wore glasses as a child. Attended Catalina High school in Tucson, Arizona. Ranked #52 on the Maxim magazine Hot 100 of 2007 list. Has two dogs and two cats. Her dogs are named Lou Diamond Phillips and Rosie Perez after the actor and actress of the same name.