Quick Facts about Kim Zimmer
| Year | Milestone | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1955 | Born in Grand Rapids, MI | Kimberly Jo Zimmer |
| 1978 | Daytime Debut | Bonnie Harmer on One Life to Live |
| 1979–1982 | The Doctors | Nola Dancy Aldrich; met husband A.C. Weary |
| 1981 | Film Debut | Mary Ann in Body Heat |
| 1983–1990 | Guiding Light (first run) | Reva Shayne; won 3 Emmys |
| 1992–1993 | Santa Barbara | Jodie DeWitt Walker |
| 1995–2009 | Guiding Light (final run) | Reva Shayne; 4th Emmy in 2006 |
| 2011 | Memoir Release | I’m Just Sayin’!: Three Deaths, Seven Husbands, and a Clone! |
| 2012–2014 | Wicked National Tour | Madame Morrible |
| 2023 | Bleeding Love Film | With son Jake Weary |
| 2024 | Breast Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment | Mastectomy + chemo completed |
| 2025 | The Trip to Bountiful | Lead role (Carrie Watts) at Theatre Raleigh |
Early Life in Grand Rapids: From Michigan Girl to Aspiring Actress
Kim Zimmer was born Kimberly Jo Zimmer on February 2, 1955, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to parents Jack and Didi Zimmer, growing up alongside an older sister, Karen Ann. Raised in a supportive Midwestern family, Zimmer graduated from Forest Hills Central High School in nearby Ada Township before pursuing acting at Hope College in Holland, Michigan, and later training at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco.
A former professional diver with a passion for sports like biking, skiing, Rollerblading, golf, and tennis, Zimmer’s athletic background complemented her early stage work, setting the foundation for a resilient career in entertainment. Her journey from small-town roots to Hollywood stardom exemplifies the determination that would define Kim Zimmer as one of daytime television’s most enduring figures.
Breaking into Daytime: One Life to Live and The Doctors Roles
Kim Zimmer’s professional acting career launched in 1978 with a memorable debut on ABC’s One Life to Live as Bonnie Harmer, a terrorist character that showcased her bold intensity from the start. She soon replaced Kathleen Turner as Nola Dancy Aldrich on NBC’s The Doctors, a three-year stint from 1979 to 1982 that highlighted her striking resemblance to Turner and earned her early recognition. During this period on The Doctors, Zimmer met her future husband, actor A.C. Weary, who played one of Nola’s love interests, marking a personal milestone amid her rising professional profile. These roles established Kim Zimmer as a versatile soap actress capable of complex, dramatic performances long before her iconic breakthrough.
The Role That Defined a Career: Becoming Reva Shayne on Guiding Light
In November 1983, Kim Zimmer joined CBS’s Guiding Light as Reva Shayne, a fiery, multifaceted character who became the show’s centerpiece for over two decades. Portraying Reva through wild storylines—including cloning, time travel, Amish adventures, manic depression, and breast cancer—Zimmer left in 1990 for West Coast opportunities but returned in 1995, staying until the series finale in September 2009. Reva’s infamous “Slut of Springfield” fountain baptism and supercouple romance with Josh Lewis (Robert Newman) cemented Kim Zimmer as daytime’s ultimate diva, with fans still celebrating her 21-year tenure on the longest-running soap in history.
Four Daytime Emmy Wins and Critical Acclaim for Reva
Kim Zimmer’s portrayal of Reva Shayne earned her four Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 1985, 1987, 1990, and 2006, alongside numerous nominations and two Soap Opera Digest Awards. Critics and fans hailed her for bringing depth to Reva’s outrageous arcs, ranking her second on We Love Soaps’ “50 Greatest Soap Actresses” list in 2010. Co-star Robert Newman praised Zimmer as “one of the craziest, toughest broads on the planet,” underscoring her commanding presence that made Reva an unforgettable force in soap history.
Beyond Guiding Light: Santa Barbara, One Life to Live Returns, and Primetime Spots
After departing Guiding Light in 1990, Kim Zimmer played Jodie DeWitt Walker on NBC’s Santa Barbara from 1992 to 1993, followed by guest roles on Seinfeld (as Mr. Pitt’s suspicious attorney), MacGyver, Babylon 5, and Designing Women. She reprised Echo DiSavoy on One Life to Live multiple times, including a 2010-2011 arc alongside former Guiding Light co-stars. Film credits include her debut in Body Heat (1981) as Mary Ann, alongside Kathleen Turner, and later roles in 23 Blast (2014) and Bleeding Love (2023) with son Jake Weary.
Theater Triumphs: Wicked Tours, Gypsy, and 2025’s The Trip to Bountiful
Kim Zimmer has shone on stage, debuting in Broadway’s Wicked as Madame Morrible on the first North American tour (2012-2013, returning 2014) and starring in Gypsy productions, including opposite Robert Newman in 2015. Other credits include Love, Loss, and What I Wore (Off-Broadway, 2011), Steel Magnolias at the Barn Theatre, and Odysseus D.O.A. In 2025, Zimmer headlined Theatre Raleigh’s The Trip to Bountiful as Carrie Watts from March 26 to April 6, earning praise for her poignant performance in Horton Foote’s Tony-winning play.
Personal Life: Marriage to A.C. Weary and Family with Three Children
Kim Zimmer married actor-director A.C. Weary on August 29, 1981, after meeting on The Doctors; their enduring partnership has lasted over 44 years, with recent interviews highlighting humor as their secret to longevity. The couple has three children: daughter Rachel and sons Max and Jake Weary, the latter a successful actor known for Animal Kingdom. Zimmer prioritized family, often balancing demanding shoots with motherhood, and collaborated with Jake on Bleeding Love.
Breast Cancer Battle: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Resilience in 2024-2025
In May 2024, Kim Zimmer revealed a November 2023 breast cancer diagnosis during a Stand Up to Cancer benefit, mirroring Reva’s 2006 storyline. She underwent a mastectomy and completed chemotherapy by late May 2024, crediting family support and calling herself a “tough broad.” By 2025, Zimmer returned to theater with The Trip to Bountiful, sharing updates on healing and advocating awareness.
Memoir and Net Worth: I’m Just Sayin’! and Financial Success
In 2011, Kim Zimmer released her candid memoir I’m Just Sayin’!: Three Deaths, Seven Husbands, and a Clone! My Life as a Daytime Diva, co-written with Laura Morton, detailing her parallel lives as Reva and herself. The book became a bestseller among soap fans for its honesty and behind-the-scenes insights. As of 2025, Kim Zimmer’s net worth stands at approximately $6 million, accumulated from decades on Guiding Light, theater, films, and royalties.
Kim Zimmer Career Timeline: Key Milestones
| Year | Milestone | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1955 | Born in Grand Rapids, MI | Kimberly Jo Zimmer |
| 1978 | Daytime Debut | Bonnie Harmer on One Life to Live |
| 1979-1982 | The Doctors | Nola Dancy Aldrich; met husband A.C. Weary |
| 1981 | Film Debut | Mary Ann in Body Heat |
| 1983-1990, 1995-2009 | Guiding Light | Reva Shayne; 4 Emmys |
| 1992-1993 | Santa Barbara | Jodie DeWitt Walker |
| 2011 | Memoir Release | I’m Just Sayin’! |
| 2012-2014 | Wicked Tour | Madame Morrible |
| 2023 | Bleeding Love Film | With son Jake Weary |
| 2024 | Breast Cancer Diagnosis | Underwent mastectomy and chemo |
| 2025 | The Trip to Bountiful | Lead role at Theatre Raleigh |
FAQs About Kim Zimmer
1. How many Daytime Emmys did Kim Zimmer win for Guiding Light? Kim Zimmer won four Daytime Emmys for Outstanding Lead Actress (1985, 1987, 1990, 2006) for portraying Reva Shayne.
2. Who is Kim Zimmer’s husband and how long have they been married? Kim Zimmer has been married to actor-director A.C. Weary since August 29, 1981—over 44 years as of 2025.
3. What was Kim Zimmer’s breast cancer diagnosis update in 2025? Diagnosed in November 2023, Zimmer completed treatment by mid-2024 and returned to stage work, including The Trip to Bountiful in 2025.
4. What is the title of Kim Zimmer’s memoir? Her 2011 memoir is I’m Just Sayin’!: Three Deaths, Seven Husbands, and a Clone! My Life as a Daytime Diva.
5. What recent projects has Kim Zimmer done in 2025? In 2025, Zimmer starred as Carrie Watts in Theatre Raleigh’s The Trip to Bountiful (March-April).
6. What is Kim Zimmer’s net worth in 2025? Kim Zimmer’s estimated net worth is $6 million, from her long soap career and theater work.
Conclusion: Kim Zimmer’s Enduring Legacy in 2025
At 70, Kim Zimmer remains daytime television’s ultimate survivor—four Emmys, a 26-year iconic role as Reva Shayne, and triumphs over breast cancer that echoed her character’s storyline. From Guiding Light’s final episode in 2009 to 2025’s acclaimed The Trip to Bountiful, Zimmer’s resilience, talent, and authenticity continue inspiring fans worldwide. Her memoir’s raw honesty, family devotion, and stage returns prove Kim Zimmer isn’t just saying—she’s living a legendary life that lights the way for generations.
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