Kim Hawthorne was an American actress who made a lasting impression in the entertainment industry, with her most notable role coming as a lead on the popular OWN drama series “Greenleaf,” which debuted in 2016. Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, Kim Hawthorne showed a passion for performance from a young age. By the time she was just 12 years old, she had already developed a strong interest in opera, showcasing a talent that would later shape her career path. Fast forward to age 18, and Kim Hawthorne earned a prestigious scholarship to study classical music at Birmingham Southern College in Alabama—a significant achievement that set the stage for what was to come.
After graduating with honors four years later, Kim Hawthorne dove into the world of musical theater, launching her professional journey at Atlanta’s renowned Alliance Theater. During her time there, she appeared in a number of productions, honing her craft and building a solid foundation. In the mid-90s, she made the bold move to New York City, where she expanded her reach by performing in both Off-Broadway and Broadway shows. Around this time, Kim Hawthorne also began pursuing opportunities in film and television, attending auditions that would eventually open new doors.
Her early screen roles included recurring appearances on well-known daytime soap operas such as “All My Children” and “Another World.” She also landed parts in major films like 3000 Miles to Graceland and Along Came a Spider, both released in 2001. A major turning point came in 2000 when Kim Hawthorne joined the cast of the CBC police drama “Da Vinci’s Inquest,” portraying Detective Rose Williams. She remained a central figure throughout the show’s seven-season run, becoming a familiar face to Canadian and international audiences alike.
Following the show’s conclusion in 2005, Kim Hawthorne continued to stay active in the industry, taking on roles in several TV series—some short-lived but still noteworthy—such as “Lucky Louie,” “Whistler,” and “Rake.” Then, in late 2015, exciting news emerged: Kim Hawthorne had been cast in a leading role for a new drama series on the Oprah Winfrey Network. That series, titled “Greenleaf,” premiered in 2016, with Kim Hawthorne playing Kerissa Greenleaf, a complex and compelling character at the heart of the story. The show quickly became a hit for OWN, further cementing Kim Hawthorne’s status as a talented and versatile actress with a powerful presence on screen.
So, when it comes to Kim Hawthorne’s filmography, one movie really stands out — Along Came a Spider (2001). Interestingly enough, that same film, Along Came a Spider (2001), is not only her highest rated performance but also considered her lowest rated. Yeah, you heard that right. Kim Hawthorne has this unique distinction where the very same title holds both the top and bottom spots in terms of ratings. It’s kind of surprising, but hey, that’s how the reviews turned out. So whether people love it or aren’t quite as impressed, one thing’s for sure — Kim Hawthorne definitely made an impact with Along Came a Spider (2001).