In 1977, Kimmell was cast as Kelly McCable in the unsold television pilot "His and Hers". The same year, she portrayed Holly in an episode of the television series "Charlie's Angels". In 1978, Kimmell guest starred on an episode of "Eight Is Enough". The following year, she guest starred on an episode of "Out if the Blue". In 1980, Kimmell guest starred on an episode of "Texas" as Dawn Marshall before portraying Lily in the television film "Midnight Offerings", a made for television film "Return of the Beverly Hillbillies", Susan in an episode of "Bosom Buddies", and Lisa Judson on the short lived television series "Code Red". The same year, Kimmell made her film debut as Brook in "Rivals". From 1981 to 1984, Kimmell portrayed Michelle in "Diff'rent Strokes".