Katharine McPhee Movies and TV Shows Life Katharine McPhee is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who rose to fame as a finalist on the fifth season of American Idol in 2006. Since then, she has enjoyed a diverse career spanning television, film, and music. Known for her powerful voice and acting chops, McPhee’s career has flourished in both the music industry and Hollywood. Here’s a complete look at her movies and TV shows to date.
Early Career Breakthrough on American Idol
Katharine McPhee first garnered national attention as a contestant on American Idol. Although she didn’t win, finishing as a runner-up, her impressive vocal talent and stage presence caught the eyes of many. This propelled her into the entertainment industry, where she would eventually explore acting and more.
Movies
| Movie Title | Year |
|---|---|
| The Last Time | 2006 |
| Smash: The Movie (Unreleased) | 2013 |
| You May Not Kiss the Bride | 2011 |
| Shark Night 3D | 2011 |
| A Christmas Melody | 2015 |
| House Bunny | 2008 |
| Overboard | 2018 |
| The Swing of Things | 2020 |
TV Shows
| TV Show Title | Year |
|---|---|
| American Idol | 2006 |
| Smash | 2012–2013 |
| Scorpion | 2014–2018 |
| Country Comfort | 2021 |
| The View | Various |
| The Masked Singer | 2021–2022 |
American Idol (2006)
- Role: Herself, Contestant
- McPhee’s run on American Idol was one of the most memorable of the season, showcasing her ability to handle a wide range of musical genres. Her success on the show led to a recording contract and subsequent music career.
Television Career
Katharine McPhee’s acting career took off after her time on American Idol. She appeared in several major TV roles, most notably in Smash.
Smash (2012-2013)
- Role: Karen Cartwright
- Smash was McPhee’s breakout role in television. The NBC musical drama centered around the making of a Broadway musical and featured McPhee as Karen Cartwright, a talented young singer striving to make it big on Broadway. The show was praised for its musical numbers, and McPhee’s performance was particularly well-received.
- Awards: McPhee’s role earned her a Golden Globe nomination and helped solidify her place in Hollywood.
Scorpion (2014-2018)
- Role: Paige Dineen
- In Scorpion, McPhee portrayed Paige Dineen, a waitress with a gifted son who becomes a part of a team of geniuses solving complex global issues. The show, based loosely on the life of Walter O’Brien, a real-life computer expert, was a hit for CBS, with McPhee’s performance being one of its highlights.
- Scorpion ran for four seasons and was a popular procedural drama on television, featuring a mix of high-stakes problems and personal drama.
The Princess Switch Switched Again (2020)
- Role: Stacy DeNovo / Lady Margaret
- Katharine McPhee had a small but notable role in this Netflix sequel, which follows the story of two identical women who swap places. She plays one of the characters’ roles, and the movie is a fun romantic comedy around the holidays.
Country Comfort (2021)
- Role: Bailey
- Country Comfort was a Netflix sitcom where McPhee played Bailey, a country singer who becomes a nanny for a widowed family. It blends McPhee’s music background with her acting, showcasing her talents in both comedy and singing.
- The show was not a major hit but allowed McPhee to continue expanding her TV career in the realm of family-friendly entertainment.
Movie Career
In addition to her television work, McPhee has appeared in several movies, demonstrating her versatility across genres.
The House Bunny (2008)
- Role: Harmony
- One of McPhee’s first big film roles was in The House Bunny, a comedy about a former Playboy bunny who becomes the house mother to a sorority. McPhee played Harmony, a shy and socially awkward sorority girl, in a lighthearted performance that was well-received.
Shark Night 3D (2011)
- Role: Beth
- Shark Night 3D was a horror movie where McPhee starred alongside a group of friends vacationing on a lake, who must battle sharks and other deadly creatures. Although the movie was mostly panned by critics, it found its audience as a campy thriller.
You May Not Kiss the Bride (2011)
- Role: Masha
- This romantic comedy features McPhee as Masha, a character involved in a whimsical plot revolving around a reluctant groom and a beautiful woman. The film was more of a low-key independent project compared to some of McPhee’s other roles.
Running Wild (2017)
- Role: Jesse
- In this drama, McPhee starred opposite Sharon Stone. The movie tells the story of a woman’s emotional journey as she heals her relationship with her father and works on a horse ranch. McPhee’s character, Jesse, is central to the storyline, showing her ability to handle both dramatic and emotional roles.
Falling for Christmas (2022)
- Role: Sierra Belmont
- A Netflix holiday movie where McPhee plays a character who loses her memory and falls in love with a charming lodge owner during the holiday season. This movie is a typical romantic comedy but features McPhee in the lead role with plenty of warmth and heart.
Music Career
Though not strictly TV or film, it’s worth mentioning McPhee’s successful career as a recording artist. Her self-titled debut album was released in 2007, and she followed it with several more albums. Her musical career has been integral to her public persona, and many of her TV roles, like in Smash, have capitalized on her musical talent.
Notable Albums
- Katharine McPhee (2007)
- Unbroken (2010)
- Hysteria (2015)
Broadway and Stage Performances
In addition to her TV and film roles, McPhee has ventured into Broadway, where she received acclaim for her performance in Waitress.
Waitress (2018)
- Role: Jenna Hunterson
- McPhee took on the role of Jenna, a small-town waitress and pie maker, in the hit Broadway musical Waitress. Her performance in the musical was widely praised, and she received glowing reviews for her singing and acting abilities.
Conclusion
Katharine McPhee’s career spans multiple genres and media platforms, including music, television, and film. From her breakout role on American Idol to her memorable performances on Smash and Scorpion, McPhee has proven her talent as both a singer and actress. Whether on the big screen or the small one, McPhee continues to captivate audiences with her versatility and charm.
Her involvement in both music and acting makes her a rare talent in the entertainment industry, and it will be exciting to see where her career takes her next!