Kate Mara Movies and TV Shows Life Kate Mara is an American actress known for her diverse roles across television and film. With a career spanning over two decades, she has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base for her nuanced performances. From her breakout role on television to her compelling presence in major motion pictures, Mara’s versatility shines through. Below is a complete look at her notable movies and TV shows.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Kate Mara was born on February 27, 1983, in Bedford, New York. She comes from a prominent family—her father is the vice chairman of the New York Giants, and her great-grandfather founded the Pittsburgh Steelers. Mara’s acting career began at a young age, appearing in small television roles before transitioning to feature films.
Kate Mara Movies and TV Shows
| Movies | TV Shows |
|---|---|
| The Martian (2015) | House of Cards (2013–2018) |
| Fantastic Four (2015) | 24 (2006) |
| Shooter (2007) | American Horror Story (2011) |
| Megan Leavey (2017) | The Terror (2018) |
| Brokeback Mountain (2005) | A Teacher (2020) |
| Morgan (2016) | Ladies (2005) |
| We Are Marshall (2006) | Mad Men (2009) |
| The Leave (2023) | The Mindy Project (2014) |
Notable TV Shows
1. “24” (2006–2007)
One of Mara’s early breakout roles was in the hit series “24”, where she played Shari Rothenberg, a member of the CTU team. Her character was introduced during the sixth season, and her performance as a young, ambitious employee helped solidify her as a rising star on television.
2. “House of Cards” (2013–2014)
Kate Mara’s role in “House of Cards” is perhaps one of her most iconic. She portrayed Zoe Barnes, a young and ambitious political reporter who becomes entangled with Kevin Spacey’s Frank Underwood. Zoe’s complex relationship with Frank and her untimely death left a significant impact on the show, making Mara’s performance unforgettable.
3. “American Horror Story: Murder House” (2011)
In “American Horror Story: Murder House”, Mara played Hayden McClain, a woman who gets involved in a tragic love triangle and becomes a ghost tied to the haunted house. Her role was pivotal in setting the tone for the anthology series and showcased her ability to balance vulnerability with intensity.
4. “The Mindy Project” (2013)
In the romantic comedy TV series “The Mindy Project”, Mara played Brittany, a character who briefly dated Mindy Lahiri’s ex, Danny Castellano. Although her appearance was brief, Mara’s comedic timing and charm brought an extra layer to the show’s lighthearted moments.
5. “Pose” (2018)
In the third and final season of “Pose”, Mara portrayed Mickalene Parker, a wealthy woman with strong ties to the LGBTQ+ community. Her role in this critically acclaimed series, set against the backdrop of 1980s New York’s ball culture, added depth to the show’s exploration of identity, family, and acceptance.
Prominent Movies
1. “The Social Network” (2010)
One of Mara’s most celebrated performances was in “The Social Network”, where she played Erica Albright, the girlfriend who breaks up with Mark Zuckerberg, portrayed by Jesse Eisenberg. Her brief but poignant role in the film showcased her ability to convey emotion with subtlety, establishing her as a talent to watch in Hollywood.
2. “The Martian” (2015)
In “The Martian”, directed by Ridley Scott, Mara played Mindy Park, a NASA satellite communications specialist. Although her role was small, the film’s massive success brought attention to her alongside an ensemble cast including Matt Damon and Jessica Chastain. The movie earned multiple Academy Award nominations and was praised for its positive portrayal of science and teamwork.
3. “Fantastic Four” (2015)
In the superhero film “Fantastic Four”, Mara took on the role of Sue Storm / Invisible Woman, one of the four main characters who gain extraordinary abilities. While the film received mixed reviews, Mara’s performance was widely appreciated for adding emotional depth to her character.
4. “Morgan” (2016)
In “Morgan”, a psychological science fiction thriller, Mara starred as Lee Weathers, a corporate troubleshooter investigating an experimental young girl with extraordinary abilities. The film showcased her in a more intense, dramatic role and displayed her range in genre films.
5. “The Horrible Bosses” Series (2011, 2014)
Kate Mara appeared in “Horrible Bosses” and its sequel, “Horrible Bosses 2”, as Ruthless, an employee working for Jennifer Aniston’s character. While her role was comedic and lighthearted, she added a fun and quirky edge to the series’ ensemble cast.
6. “Z for Zachariah” (2015)
In this post-apocalyptic drama, Mara played Ann Burden, the last surviving woman in a small rural town after a nuclear disaster. Her portrayal of a lonely, resilient woman dealing with the emotional and psychological challenges of survival earned her critical praise.
Recent Projects
1. “A Teacher” (2020)
In “A Teacher”, Mara played Claire Wilson, a high school teacher who engages in an inappropriate relationship with one of her students. The series is a dark exploration of power dynamics, guilt, and desire, and Mara’s portrayal of the morally complex character was lauded for its depth and sensitivity.
2. “The Outsider” (2020)
Mara played Holly Gibney in “The Outsider”, an HBO series based on Stephen King’s novel. As a private investigator with a unique gift for solving complex cases, Mara’s character played a key role in unraveling the mystery behind a series of gruesome murders. Her performance brought an added layer of emotional depth to the horror-mystery series.
3. “We Are Marshall” (2006)
While a much earlier film, “We Are Marshall” is worth noting as one of Mara’s first major movie roles. In this drama, based on the true story of the tragic plane crash involving the Marshall University football team, she played Annie Cantrell, the girlfriend of one of the football players. The film showcased Mara’s ability to portray emotionally complex characters even early in her career.
Awards and Recognition
Kate Mara’s work has earned her various awards and nominations, including a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for her role in “House of Cards”. Though she has not yet won major awards, her steady rise in Hollywood and her strong, consistent performances have positioned her as one of the industry’s most talented and versatile actresses.
Conclusion
Kate Mara’s career is marked by a range of roles, from dramatic thrillers to quirky comedies and intense sci-fi adventures. With her talent for embodying complex characters, she has successfully navigated both television and film. As her career continues to evolve, her dedication to diverse, compelling roles ensures that audiences will continue to enjoy her performances for years to come.