:Katherine McNamara
{{short description|American actress and singer (born 1995)}}
{{About||the writer, editor, and digital publisher|Katherine McNamara (publisher)}}
{{Use American English|date=July 2019}}
{{Use mdy dates |cs1-dates=ll|date=April 2020}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Katherine McNamara
| image = Katherine McNamara - November 2014 (cropped).jpg
| caption = McNamara in November 2014
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1995|11|22}}
| birth_place = Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
| alma_mater = Drexel University
| occupation = Actress, singer
| years_active = 2007–present
}}
Katherine McNamara (born November 22, 1995){{cite magazine|author=Julie Miller|title=Meet the Breakout Bunch|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/photos/2016/09/meet-the-breakout-bunch|magazine=Vanity Fair|date=September 15, 2016|access-date=April 25, 2021|archive-date=October 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001131657/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/photos/2016/09/meet-the-breakout-bunch|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine |last=Lambert |first=Brent |date=November 5, 2018 |title=Cover Story Kat McNamara |url=https://issuu.com/outnext/docs/bello177 |magazine=Bello Mag |location=West Hollywood, California |publisher=BELLO Media Group |access-date=August 5, 2023 |archive-date=August 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230805213452/https://issuu.com/outnext/docs/bello177 |url-status=live }} is an American actress and singer. She portrayed Clary Fray on the 2016–2019 supernatural drama series Shadowhunters, receiving a Teen Choice Award and a People's Choice Award for her work. In 2022, she starred in the western action series Walker: Independence as Abby Walker, which earned her a Critics Choice Super Award for Best Actress in an Action Series nomination. She also portrayed Mia Smoak in the superhero series Arrow and starred as Julie Lawry in the post-apocalyptic miniseries The Stand.{{cite web|author=Michael Ausiello|date=September 21, 2018|title=Arrow Season 7: Shadowhunters' Katherine McNamara Joins Cast|url=https://tvline.com/2018/09/21/katherine-mcnamara-arrow-season-7-cast-maya/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180922024708/https://tvline.com/2018/09/21/katherine-mcnamara-arrow-season-7-cast-maya/|archive-date=September 22, 2018|access-date=September 22, 2018|website=TVLine}}{{cite web|author=Matt Mitovich|date=February 11, 2019|title=Inside Arrow's Blackstar Reveal: How Can It Be True? Why That Last Name? Any Chance for a Family Reunion?|url=https://tvline.com/2019/02/11/arrow-recap-season-7-episode-13-blackstar-mia-oliver-felicity-daughter/|access-date=February 12, 2019|website=TVLine|archive-date=February 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212044208/https://tvline.com/2019/02/11/arrow-recap-season-7-episode-13-blackstar-mia-oliver-felicity-daughter/|url-status=live}} Her film roles include Lily Bowman in the 2011 romantic comedy New Year's Eve, Rosa in the 2015 drama A Sort of Homecoming, Sonya in the dystopian science fiction film series Maze Runner, and Amy in the 2021 thriller Trust.
Early life and education
McNamara was born in Kansas City, Missouri, the only child of Ursula and Evan McNamara, who served in the U.S. military.{{cite web |author=Steve Walker |url=http://kcur.org/post/lees-summit-teen-reflects-broadway-debut#stream/0 |title=Lee's Summit Teen Reflects on Broadway Debut |publisher=KCUR-FM |date=December 2, 2010 |access-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204115011/http://kcur.org/post/lees-summit-teen-reflects-broadway-debut#stream/0 |archive-date=February 4, 2016 |url-status=live}} She was raised in Lee's Summit, Missouri,{{cite web |author=Robert Trussell |url=http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article329756/Lee's-Summit-native-Katherine-McNamara's-star-is-on-the-rise.html |title=Lee's Summit native Katherine McNamara's star is on the rise |work=The Kansas City Star |date=October 19, 2013 |access-date=November 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170622183517/http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article329756/Lee%E2%80%99s-Summit-native-Katherine-McNamara%E2%80%99s-star-is-on-the-rise.html |archive-date=June 22, 2017 |url-status=live}} and moved to Los Angeles, California in 2011.{{cite web |author=Rob Owen |url=http://www.kansascity.com/entertainment/tv/article54143910.html |title=Kansas City's Katherine McNamara takes the lead in new sci-fi TV series Shadowhunters |work=The Kansas City Star |date=January 11, 2016 |access-date=August 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706215141/http://www.kansascity.com/entertainment/tv/article54143910.html |archive-date=July 6, 2017 |url-status=live}}
While growing up, McNamara was an advanced student in certain subjects, resulting in her being partly homeschooled; she received her high school diploma at age 14.{{cite web |author=Katherine McNamara |url=http://hellogiggles.com/embrace-your-brains/ |title=Embrace your brains — ladies, don't be afraid to show your smarts |publisher=HelloGiggles |date=March 18, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160722214501/http://hellogiggles.com/embrace-your-brains/ |archive-date=July 22, 2016}} At age 17, McNamara graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Drexel University, completing much of her course work online. In July 2017, she said that she was enrolled in an online master's degree literature program at Johns Hopkins University.{{cite web |author=Sari Cohen |url=https://inlovemag.com/hollywood-darling-katherine-mcnamara/ |title=Hollywood Darling – Katherine McNamara |website=Inlovemag.com |date=June 4, 2018 |access-date=April 6, 2021 |archive-date=April 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419062130/https://inlovemag.com/hollywood-darling-katherine-mcnamara/ |url-status=live }}{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uTTmnct0sg |title=Katherine McNamara on Earning Her Masters and Talks Shadow Hunters Love Triangle |work=KTLA 5 |via=YouTube |date=July 5, 2017 |access-date=April 6, 2021 |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712060319/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uTTmnct0sg |url-status=live }}
Career
= Acting =
McNamara began her acting career on stage in Kansas City.{{cite web |url=https://www.kansascity.com/entertainment/tv/article54143910.html |title=Kansas City's Katherine McNamara takes the lead in new sci-fi TV series 'Shadowhunters' |work=The Kansas City Star |date=January 11, 2016 |access-date= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113005255/https://www.kansascity.com/entertainment/tv/article54143910.html |archive-date=January 13, 2016}}{{cite web |url=http://www.playbill.com/gallery/a-christmas-story-the-musical-at-kansas-city-rep-com-2848 |title=A Christmas Story, The Musical at Kansas City Rep |website=Playbill |access-date=December 23, 2019 |archive-date=June 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621121744/https://www.playbill.com/gallery/a-christmas-story-the-musical-at-kansas-city-rep-com-2848 |url-status=live }} She then participated in motion picture productions filmed in the Kansas City area, such as Matchmaker Mary in 2008 and the short film "Get Off My Porch".{{cite web|url=http://www.kcfilmoffice.com/filmography/|title=Filmography|website=KCfilmoffice.com|access-date=February 2, 2021|archive-date=January 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120140426/http://www.kcfilmoffice.com/filmography/|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.dreadcentral.com/news/14876/senoreality-announces-a-new-short-film-get-off-my-porch-and-sends-new-nailbiter-photos/ |title=SenoReality Announces a New Short Film, Get Off My Porch, and Sends New Nailbiter Photos |work=Dread Central |date=December 16, 2009 |access-date=December 23, 2019 |archive-date=June 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616231325/https://www.dreadcentral.com/news/14876/senoreality-announces-a-new-short-film-get-off-my-porch-and-sends-new-nailbiter-photos/ |url-status=live }} In 2010, she appeared in the 2009 Broadway revival of A Little Night Music with Catherine Zeta-Jones and Angela Lansbury.{{cite web |url=http://www.playbill.com/person/katherine-mcnamara-vault-0000047916 |title=Katherine McNamara |website=Playbill |access-date=December 23, 2019 |archive-date=December 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223125248/https://www.playbill.com/person/katherine-mcnamara-vault-0000047916 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.broadway.com/buzz/152626/a-little-night-music-to-reopen-in-july-starring-bernadette-peters-and-elaine-stritch/ |title=A Little Night Music to Reopen in July, Starring Bernadette Peters and Elaine Stritch |website=Broadway.com |access-date=December 23, 2019 |archive-date=June 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620103523/https://www.broadway.com/buzz/152626/a-little-night-music-to-reopen-in-july-starring-bernadette-peters-and-elaine-stritch/ |url-status=live }} She began making guest appearances in television series, including Law & Order: SVU, 30 Rock, and Drop Dead Diva. McNamara appeared in theatrical movies such as New Year's Eve and in the Disney Channel original movie Girl vs. Monster, playing the role of Myra Santelli.{{cite web |author=Nellie Andreeva |url=https://deadline.com/2012/03/disney-channel-casts-leads-in-girl-vs-monster-movie-249823/ |title=Disney Channel Sets Cast Of 'Girl Vs. Monster' Movie |work=Deadline Hollywood |date=March 28, 2012 |access-date=December 21, 2019 |archive-date=October 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023074334/https://deadline.com/2012/03/disney-channel-casts-leads-in-girl-vs-monster-movie-249823/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |author=Laura Fries |url=https://variety.com/2012/tv/reviews/girl-vs-monster-1117948513/ |title=Girl vs. Monster |work=Variety |date=October 9, 2012 |access-date=December 21, 2019 |archive-date=February 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220163100/https://variety.com/2012/tv/reviews/girl-vs-monster-1117948513/ |url-status=live }} She co-starred in the film Tom Sawyer & Huckleberry Finn, playing the role of Tom's girlfriend Becky Thatcher.{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2011/film/news/players-29-1118039601/ |title=Players |author=Justin Kroll |date=July 8, 2011 |website=Variety |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303212207/http://variety.com/2011/film/news/players-29-1118039601/ |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |url-status=live |access-date=January 13, 2016}} McNamara also appeared in the independent films Contest{{cite web |author=Gregg Kilday |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/contest-bullying-kenton-duty-katherine-mcnamara-344017 |title=Kenton Duty, Katherine McNamara, Dan Flaherty Join Cast of Bullying Film The Contest |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=July 1, 2012 |access-date=January 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131045505/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/contest-bullying-kenton-duty-katherine-mcnamara-344017 |archive-date=January 31, 2016 |url-status=live}} and A Sort of Homecoming.{{cite web |author=Aaron Couch |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/katherine-mcnamara-joining-debate-drama-675584 |title=Katherine McNamara Joining Debate Drama A Sort of Homecoming |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=January 30, 2014 |access-date=January 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003103034/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/katherine-mcnamara-joining-debate-drama-675584 |archive-date=October 3, 2015 |url-status=live}}
File:Katherine McNamara 2014 (cropped).jpg in 2014]]
She appeared on three episodes of the Disney XD series Kickin' It, in which she had a recurring role as Claire, Kim's rival, and in two episodes of the Disney Channel series Jessie, playing Bryn Brietbart, a rival to Emma Ross. She also appeared as Myra in Girl vs. Monster, and as Tara in an episode of the Nickelodeon series The Thundermans. McNamara was cast in the MTV series Happyland as Harper Munroe, a theme park photographer.{{cite web |author=Nellie Andreeva |title=MTV Comedy Pilot Happyland Sets Cast |url=https://deadline.com/2013/09/mtv-comedy-pilot-happyland-sets-cast-579349/ |work=Deadline Hollywood |date=September 5, 2013 |access-date=October 15, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141020043530/http://deadline.com/2013/09/mtv-comedy-pilot-happyland-sets-cast-579349/ |archive-date=October 20, 2014 |url-status=live}} It was announced that McNamara would playing the recurring role of Kat on the third season of The Fosters in 2015.{{cite web |author=Elizabeth Wagmeister |url=https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/the-fosters-cast-katherine-mcnamara-tom-williamson-keean-johnson-1201472247/ |title=The Fosters Adds Maze Runner & Nashville Actors to Season 3 |work=Variety |date=April 14, 2015 |access-date=January 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160210225313/http://variety.com/2015/tv/news/the-fosters-cast-katherine-mcnamara-tom-williamson-keean-johnson-1201472247/ |archive-date=February 10, 2016 |url-status=live}}
On May 6, 2015, ABC Family (now Freeform) announced that McNamara would be playing the lead character Clary Fray in Shadowhunters, a television adaptation of Cassandra Clare's bestselling book series The Mortal Instruments.{{cite web |author=Whitney Friedlander |url=https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/shawdowhunters-katherine-mcnamara-happyland-1201489192/ |title=Katherine McNamara to Star as Clary in ABC Family's Shadowhunters |work=Variety |date=May 6, 2015 |access-date=January 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126002228/http://variety.com/2015/tv/news/shawdowhunters-katherine-mcnamara-happyland-1201489192/ |archive-date=January 26, 2016 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |author=Kate Stanhope |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/abc-familys-mortal-instruments-drama-793906 |title=ABC Family's Mortal Instruments Drama to Star Happyland Alum |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=May 6, 2015 |access-date=January 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131040939/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/abc-familys-mortal-instruments-drama-793906 |archive-date=January 31, 2016 |url-status=live}} McNamara appeared in The Maze Runner film sequel, Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials, as Sonya, a co-leader of Group B.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2014/12/katherine-mcnamara-cast-the-maze-runner-chapter-ii-the-scorch-trials-1201333536/ |title=Katherine McNamara Books The Maze Runner 2 & Indiscretion |work=Deadline Hollywood |date=December 22, 2014 |access-date=December 23, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224020457/https://deadline.com/2014/12/katherine-mcnamara-cast-the-maze-runner-chapter-ii-the-scorch-trials-1201333536/ |archive-date=December 24, 2014 |url-status=live}} She reprised the role in the 2018 sequel, Maze Runner: The Death Cure.{{cite web |author=Anya Bell |url=http://www.celebeat.com/articles/25429/20170507/shadowhunters-season-2-star-katherine-mcnamara-confirms-return-in-maze-runner-3-sonya-joins-dylan-obrien-in-cape-town-photo.htm |title=Shadowhunters Season 2 Star Katherine McNamara Confirms Return In Maze Runner 3, Sonya Joins Dylan O'Brien In Cape Town |work=Celebeat |date=May 7, 2017 |access-date=July 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170817075200/http://www.celebeat.com/articles/25429/20170507/shadowhunters-season-2-star-katherine-mcnamara-confirms-return-in-maze-runner-3-sonya-joins-dylan-obrien-in-cape-town-photo.htm |archive-date=August 17, 2017 |url-status=live}}
In September 2018, McNamara was cast in the seventh season of Arrow as the recurring character of Mia Smoak, the daughter of Oliver Queen and Felicity Smoak; McNamara was later promoted to a series regular for Arrow{{'}}s eighth and final season.{{cite web |url=https://tvline.com/2019/07/11/arrow-final-season-8-katherine-mcnamara-series-regular-mia/ |title=Arrow's Katherine McNamara Promoted to Series Regular for Final Season |author=Matt Mitovich |date=July 11, 2019 |website=TVLine |access-date=July 11, 2019 |archive-date=July 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711200115/https://tvline.com/2019/07/11/arrow-final-season-8-katherine-mcnamara-series-regular-mia/ |url-status=live }} In October 2019, The CW announced plans for a potential Arrow spin-off featuring Mia Smoak.{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/arrow-female-led-spinoff-works-at-cw-1242882 |title=Arrow: Female-Led Spinoff in the Works at The CW |author1=Rick Porter |author2=Lesley Goldberg |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=September 24, 2019 |access-date=September 24, 2019 |archive-date=September 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190925040602/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/arrow-female-led-spinoff-works-at-cw-1242882 |url-status=live }} A backdoor pilot for the spin-off aired as the ninth episode of Arrow's final season.{{cite web|url=https://www.newsweek.com/green-arrow-canaries-spin-off-series-cw-arrow-sequel-mia-smoak-katherine-mcnamara-1483148|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200121151736/https://www.newsweek.com/green-arrow-canaries-spin-off-series-cw-arrow-sequel-mia-smoak-katherine-mcnamara-1483148|archivedate=2020-01-21|title='Green Arrow and the Canaries' Spin-Off Series: Everything We Know About CW's 'Arrow' Sequel|website=Newsweek|date=Jan 21, 2020|access-date=Feb 2, 2021}} However, in January 2021, The CW passed on ordering the spin-off to series.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/arrow-spinoff-passed-over-at-the-cw|title='Arrow' Spinoff Passed Over at The CW|date=Jan 8, 2021|website=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=Feb 2, 2021|archive-date=January 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127095929/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/arrow-spinoff-passed-over-at-the-cw|url-status=live}} In August 2021, The CW announced that McNamara would return as Mia Queen in the five-episode "Armageddon" storyline at the beginning of The Flash Season 8.{{cite web |last1=Del Rosario |first1=Alexandra |title='The Flash': Lineup of Superheroes & Villains Revealed For 5-Part Season 8 Launch Event |url=https://deadline.com/2021/08/the-flash-lineup-of-superheroes-villains-revealed-for-5-part-season-8-launch-event-1234821825/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=August 25, 2021 |access-date=October 7, 2021 |archive-date=August 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825185236/https://deadline.com/2021/08/the-flash-lineup-of-superheroes-villains-revealed-for-5-part-season-8-launch-event-1234821825/ |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |last1=Agard |first1=Chancellor |title='The Flash' event recruits Brandon Routh, Kat McNamara, Javicia Leslie, and more |url=https://ew.com/tv/the-flash-armageddon-kat-mcnamara-javicia-leslie-brandon-routh/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=August 25, 2021 |access-date=October 7, 2021 |archive-date=August 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825184240/https://ew.com/tv/the-flash-armageddon-kat-mcnamara-javicia-leslie-brandon-routh/ |url-status=live }}
In October 2019, McNamara was cast as Julie Lawry in the CBS All Access limited series adaptation of Stephen King's The Stand.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2019/10/the-stand-eion-bailey-katherine-mcnamara-hamish-linklater-join-cbs-all-access-limited-series-1202757612/ |title=The Stand: Eion Bailey, Katherine McNamara & Hamish Linklater Join CBS All Access Limited Series |author=Erik Pedersen |work=Deadline Hollywood |date=October 11, 2019 |access-date=October 12, 2019 |archive-date=September 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200903092025/https://deadline.com/2019/10/the-stand-eion-bailey-katherine-mcnamara-hamish-linklater-join-cbs-all-access-limited-series-1202757612/ |url-status=live }} Principal photography on the limited series was completed in March 2020, and CBS All Access announced a premiere date of December 17, 2020.{{cite web |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/the-stand-stephen-king-cbs-all-access-everything-to-know/ |title=Stephen King's The Stand on CBS All Access: Everything We Know About the New Adaptation Series |work=TV Guide |date=June 14, 2020 |access-date=June 17, 2020 |archive-date=June 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615011936/https://www.tvguide.com/news/the-stand-stephen-king-cbs-all-access-everything-to-know/ |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2020/05/stephen-kings-the-stand-exclusive-first-look |title=First Look: Stephen King's The Stand Comes To Life Again |author=Anthony Breznican |magazine=Vanity Fair |date=May 20, 2020 |access-date=May 20, 2020 |archive-date=May 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200522103424/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2020/05/stephen-kings-the-stand-exclusive-first-look |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/features/the-stand-stephen-king-benjamin-cavell-adaptation-changes-mipcom-1234784471/|title='The Stand' Boss on New Relevance, Changes to Stephen King's Story|work=Variety|author=Danielle Turchiano|date=October 10, 2020|access-date=Feb 2, 2021|archive-date=March 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303022147/https://variety.com/2020/tv/features/the-stand-stephen-king-benjamin-cavell-adaptation-changes-mipcom-1234784471/|url-status=live}}
In November 2018, McNamara joined the cast of a Charlie Day film, formerly known as El Tonto, and eventually retitled Fool's Paradise before a release in 2023.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2018/11/ben-affleck-torrance-brandon-wilson-katherine-mcnamara-el-tonto-charlie-day-casting-films-1202499204/ |title=Katherine McNamara Boards Charlie Day's El Tonto; Brandon Wilson Joins Warner Bros.' Torrance |author=Anthony D'Alessandro |date=November 9, 2018 |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=June 8, 2019 |archive-date=November 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116041806/https://deadline.com/2018/11/ben-affleck-torrance-brandon-wilson-katherine-mcnamara-el-tonto-charlie-day-casting-films-1202499204/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |author=Anthony D'Alessandro |date=January 18, 2023 |url=https://deadline.com/2023/01/charlie-day-fools-paradise-el-tonto-roadside-attractions-lionsgate-grindstone-1235226314/ |title=Charlie Day's Directorial Debut 'Fool's Paradise' Acquired By Roadside Attractions, Grindstone & Lionsgate – Sundance |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=January 18, 2023 |archive-date=March 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230301222834/https://deadline.com/2023/01/charlie-day-fools-paradise-el-tonto-roadside-attractions-lionsgate-grindstone-1235226314/ |url-status=live }} During May and June 2020, McNamara participated in the making of Untitled Horror Movie, a movie that was shot by cast members receiving direction from Nick Simon via remote videoconferencing. This was due to restrictions necessitated by COVID-19 distancing protocols.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2020/06/the-first-movie-created-entirely-during-quarantine|title=The Wild Story of the First Movie Made Entirely During Quarantine|author=Anthony Breznican|magazine=Vanity Fair|date=June 30, 2020|access-date=July 2, 2020|archive-date=July 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716155959/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2020/06/the-first-movie-created-entirely-during-quarantine|url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Hadadi |first=Roxana |url=https://www.polygon.com/reviews/22535006/untitled-horror-movie-review |title=Untitled Horror Movie review: A horror-comedy that keeps things simple |publisher=Polygon |date=2021-06-15 |accessdate=2022-05-26 |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521132251/https://www.polygon.com/reviews/22535006/untitled-horror-movie-review |url-status=live }} In 2021, QCode released The Burned Photo, a horror podcast, with McNamara as a member of the voice cast.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/qcode-vertigo-burned-photo-podcast-1235076311/|title=QCode, Vertigo Entertainment Team on 'The Burned Photo' Horror Podcast, Based on a Reddit Thread|date=September 29, 2021|access-date=November 22, 2021|archive-date=November 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122204223/https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/qcode-vertigo-burned-photo-podcast-1235076311/|url-status=live}} The same year, she was also added to the voice cast of the animated film The Adventures of Bunny Bravo.{{cite press release |url=https://www.prdistribution.com/news/shadowhunters-katherine-mcnamara-cast-in-simka-entertainments-adventures-of-bunny-bravo-and-un-conejo-de-huevos/2110805 |title=Shadowhunters Katherine McNamara Cast in Simka Entertainment's Adventures of Bunny Bravo and Un Conejo de Huevos |author=Nancy Fulton |date=August 20, 2021 |publisher=Mychal Simk |via=PR Distribution |access-date=April 10, 2022 |archive-date=August 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230819210038/https://www.prdistribution.com/news/shadowhunters-katherine-mcnamara-cast-in-simka-entertainments-adventures-of-bunny-bravo-and-un-conejo-de-huevos/2110805 |url-status=live }}
In March 2022, McNamara was cast in the lead role in the pilot to Walker: Independence, a planned prequel series to Walker. She portrays Abby Walker, the ancestor of Jared Padalecki's Cordell Walker.{{cite web |title=Arrow Alum Cast in Lead Role of The CW's Walker Prequel Spinoff |url=https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/arrow-katherine-mcnamara-the-cw-walker-independence-prequel-spinoff/ |access-date=2022-03-17 |website=ComicBook |date=March 16, 2022 |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521215125/https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/arrow-katherine-mcnamara-the-cw-walker-independence-prequel-spinoff/ |url-status=live }} The same month, she was added to the cast of the film Jade, which is stuntman James Bamford's directorial debut.{{cite web |author=Laura Fries |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/global/kat-mcnamara-james-bamford-jade-1235204983/ |title=Katherine McNamara Joins 'Jade,' James Bamford's Feature Directorial Debut |work=Variety |date=March 14, 2012 |access-date=April 10, 2022 |archive-date=April 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410211550/https://variety.com/2022/film/global/kat-mcnamara-james-bamford-jade-1235204983/ |url-status=live }} On April 11, 2022, she began hosting a Shadowhunters rewatch podcast with co-star Dominic Sherwood called Return to the Shadows.{{cite magazine |last1=Highfill |first1=Samantha |title=Katherine McNamara and Dominic Sherwood reunite for 'Shadowhunters' rewatch podcast |url=https://ew.com/tv/shadowhunters-podcast-katherine-mcnamara-dominic-sherwood/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=April 4, 2022 |date=April 4, 2022 |archive-date=April 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404120205/https://ew.com/tv/shadowhunters-podcast-katherine-mcnamara-dominic-sherwood/ |url-status=live }} McNamara also starred in the Amazon Prime film Sugar (marketed on Lifetime as Danger Below Deck) alongside Jasmine Sky Sarin which was loosely based on the real-life story of the Cocaine Cowgirls.{{cite web|url=https://www.beautifulballad.org/2022/10/28/katherine-mcnamara-lives-the-influencer-life-in-new-trailer-for-prime-videos-sugar/|title=Katherine McNamara Lives the Influencer Life in New Trailer for Prime Video's Sugar|work=Beautiful Ballad|date=October 28, 2022|access-date=November 20, 2022|archive-date=November 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221120121540/https://www.beautifulballad.org/2022/10/28/katherine-mcnamara-lives-the-influencer-life-in-new-trailer-for-prime-videos-sugar/|url-status=live}}
McNamara starred as a rookie U.S. Secret Service agent in the 2024 film Air Force One Down.{{cite web |last1=Walsh |first1=Charlotte |title=How Katherine McNamara Got Into Marine-Fighting Shape In Just Three Weeks For 'Air Force One Down' |url=https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a46791099/katherine-mcnamara-air-force-one-down/ |website=Women's Health |date=February 16, 2024 |access-date=9 January 2025}} In December 2024, McNamara wrapped production on the film Coyote in Colombia.{{cite web |last1=Wiseman |first1=Andreas |title=Mila Harris, Norbert Leo Butz & Katherine McNamara Among Cast To Join Justin Long & Kate Bosworth In 'Coyote' As Filming Wraps In Colombia |url=https://deadline.com/2024/12/mila-harris-norbert-leo-butz-katherine-mcnamara-join-coyote-filming-wraps-1236202887/ |website=Deadline |date=December 13, 2024 |access-date=9 January 2025}}
= Singing =
During the course of her career, McNamara has sung songs that were used in movies or television series in which she appeared. She wrote and sang "Chatter" for Contest, and she also appeared in a music video for that song.{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R86PBGZpKeE |title=Katherine McNamara - Chatter (from the TV movie soundtrack, "Contest") |publisher=YouTube |date=2013-09-30 |access-date=2021-02-02 |archive-date=May 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200518115530/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R86PBGZpKeE |url-status=live }} She wrote "My Heart Can Fly", which her character sings during a talent competition in Little Savages.{{cite web |url=https://regardmag.com/10-things-with-katherine-mcnamara/ |title=10 THINGS with Katherine McNamara |website=Regardmag.com |date=October 11, 2013 |access-date=February 11, 2020 |archive-date=December 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230192535/http://regardmag.com/10-things-with-katherine-mcnamara/ |url-status=live }} She sang "Wait for You", the end credits song for A Sort of Homecoming.{{cite web |url=http://www.radiofree.com/profiles/katherine_mcnamara/interview03.shtml |title=RadioFree.com Exclusives | Katherine McNamara Interviews, A Sort of Homecoming |website=RadioFree.com |access-date=February 11, 2020 |archive-date=September 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919181042/http://www.radiofree.com/profiles/katherine_mcnamara/interview03.shtml |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://starrymag.com/katherine-mcnamara-a-sort-of-homecoming/ |title=Katherine McNamara – A Sort of Homecoming |website=Starrymag.com |date=May 25, 2016}} She also sang "Stay True", the end credits song for R.L. Stine's Monsterville: Cabinet of Souls.{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA3OZTYjj0c |title=Video |date=January 30, 2016 |via=YouTube |access-date=2020-06-17 |archive-date=April 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421200345/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA3OZTYjj0c&gl=US&hl=en |url-status=live }} Her song "Ember" was played during the 20th episode of the second season of Shadowhunters.{{cite magazine |author=Samantha Highfill |title=Shadowhunters finale: Katherine McNamara talks Clary's shocking decision |url=https://ew.com/tv/2017/08/14/shadowhunters-season-2-finale-katherine-mcnamara-clary-decision/ |access-date=August 16, 2017 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |publisher=Wenner Media |date=August 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815051956/http://ew.com/tv/2017/08/14/shadowhunters-season-2-finale-katherine-mcnamara-clary-decision/ |archive-date=August 15, 2017 |url-status=live}}
In December 2019, McNamara was featured as the voice of singer Sally Jessup in the animated Christmas special episode of the DreamWorks series Spirit Riding Free entitled "Spirit of Christmas", which premiered on Netflix. She also provided the vocals for several songs featured in the special.{{cite web |url=https://www.tvinsider.com/833811/katherine-mcnamara-singing-spirit-riding-free-christmas-sally-jessup/ |title=Katherine McNamara sings in DreamWorks Spirit Riding Free{{'}}s Holiday Special trailer |author=Meaghan Darwish |date=November 20, 2019 |website=Tv insider |access-date=November 20, 2019 |archive-date=October 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026224709/https://www.tvinsider.com/833811/katherine-mcnamara-singing-spirit-riding-free-christmas-sally-jessup/ |url-status=live }}
In November 2020, McNamara released "What Do We Got to Lose" on digital music platforms.{{cite web|url=https://www.purebreak.com/news/katherine-mcnamara-devoile-une-chanson-et-annonce-se-remettre-a-la-musique/206397|title=Katherine McNamara dévoile une chanson et annonce se remettre à la musique|website=purebreak.com|date=November 23, 2020 |access-date=Feb 2, 2021|archive-date=January 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118013156/https://www.purebreak.com/news/katherine-mcnamara-devoile-une-chanson-et-annonce-se-remettre-a-la-musique/206397|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/album/70Vc0gK2gLMCvGIiQWaiu0|title=What Do We Got to Lose|date=November 21, 2020|access-date=Feb 2, 2021|via=open.spotify.com|archive-date=November 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127010057/https://open.spotify.com/album/70Vc0gK2gLMCvGIiQWaiu0|url-status=live}} Her song "Making a Monster Out of Me" became available on digital music platforms on December 17, 2020.{{cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/album/5tjodMHQLamnhHTkhHVVqt|title=Making a Monster out of Me|date=December 18, 2020|access-date=Feb 2, 2021|via=open.spotify.com|archive-date=December 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201224163849/https://open.spotify.com/album/5tjodMHQLamnhHTkhHVVqt|url-status=live}} She released "Love Me Like That" across various digital music platforms on February 14, 2021.{{cite web |author=Jonathan Andre |url=https://www.365daysofinspiringmedia.com/reviews/katherine-mcnamara-love-me-like-that-single/ |title=Katherine McNamara – Love Me Like That – Single |website=365daysofinspiringmedia.com |date=February 23, 2021 |access-date=April 25, 2021 |archive-date=May 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506062104/https://www.365daysofinspiringmedia.com/reviews/katherine-mcnamara-love-me-like-that-single/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CZNHvIGK64|title=Love Me Like That|date=February 14, 2021 |via=www.youtube.com|access-date=March 26, 2021|archive-date=March 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210311233948/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CZNHvIGK64&list=OLAK5uy_lqFWMqNlecsBUR9-VYAVKZwaKzrP6kGNk&feature=applinks|url-status=live}} All of these songs were recorded several years earlier, when McNamara was building a music portfolio.{{cite web|url=https://www.purebreak.com/news/katherine-mcnamara-devoile-une-chanson-et-annonce-se-remettre-a-la-musique/206397|title=Katherine McNamara dévoile une chanson et annonce se remettre à la musique|website=purebreak.com|date=November 23, 2020 |access-date=December 21, 2020|archive-date=January 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118013156/https://www.purebreak.com/news/katherine-mcnamara-devoile-une-chanson-et-annonce-se-remettre-a-la-musique/206397|url-status=live}}
Philanthropy
McNamara has participated in anti-bullying efforts by describing how she was bullied as a child.{{cite web|url=https://www.byoumagazine.com/actress-kat-mcnamara-chats-bullying-inner-beauty-friendship/|title=Actress Kat McNamara Chats About Bullying, Inner Beauty, and Friendship|website=Byoumagazine.com|date=November 3, 2014|access-date=April 9, 2020|archive-date=October 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009024354/https://www.byoumagazine.com/actress-kat-mcnamara-chats-bullying-inner-beauty-friendship/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.byoumagazine.com/byou-exclusive-kat-mcnamara/|title=BYOU Exclusive: Kat McNamara = Beauty + Brains + A Lot More!|website=Byoumagazine.com|date=March 6, 2013|access-date=April 9, 2020|archive-date=November 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127165803/https://www.byoumagazine.com/byou-exclusive-kat-mcnamara/|url-status=dead}} McNamara has also worked with the Lollipop Theater Network, visiting children who are confined to hospitals due to the severity of their illnesses.{{cite web|url=https://lollipoptheater.org/celebrity-supporters/|title=Celebrity Supporters|publisher=Lollipop Theater|access-date=February 2, 2021|archive-date=January 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117181105/https://lollipoptheater.org/celebrity-supporters/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.byoumagazine.com/olivia-holt-girltopia/|title=Olivia Holt Joins BYOU Magazine Teen Celebrity Empowerment Panel!|website=Byoumagazine.com|date=October 19, 2013|access-date=April 9, 2020|archive-date=June 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623144000/http://www.byoumagazine.com/olivia-holt-girltopia/|url-status=dead}} In 2017, she recorded the song "Glass Slipper", which was used as part of a charity campaign for the United Nations Girl Up program.{{cite web|url=https://roundhillmusic.com/news/shadowhunters-katherine-mcnamara-to-release-charity-single-glass-slipper-written-by-lindsey-lee-and-derek-cannavo|title=News: Shadowhunters{{'}} Katherine McNamara to Release Charity Single "Glass Slipper", Written by Lindsey Lee and Derek Cannavo|website=Roundhillmusic.com|access-date=February 11, 2020|archive-date=February 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224115517/https://www.roundhillmusic.com/news/shadowhunters-katherine-mcnamara-to-release-charity-single-glass-slipper-written-by-lindsey-lee-and-derek-cannavo|url-status=live}} She also created a t-shirt with the "Glass Slipper" lyrics as part of this campaign.{{cite web |url=https://represent.com/katmcnamara |title=Store |website=Represent.com |access-date=April 24, 2020 |archive-date=August 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811222640/https://represent.com/katmcnamara |url-status=live }} In 2018 and 2019, she participated in the Big Slick Celebrity Weekend, which raises donations for the Kansas City Children's Mercy Hospital.{{cite web |author=Aaron Randle |url=https://www.kansascity.com/entertainment/article211958674.html |title=Big Slick Celebrity Weekend 2018: What you need to know |work=The Kansas City Star |date=May 30, 2018 |access-date=April 25, 2021 |archive-date=May 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527001757/https://www.kansascity.com/entertainment/article211958674.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |author=Sharon Hoffmann |url=https://www.kansascity.com/entertainment/article230992478.html |title=Big Slick Celebrity Weekend 2019: What you need to know |work=The Kansas City Star |date=June 5, 2019 |access-date= |url-status=live |archive-date=May 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200517162453/https://www.kansascity.com/entertainment/article230992478.html }}
On March 31, 2020, McNamara announced that she was working on a song originally recorded in 2014 called "Just Like James" which was released April 8 in the Google Play Store, Apple's iTunes store, and Spotify. Proceeds from the song were donated to the World Health Organization (WHO) for COVID-19 relief efforts. Google donated funds matching sales from the first 30 days.{{cite web |url=https://www.nerdsandbeyond.com/2020/04/01/katherine-mcnamara-releasing-new-song-and-raising-money-to-fight-covid-19/ |title=Katherine McNamara Releasing New Song and Raising Money to Fight COVID-19 |date=April 1, 2020 |access-date=April 1, 2020 |archive-date=February 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224112507/https://www.nerdsandbeyond.com/2020/04/01/katherine-mcnamara-releasing-new-song-and-raising-money-to-fight-covid-19/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://hollywoodlife.com/2020/04/08/kat-mcnamara-just-like-james-new-music-listen/ |title=Kat McNamara Releases The Best Virtual Dance Party Song For A Good Cause: Listen To "Just Like James" |website=Hollywoodlife.com |author=Ali Stagnitta |date=April 8, 2020 |access-date=April 9, 2020 |archive-date=February 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224112509/https://hollywoodlife.com/2020/04/08/kat-mcnamara-just-like-james-new-music-listen/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/katherine-mcnamara-just-james-her-202938066.html |title=Katherine McNamara On "Just Like James", Her Song Supporting The COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund |work=Yahoo! |date=April 13, 2020 |access-date=April 14, 2020 |archive-date=February 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224112507/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/katherine-mcnamara-just-james-her-202938066.html |url-status=live }}
On May 8, 2020, McNamara participated in a live-reading adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice with Acting for a Cause.{{cite web |url=https://decider.com/2020/05/08/how-to-watch-jacob-elordi-pride-and-prejudice/ |title=Jacob Elordi, Kat McNamara, and More Young Stars to Live Stream Pride and Prejudice Reading |work=Decider |date=May 8, 2020 |access-date=May 19, 2020 |archive-date=September 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907200716/https://decider.com/2020/05/08/how-to-watch-jacob-elordi-pride-and-prejudice/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news|title=Young Hollywood actors perform online for charity|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/entertainment-arts-53164499|date=June 25, 2020|access-date=2020-09-18|archive-date=November 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201103160108/https://www.bbc.com/news/av/entertainment-arts-53164499|url-status=live}}
Filmography
= Film =
= Television =
=Web=
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Year
! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable"| Notes |
|---|
| 2020
| Day by Day | Zoe |
| 2021
| Bobby Wonder | Mighty Mila | Voice role; podcast |
| 2021–2022
| The Burned Photo | Kira Barrington | Voice role; podcast |
=Short Stories=
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Year
! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable"| Notes |
|---|
| 2007
| The Bride & the Groom | Wedding Guest | Romance |
| rowspan="2" | 2010
| Get Off My Porch | Mary | Thriller |
| The Nuclear Standard
| Penny | Drama, Sci-Fi |
| 2015
| Beyond the Shadows: The Making of Shadowhunters | Clary Fray / Herself | Action |
| 2016
| Horoscopes | Kat | Comedy |
| {{TableTBA}}
| Samaritan | Carly | Horror |
Awards and nominations
References
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
External links
- {{Commons category-inline}}
- {{wikiquote-inline}}
- {{IMDb name}}
- {{Facebook}}
{{Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Actress Fantasy/Sci-Fi}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:McNamara, Katherine}}
Category:21st-century American actresses
Category:21st-century American women singers
Category:Actresses from Kansas City, Missouri
Category:American child actresses
Category:American film actresses
Category:American television actresses
Category:American voice actresses
Category:American women pop singers