Kate Mara is an American actress recognized for her dynamic range and compelling presence across both television and film. Born on February 27, 1983, she first gained widespread attention through her television roles, most notably as the ambitious journalist Zoe Barnes in the hit Netflix series House of Cards. Her work in other acclaimed shows, such as 24, American Horror Story: Murder House, Pose, and A Teacher, has showcased her ability to inhabit complex, emotionally layered characters, often navigating morally ambiguous or intense situations.

Mara made her film debut in Random Hearts (1999) and steadily built a diverse filmography over the following two decades. Her roles span genres and styles—from the Oscar-winning drama Brokeback Mountain (2005) to action-packed thrillers like Shooter (2007) and sci-fi epics like The Martian (2015) and Fantastic Four (2015), in which she portrayed the Invisible Woman. She’s also been praised for more grounded, emotional performances in films such as Megan Leavey (2017), where she played the real-life Marine corporal, and the indie romance My Days of Mercy (2017), co-starring Ellen Page.

Beyond her acting career, Mara comes from a prominent family with deep ties to professional football—her father’s family founded the New York Giants, and her mother’s family founded the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite her high-profile lineage, Mara has carved out her own path in Hollywood through thoughtful role choices and a dedication to character-driven storytelling. Her body of work continues to grow, reflecting her commitment to roles that challenge both herself and her audiences.