Katherine McNamara

Early Life

Katherine Grace McNamara was born on November 22, 1995, in Kansas City, Missouri, as the only child of Ursula, a research scientist and college professor, and Evan McNamara, a U.S. military veteran. Raised in Lee's Summit, Missouri, she demonstrated academic prowess from a young age, completing her high school diploma at just 14 years old. By 17, she graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Drexel University, much of her coursework completed online. In 2011, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her acting career.

Career

Katherine began her acting journey on stage in Kansas City before transitioning to film and television. She gained recognition for her role as Clary Fray in the supernatural drama series "Shadowhunters" from 2016 to 2019, earning accolades such as a Teen Choice Award and a People's Choice Award. Her film credits include roles in "New Year's Eve," "A Sort of Homecoming," and the "Maze Runner" series. In addition to her acting, McNamara has ventured into music, releasing singles like "Glass Slipper" and "Just Like James," the latter of which supported COVID-19 relief efforts.

Philanthropy

Beyond her artistic endeavors, Katherine is committed to philanthropy, particularly in anti-bullying initiatives and supporting children in hospitals through the Lollipop Theater Network. She has actively participated in charity campaigns, including the United Nations Girl Up program, and has been involved in fundraising efforts for the Kansas City Children's Mercy Hospital since 2018. Her dedication to social causes reflects her desire to make a positive impact through her platform.