Kate Mara is a well-known actress who has starred in popular shows and movies like House of Cards, The Martian, and Fantastic Four. But is she related to another actress named Mary Mara, who has appeared in Law & Order, ER, and Nip/Tuck? The answer is no. Despite sharing the same surname, Kate and Mary are not related by blood or marriage. Here’s what we know about their family backgrounds and how they became successful in Hollywood.
Kate Mara’s Famous Family
Kate Mara was born on February 27, 1983, in Bedford, New York. Her parents are Timothy Christopher Mara, an NFL scout and vice president of the New York Giants for player evaluation, and Kathleen McNulty Mara (née Rooney). She is the second of four siblings, with one older brother, Daniel; one younger sister, the actress Patricia “Rooney”; and one younger brother, Conor.
Kate comes from a very prominent and wealthy family that has ties to two NFL teams: the New York Giants and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Her paternal grandfather was Wellington Mara, co-owner of the Giants until his death in 2005. Her maternal grandfather was Timothy James “Tim” Rooney, owner of Yonkers Raceway and son of Art Rooney Sr., founder of the Steelers. Her granduncle was Dan Rooney, chairman of the Steelers and former U.S. ambassador to Ireland. Her first cousin, once removed, is Art Rooney II, the current president and co-owner of the Steelers.
Kate grew up in a football-loving family and often sang the national anthem at Giants home games. She also developed an interest in acting from a young age, inspired by musical theatre and classic movies. She made her film debut in Random Hearts (1999) at the age of 16 and has since appeared in dozens of films and TV shows, earning critical acclaim and nominations for her performances.
Mary Mara’s Diverse Career
Mary Mara was born on September 21, 1960, in Syracuse, New York. Her parents are unknown to the public, but she has a brother named John Mara Jr., who is a writer and producer. She also has a niece named Caitlin Mara Curtis, who is an actress.
Mary started her acting career in the late 1980s, appearing in various stage productions and TV shows. She is best known for her recurring roles as Detective Toni Bazzini in Law & Order (1992-1994), Loretta Sweet in ER (1996-1997), and Annie Nolen in Nip/Tuck (2005-2006). She has also appeared in films like The Doors (1991), Bound (1996), The Insider (1999), and Pollock (2000).
Mary is not only an actress but also a director, writer, teacher, and activist. She has directed several short films and plays, written a screenplay called The Last Time I Saw You (2010), taught acting at various institutions, and supported causes like animal rights and environmentalism.
Conclusion
Kate Mara and Mary Mara are both talented actresses who have made their mark in the entertainment industry. However, they are not related to each other in any way. They just happen to share a common surname that is derived from the Irish word “ó Meadhra”, meaning “descendant of Meadhair”. They have different family histories, backgrounds, and careers that make them unique and interesting individuals.
