Kate Mara is an American television and film actress who first gained attention for her appearances in the film Brokeback Mountain and the television series Nip/Tuck.

Kate grew up in Westchester County, New York and began acting at an early age in numerous theatrical performances while attending several youth theater-arts schools. She first appeared on the television drama Law & Order in 1997, roles in the films Joe the King and Random Hearts, directed by Sydney Pollack, soon followed in 1999. She graduated high school early by a year and went on to guest star on numerous television series, including Nip/Tuck, Cold Case, Boston Public, CSI: Miami, and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Recurring parts on the WB Television Network series Everwood and Jack & Bobby followed. Mara has appeared in several feature films, most notably the Sundance Film Festival award-winning film Tadpole, alongside Sigourney Weaver, and a small supporting role in Golden Globe Award winner, Brokeback Mountain.

Mara is also known for her singing. She often sings the national anthem at home games of the New York Giants (she is the granddaughter of late Giants owner Wellington Mara), and recorded an album for the Warner Brothers record label with her band, "Trace." She has sung at NBA all-star games, and was accepted at the New York University Tisch School of the Arts but deferred for 3 consecutive years. Her singing was also featured in the film The Californians. Mara is also a skilled jazz/tap/ballet dancer.

--wikipedia