Kate Mara Biography

Fast Facts

• Two of her great-grandfathers are NFL team founders
• Art Rooney, founder of the Pittsburgh Steelers, is her mother's grandfather, and Tim Mara, founder of the New York Giants, is her father's grandfather
• Fell in love with theater and acting after attending a performance of Les Miserables at age 9
• Was accepted to New York University's Tisch School of the Arts but deferred attending due to her acting career
• Got her big break with a supporting role in the 2005 Oscar-winning film Brokeback Mountain, in which she played Heath Ledger's daughter—despite being only four years younger than Ledger
• Has sung the national anthem at New York Giants games, including the 2005 game honoring her late grandfather, former owner Wellington Mara; and the 2006 nationally televised season opener against the Indianapolis Colts
• Missed attending the Pittsburgh Steelers' win in Super Bowl XL due to work in Los Angeles on an episode of 24
• She has since included a clause in her contract allowing her to attend any Super Bowl games involving the Giants or Steelers
• Is skilled as a dancer, mainly in jazz, tap and ballet