Meet Katherine “Kat” McNamara. She got her start on Broadway, graduated with honors from LeBow College of Business in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration at the age of 17, and these days plays the lead role as a demon-hunting teen in the fantasy television series “Shadowhunters,” which is headed for its third season on Freeform.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned as an actress?
Not to take things in a professional sense too personally. Many factors go into decisions made at network or studio levels that have nothing to do with an actor’s performance. That, in combination with my business degree, taught me to think of such decisions from a more analytical perspective.
What about your job inspires you?
My job is to be a chameleon, to transform myself to become whatever will enhance the story and serve the character in that world. As such, I am constantly inspired by the challenge of creating a new person to bring to life on stage or screen. There is never a dull moment in my line of work.
What are you most proud of?
I’m so young and am still at the beginning of my career, so I’m unsure as to whether I can yet claim a proudest moment. I would say that I am proud of the opportunity I have in my career to make something that will have longevity and hopefully make a difference in the long run.
What is a little-known fact about you?
I’m a bit old fashioned in the way I work. I love the ease of technology, but when it comes to scripts, books and other reading materials, I take the time to find the tactile paper copy.
Describe yourself in three words.
Driven, optimistic, loyal.
What is your favorite way to spend free time?
The television series I work on requires a lot of training and I’ve come to quite enjoy it. Also, because I travel so much for work, simply spending time with friends and family has become one of my favorite pastimes.
What is your personal or professional mantra?
They are actually one and the same: ‘Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined,” from Henry David Thoreau.
If you could say “thank you” to someone at Drexel who would it be, and why?
I would thank the faculty and staff at Drexel who work tirelessly to create educational opportunities for people in every situation — even professionals with very busy schedules who still have a hunger for knowledge. I am so appreciative of all they did to help me.