Katherine Kiernan Maria, better known as Kate Mulgrew, is a popular American actress who has performed for over 40 years on various theatre shows, films and television. She is equally adapted to comedy and drama as is evident from the varied roles played by her. However, her first love has always been theatre and her husky voice has been her trademark, which she has lent for voiceovers in animation films and video games. She made her name initially with her role as Mary Ryan on the daytime serial ‘Ryan’s Hope’ and is best known for the role of Captain Kathryn Janeway on ‘Star Trek Voyager’. She was strongly influenced by her mother who died due to Alzheimer’s when she was young. This prompted her to be an active member of the Alzheimer’s Association National Advisory Council and Cleveland’s Metro Health System, where she has delivered several talks. She is also vocal about her opposition to abortion and capital punishment and is of the strong catholic belief that all forms of human life are to be respected.