The Lens

As I adjust to the grand scale of New York City, I find that true connection is rarely an accident. During the deliberate transition of my life and studio to this immense environment, I was introduced to actress Katie McCarty through mutual friends. The bond was immediate. While the lens is my chosen instrument for capturing truth, my initial understanding of Katie required no camera. Her arresting beauty is an absolute given, but it is the profound warmth and authentic care radiating from her that truly commands a room. She carries a quiet, deliberate grace that feels entirely grounded.

That grounding is essential for navigating the chaotic sea of acting. Katie has built an undeniable momentum, moving from her early theater roots in Pennsylvania to a demanding television and film career in New York. She believes the true secret to longevity for any artist is to relentlessly protect your "why" and remember the initial passion that demanded you surrender your heart to the craft. Since childhood, a quiet calling has urged her forward, a divine compulsion to create that keeps her stepping into the surge against all odds.

Long after the natural light faded and our equipment was packed away, we settled into the stillness of the studio late into the evening. We spoke about the deliberate pace of an artistic life, the weight of her upcoming television projects, and what it means to truly connect with an audience.

Here is our conversation.

J Michael: You grew up between Lancaster and the Delaware beaches, heavily immersed in theater. How did that stage foundation prepare you for the transition into television and film here in New York? Katie: My passion for performing started at a very young age with theater and musical theater. That live experience gave me the discipline I needed when I eventually moved to the city. I always had this deep fascination with television and film. Ironically, while I was searching for a theatrical agent to break into on camera work, I discovered the world of commercial and print. That unexpected door not only allowed me to become a full time working actress but also expanded my career into modeling.

J Michael: You mentioned that your initial search for a theatrical agent led you into the commercial and print modeling world. How did that specific experience shape your approach to film and television? Katie: Modeling and commercial work teach you an immense amount about the camera. You learn how to find your light, how to communicate a story without words, and how to deliver under tight schedules. It stripped away a lot of the initial intimidation of being on set, which made stepping into larger television and film roles feel much more natural.

J Michael: Your momentum right now is extraordinary. You were recently cast as the lead in a new comedic series titled Keep Em Up. What can you tell us about that upcoming project? Katie: It is incredibly exciting. We begin filming the first season at the end of September right here in New York. It is a very creative and fulfilling season of life.

J Michael: Beyond acting, you are currently in development for another new comedic series alongside Steven Feder, Greta Quispe, and Bill Ward. What has the transition been like stepping into the development side of television? Katie: It has been incredibly eye opening. As an actor, you are usually interpreting someone else's vision. Being part of the development process from the ground up gives you a completely different perspective on storytelling. Collaborating with Steven, Greta, and Bill allows us to build the world from scratch, and that level of creative control is deeply rewarding.

J Michael: Audiences are also seeing you as Yasmin Alondre in the comedy Hot Kitchen and soon in the spinoff Hot Court. You have shared the screen with some heavyweight veterans recently, from Craig Robinson to Vinny Pastore. How do those experiences shape your craft? Katie: Working on Hot Kitchen alongside talents like Charlene Tilton, Olivia D’Abo, and Nicky Whelan under Bobby Quinn Rice has been a masterclass. The same goes for my feature films like A Brooklyn Love Story and Just for Showmance. Sharing scenes with established actors like Michael Rispoli, Joseph D’Onofrio, Dan Grimaldi, and Chris Riggi forces you to elevate your own presence. Whether it is a comedy opposite Craig Robinson in The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins, working alongside Melissa Joan Hart in A Very Nutty Christmas, or intense television work on Law and Order SVU, The Blacklist, and Younger, every set teaches you something new about the work.

J Michael: The entertainment business is notoriously unpredictable. What keeps you anchored when the industry forces you to navigate its nonlinear path? Katie: Since I was a little girl, I recall always hearing this quiet voice telling me to keep going. It constantly affirmed that this was what I was supposed to pursue and that I needed to find a way to make it happen. That voice has stayed with me through all the inevitable ups and downs of this profession. I believe the most important thing for any actor is to keep finding ways to stay in the game. You have to remember your why and constantly recall the passion that originally made you pour your heart and soul into this craft. That why is what keeps me moving forward.

J Michael: You traded the unrushed shores of Delaware and your roots in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, for the towering ambition of New York. How do you maintain your grounding when the city demands constant momentum? Katie: New York has a very specific gravity. It pulls you forward, but it can also easily sweep you away. I try to hold onto the stillness I knew growing up. Finding quiet moments allows me to recharge. My core values and my roots keep me anchored, so I can step into the surge without losing myself.

J Michael: You can watch Katie step into her leading role in the upcoming comedic series Keep Em Up, and catch her ongoing performance as Yasmin Alondre in the series Hot Kitchen.