You might know her as the bold and brilliant Captain Kate Mulgrew Net Worth and from Star Trek: Voyager, or maybe as the feisty Galina “Red” Reznikov in Orange Is the New Black. But how much do you know about the woman behind these iconic characters, and just how wealthy is she, especially considering her work in series like Columbo?
Kate Mulgrew is an American actress with a long and impressive career. Born in 1955 in Dubuque, Iowa, she has become a household name in the world of science fiction and beyond, often reflecting on her roots in interviews; Mulgrew said these experiences shaped her career. With a career spanning decades, Kate Mulgrew’s net worth is estimated to be $9 million as of 2025, reflecting her success as both an actress and a producer. But how did she build her wealth, and what has been her journey to success? Let’s find out!
How Did Kate Mulgrew Become an Actress?
Mulgrew was born on April 29, 1955, and showed an early interest in acting. At just 17, she made her way to New York University to study acting, where she was born with teeth in the industry. And it didn’t take long for her to land her first big role!
In 1975, Mulgrew appeared in the ABC soap opera Ryan’s Hope as Mary Ryan. This role kicked off her career, and she even earned a nomination for a Daytime Emmy Award for her performance in a television film. But soap operas weren’t her end goal. Mulgrew wanted to explore other avenues, and that’s exactly what she did.
Star Trek: How Voyager Launched Her Career
Mulgrew became a household name when she was cast as Captain Kathryn Janeway in Star Trek: Voyager in 1994. This was a huge deal, as she became the first female captain in the Star Trek universe. And it was a role she almost turned down!
Mulgrew had given birth to her daughter just three days before receiving a call about the audition. But she powered through and showed up, and the rest is history. Her portrayal of Janeway was met with critical acclaim, and she led the show for its entire seven-season run.
What Made Captain Janeway So Special?
Captain Kathryn Janeway was a groundbreaking character. Not only was she the first female captain, but actress Kate Mulgrew also embodied strength, intelligence, and compassion, a testament to Kate Mulgrew’s quest for representation in Star Trek’s universe. Janeway navigated the USS Voyager through uncharted space, facing challenges and making tough decisions with unwavering resolve.
Mulgrew’s performance inspired a generation of women and girls, showing that female leaders in science fiction weren’t just possible but essential. Janeway’s influence extended beyond the screen, with Mulgrew herself becoming a role model for fans worldwide.
Life After Star Trek: Orange Is the New Black and More
After Voyager ended in 2001, Mulgrew kept busy with various projects. She appeared in shows like The Black Donnellys and Warehouse 13, and Mulgrew appeared in the animated series Star Trek: Prodigy. But one of her most notable post-Star Trek roles was in the Netflix series Orange Is the New Black, where Mulgrew starred as a strong character.
In Orange Is the New Black, Mulgrew played Galina “Red” Reznikov, a Russian inmate and the prison’s kitchen boss. Her performance was met with critical acclaim, and she received several award nominations for her portrayal of the fierce and protective Red.
What Else Has She Been In?
Mulgrew has had a diverse career, appearing in television, film, and theater. She has starred in movies such as Throw Momma from the Train and Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins, further solidifying her status as a versatile actress. She also returned to her soap opera roots with a role in Lovespell.
Mulgrew is no stranger to the stage, either, having performed in productions like Tea at Five, which showcased her theatrical talents. She has performed in productions of Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra and won an Obie Award for her performance in “Tea at Five.” She’s also lent her voice to video games, like Star Trek Online, and audiobooks, showcasing her versatility as a performer in various media; Mulgrew also brought her talents to other forms of storytelling.
So, What Is Kate Mulgrew Net Worth?
As of 2025, Kate Mulgrew’s net worth is estimated to be $9 million, largely due to her iconic roles over seven seasons of various shows. Her wealth has been accumulated through her successful acting career, with Star Trek: Voyager and Orange Is the New Black being her most notable and likely most lucrative roles.
Mulgrew’s income has also come from other television shows, films, and theater work. Her salary for Star Trek: Voyager is estimated to have been substantial, given the show’s popularity and her lead role as Captain Janeway. Similarly, her work in Orange Is the New Black likely contributed significantly to her net worth, especially in later seasons.
How Does Her Wealth Compare to Other Star Trek Stars?
When comparing Kate Mulgrew’s net worth to other Star Trek stars, it’s important to consider the different eras and roles, including her iconic portrayal of Captain Janeway. Some of the original series cast members, like William Shatner (Captain Kirk), have a higher net worth, estimated to be around $100 million. This is due in part to the massive success of the original series and subsequent films, as well as their other ventures.
However, when comparing Mulgrew to other female leads in the franchise, she fares quite well, especially considering her long-standing impact on Star Trek’s legacy. For example, Marina Sirtis (Counselor Deanna Troi) has an estimated net worth of $6 million, while Jeri Ryan (Seven of Nine) is estimated to be worth around $5 million. Mulgrew’s wealth is a testament to her successful portrayal of Captain Janeway and her enduring popularity in the Star Trek universe.
What’s Next for Kate Mulgrew?
Kate Mulgrew shows no signs of slowing down. In 2024, she is set to appear in the television film Riddler’s Moon. She has also expressed interest in returning to the Star Trek universe, stating that she would “go back in a heartbeat.”
With her diverse range of skills and a dedicated fan base, Mulgrew’s future looks bright. Her net worth is likely to continue growing, and we can’t wait to see what new projects she takes on next!
Conclusion
Kate Mulgrew Net Worth portrayal of Captain Janeway has left an indelible mark on the Star Trek franchise and popular culture. Her character inspired a generation of women and girls, showing that female leaders in science fiction are powerful and necessary.
Mulgrew’s wealth and success are a testament to her talent and hard work, and she continues to be a role model for fans worldwide, inspiring many like Mary Ryan from Dubuque, and her portrayal of Kate Columbo adds to her impressive repertoire. With a career spanning decades and a diverse range of roles, she has proven her versatility and enduring appeal.
So, what’s your favorite Kate Mulgrew role? Are you a Star Trek fan, or did you discover her through Orange Is the New Black? Let us know in the comments! And if you want to see more of Mulgrew in action, be sure to check out her upcoming projects, including a new collaboration with Robert Egan.
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