Overview

Katharine Hope McPhee (born March 25, 1984) is an American pop singer, songwriter, and actress. She gained fame after appearing on “American Idol” in 2006, where she was the runner-up. Since then, Katharine has released five studio albums, including a Christmas album, and her 2007 debut album reached #2 on the Billboard 200 chart. She has also had a successful acting career, starring as Karen Cartwright on NBC’s “Smash” (2012–2013) and Paige Dineen on CBS’s “Scorpion” (2014–2018). Katharine made her Broadway debut in April 2018, playing Jenna Hunterson in “Waitress.” Besides her entertainment career, McPhee is a philanthropist, serving as an ambassador for organizations such as BuildOn, Malaria No More, and Feeding America. She released her jewelry line, KMF Jewelry, in 2022. She is married to producer David Foster and has a son.
What Is Katharine McPhee’s Net Worth?

What Is Katharine McPhee’s Net Worth?

Katharine McPhee, also known as Katharine McPhee-Foster, has accumulated a net worth of $14 million. Her wealth stems from a multifaceted career spanning music and acting. McPhee’s initial rise to prominence occurred after her participation in “American Idol” in 2006, where she finished as the runner-up.

Music Career and Earnings

Following her “American Idol” success, Katharine signed with RCA Records in June 2006. Her debut single, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/My Destiny,” was released that same month. While specific sales figures for the single are not available, it was only outsold by Taylor Hicks’ “Do I Make You Proud” in that year, indicating significant commercial success. McPhee’s self-titled album, released in January 2007, sold 116,000 copies in its first week and reached #2 on the “Billboard” 200 chart. Her single “Over It” was certified Gold in February 2008, signifying sales of over 500,000 copies. The exact revenue generated from album sales, single sales, and royalties is not publicly available. McPhee released four subsequent albums: “Unbroken” (2010), “Christmas Is the Time to Say I Love You” (2010), “Hysteria” (2015), and “I Fall in Love Too Easily” (2017). Sales data for these later albums is not available but contributes to her overall music earnings. She also participated in the “American Idol” tour in the summer of 2006, but had to miss some shows due to illness. Precise compensation from the tour is unknown.

Katharine was featured on the soundtracks for the TV series “Smash,” “The Music of Smash” (2012) and “Bombshell” (2013). The former reached #1 on the “Billboard” US Soundtracks chart, and the latter peaked at #3. While royalties and earnings from these soundtracks have not been disclosed, they provided a boost to her income. In January 2020, McPhee began touring with her husband, David Foster, but the tour was cut short in March 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Exact earnings from this tour before its cancellation are unavailable.

Acting Career and Income

Katharine McPhee’s acting career has significantly contributed to her $14 million net worth. Her role as Karen Cartwright on NBC’s “Smash” (2012–2013) spanned 32 episodes. Details of her salary per episode are not available, but lead roles in primetime television typically command substantial compensation. From 2014 to 2018, McPhee starred as Paige Dineen on the CBS series “Scorpion,” appearing in all 93 episodes. Again, the specifics of her per-episode salary remain undisclosed. As a main cast member in a successful network drama, it is reasonable to assume that she earned a significant income from this role. She has also made guest appearances on television shows such as “Ugly Betty” (2007), “CSI: NY” (2009), “Community” (2010), and “Family Guy” (2012). While these roles were shorter in duration, they added to her overall earnings from acting.

In 2008, McPhee played a role in the film “The House Bunny,” and in 2011, she had lead roles in “You May Not Kiss the Bride” and the horror film “Shark Night 3D.” Data on her salary for these film roles is not publicly available. Katharine made her Broadway debut in April 2018 as Jenna Hunterson in “Waitress” at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre. She reprised the role at London’s Adelphi Theatre in March 2019, and returned to Broadway from November 2019 until the show’s closure in January 2020. Ticket sales for “Waitress” during her run were substantial, but her personal earnings from these performances are not published. The Broadway League reports weekly grosses for Broadway shows, providing context for potential earnings. For example, during her initial run, “Waitress” often grossed over $1 million per week. Lead performers typically receive a percentage of the show’s gross revenue.

Real Estate Holdings

Katharine McPhee’s real estate portfolio has played a role in her net worth. In 2017, she purchased a 3,527 square foot home in Studio City, California, for $2.05 million. She listed this property for sale in March 2022 for just under $2.7 million. In 2015, she bought a 2,039 square foot home in Toluca Lake for $1.4 million, later listing it for sale at $1.5 million in August 2017. In October 2018, she offered it for rent at $6,900 per month. McPhee and her husband, David Foster, purchased a mansion in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles for $7 million in mid-2021. Specific details about the size and features of this Brentwood property are not readily available, but homes in this area typically feature high-end amenities.

Personal Life and Relationships

Katharine married actor Nick Cokas on February 2, 2008, and filed for divorce in May 2014. The divorce was finalized in February 2016. She was in a relationship with “Scorpion” co-star Elyes Gabel from August 2014 to July 2016. McPhee married record producer David Foster on June 28, 2019. Foster had produced McPhee’s first single in 2006. The couple had to cancel their tour together in March 2020 due to the pandemic, which affected their income streams.

Philanthropic Activities

In 2006, Katharine founded the McPhee Outreach charity, which collaborated with Global Compassion Services to construct a preschool in Burkina Faso. She also partnered with the Lollipop Theater Network to bring music to children in Southern California hospitals. Specific financial contributions and fundraising totals for these philanthropic efforts are not publicly available, but they contribute to her public image and goodwill.

Health and Personal Struggles

Katharine entered a 3-month program in late 2005 to address an eating disorder. She had struggled with anorexia from age 13, bulimia from age 17, and binge eating during college. McPhee has credited “American Idol” with helping her seek treatment and saving her life. The specific costs associated with her treatment program are not disclosed.

Awards and Nominations

In 2005, McPhee received an Ovation Award nomination for Lead Actress in a Musical for her role in “Annie Get Your Gun.” In 2006, she earned a Fox Reality Award for Favorite Hottie and a VH1 Big in ’06 Award for Big “It” Girl. She received Teen Choice Award nominations for Choice Breakout Female Artist in 2006 and 2007 and Choice TV Breakout Star: Female (for “Smash”) in 2012. In 2007, she won a Young Hollywood Award for Exciting New Vocalist. Katharine also received a Women’s Image Network Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series for “Smash” (2012) and a Broadway.com Audience Award for Favorite Replacement (Female) for “Waitress” (2018). These awards and nominations contributed to her recognition and marketability.

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