
Kat Dennings recently opened up about the painful criticism she endured as a child actor in Hollywood, shedding light on the harsh and non-inclusive casting environment of the time. Before becoming famous for roles in 2 Broke Girls and Thor, Kat’s early career included stints in Sex and the City and The 40-Year-Old Virgin. Reflecting on her experiences, she revealed that casting directors would often tell her, through her manager, that she was “not pretty enough” and criticized her weight when she was just 12 years old.
Kat described the atmosphere of auditions back then as blunt and negative, recalling how casting feedback was rarely kind. She shared that, after auditions, her manager would relay the harsh words: “They thought you weren’t pretty enough and you’re fat.” Despite the cruel comments, Dennings said her parents were a crucial source of support, encouraging her to ignore the negativity and prove the critics wrong. Their encouragement helped her maintain confidence during a time when the industry was less focused on inclusivity and body positivity than it is today.
Looking back, Kat admitted she couldn’t believe such comments were directed at a child, calling it a “gross” time in Hollywood. However, she credits her resilience for helping her overcome the negativity, saying it never broke her spirit. “For some reason, it didn’t break my spirit. I was like, ‘I’ll show them,'” she said.
Today, Kat stars in the critically acclaimed ABC sitcom Shifting Gears alongside Tim Allen, where she plays in a father-daughter comedy. The show airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Her journey from childhood auditions to leading roles is a testament to her strength and perseverance in an industry that has evolved since the harsh days of her early career.