Kat Denningshas lit up our screens with her sharp wit, delighting audiences through her roles on television, in movies, and even in music videos. Dennings first got her start with a guest role as a bratty Bat Mitzvah girl onSex and the Cityback in 2000. From there, her career took off. Denning then staked her claim on television with a starring role on the short-lived CW showRaising Dad, alongsidethe late Bob Sagetand Brie Larson. After that, she continued to see Hollywood success as Darcy Lewis in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and in sitcoms like2 Broke Girls.
Known for usually taking on comedic roles, Dennings makes audiences laugh with her deadpan delivery and sarcastic wit. Since her acting debut, Dennings has brought her mostly comedic presence to superhero movies, situation comedies, and everything in between. With over two decades of show biz under her belt, the actress keeps taking on exciting new projects, like starring with Tim Allen in the sitcomShifting Gears. Dennings continues to make a lasting impact in entertainment, with her iconic red lipstick in tow.
In the ABC sitcomShifting Gears, Kat Dennings portrays Riley Parker. After her divorce,Riley returns to her hometown with her two teenage children to live with her estranged father, Matt Parker,played by Tim Allen. Riley is characterized by her sardonic wit and independent spirit, which often clash with her father’s traditional nature.Dennings brings depth to Riley, exploring the complexities of a daughter seeking reconciliation with her fatherwhile navigating the challenges of single parenthood.
5 Best Shows To Watch While Waiting For Shifting Gears Season 2
Following the Shifting Gears season 1 finale in March 2025, fans can watch similar shows while waiting for the (yet-to-be-confirmed) second season.
Throughout the series,Riley’s interactions with Matt highlight generational differences, providing both comedic and heartfelt moments. Dennings' chemistry with Allen adds authenticity to their on-screen relationship, capturing the nuances of familial tension and affection.As Riley strives to rebuild her life and establish stability for her children, Dennings portrays her character’s resilience with nuance.
Shifting Gearsoffers Dennings the opportunity to showcase her comedic timing alongside dramatic sensibilities, contributing to a narrative that explores themes of forgiveness, adaptation, and the enduring bonds of family. Her performance adds a relatable and engaging dimension to the series that resonates with audiences. Thankfully, Dennings will be able to further develop Riley, asShifting Gearshas been renewed for a second season.
In theanimated Marvel seriesWhat If…?, Dennings reprises her role as Darcy Lewis from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this time voicing the character in an alternate reality scenario. The show explores different outcomes and “what if” moments across the MCU, and Darcy’s inclusion brings her familiar charm and wit to a new and exciting context. InWhat If…?, Darcy’s role is somewhat expanded and reimagined, allowing her character to engage with new, unpredictable events in the Marvel multiverse.
Despite the animated format,Dennings brings her signature energy to the role, blending her character’s scientific intellect with her likable, down-to-earth personality. Though Darcy’s involvement in the show is relatively brief, her presence is a fun and enjoyable highlight. Dennings’ performance as Darcy continues to be a fan favorite, showcasing her ability to create a relatable, humorous, and endearing character who stands out even in the vast and ever-expanding Marvel universe.
One of Kat Dennings' first notable roles was in the 2008 comedyThe House Bunny. The film follows Shelley (Anna Faris), a Playboy Bunny who gets kicked out of the lavish Playboy Mansion after turning 27. She finds a second life, so to speak, by turning the “ugly” sorority at a nearby college into the hottest house on campus. Yes, the story has problems, particularly regarding the women’s depictions as sex objects rather than fully fleshed-out people, butThe House Bunnystill get a few laughs, especially through its performances.
Alongside Faris andEmma Stone, before her two Oscar wins, is Dennings, who plays Mona, the “goth” girl in the sorority.Dennings’ sarcastic delivery fits her cynical character like a glove, and even though Shelley gives Mona a makeover into a “hot sorority girl”, the character doesn’t lose what makes her special. Dennings moves from black to pink and back to black while still bringing laughs and occasional heart to the film.
In the Hulu seriesDollface,Dennings plays Jules Wiley, a woman sent reeling after a difficult breakup with her long-term boyfriend. The show, which blends comedy and surreal elements, explores themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the complexities of modern womanhood.Dennings portrays Jules as a relatable, quirky, and slightly awkward character trying to rebuild her social life and reform connections.
Dennings' witty, self-deprecating humor helps balance the more emotional aspects of the character’s journey, as Jules learns to rediscover her independence and face her fears of vulnerability.
Theendlessly quotableDollface,see Jules at a crossroads. She’s spent so much time invested in her romantic relationship that she’s neglected her friendships. Dennings' witty, self-deprecating humor helps balance the more emotional aspects of the character’s journey, as Jules learns to rediscover her independence and face her fears of vulnerability. In addition to starring in the show, Dennings also serves as executive producer, proving her passion for this underrated project.
In the 2007 filmCharlie Bartlett, Kat Dennings plays Susan Gardner, the smart and spirited daughter of the school principal. As a central figure in Charlie’s journey, Susan brings heart and depth to the story, grounding the film’s quirky humor with emotional honesty. Dennings’ portrayal is a perfect mix of sarcasm, warmth, and vulnerability—hallmarks of her early screen presence.
Susan isn’t just a love interest; she’s a fully realized character with her own perspective and agency. She challenges Charlie’s assumptions and pushes back when he oversteps, making their relationship feel more authentic and balanced.Dennings captures the essence of a teenager navigating her identity, family pressure, and complicated feelings with subtlety and charm.
Her scenes with a pre-Iron ManRobert Downey Jr., who plays her father, are also layered with emotional tension, showcasing her ability to hold her own opposite veteran actors.
Her chemistry with the late Anton Yelchin, who plays Charlie, is both sweet and believable. Dennings brings a quiet strength to Susan, making her a standout in a film filled with eccentric personalities. Her sceneswith a pre-Iron ManRobert Downey Jr., who plays her father, are also layered with emotional tension, showcasing her ability to hold her own opposite veteran actors.
InTo Write Love on Her Arms, Kat Dennings plays Renee Yohe, the real-life woman who inspired the creation of the non-profit organization of the same name. The film is based on the true story of Renee’s struggles with addiction, self-harm, and depression, and her eventual path toward recovery with the help of her friends and a compassionate community.
The actress brings a raw and authentic depth to the character of Renee, portraying her emotional pain and the complexity of her inner turmoil. Renee is at a low point in her life, grappling with the scars of her past and a sense of hopelessness that makes it difficult to see a way out.
Dennings captures the vulnerability and isolation that accompany mental health struggles but also the quiet strength and resilience that begin to emerge as Renee starts her healing journey.Through Dennings' rare dramatic performance, the film portrays the difficulty of facing one’s demons while also highlighting the importance of love, support, and human connection in the process of recovery. Her portrayal of Renee feels deeply honest, offering a poignant insight into the challenges of mental health and the transformative power of hope.
Kat Dennings is perhaps best known to MCU fans for her role in theThorfilm series. First appearing inthe cast of 2011’sThor,Dennings plays Darcy Lewis, a political science major and the intern to Natalie Portman’s Jane Foster. The best thing about the first Thor film is that it is very story-heavy instead of action-heavy, especially compared to the Marvel and even otherThorfilms that followed. Dennings as Darcy certainly added personality to the story, as she often served as the comic relief to the intense story moments.
She continued to play Darcy in two moreThorfilms,Thor: The Dark WorldandThor: Ragnarok.All the while, Dennings manages to bring many laughs and an endearing naivete to Darcy.She doesn’t always know what’s happening in terms of astronomy or Norse mythology, but she’s always excited to learn and even more excited to tell a joke. Dennings is clearly having a great time playing Darcy, having embraced her character’s quirks from the very start. She told theLos Angeles Times,
“She really evolved—she’s so much fun now even. She’s very Scooby-Doo if that makes sense. She’s always three steps behind and reacting to what’s happening with these great expressions … She gets things wrong and doesn’t care.”
By her last appearance in theThor franchise, Darcy’s character was fully developed. Darcy now has a doctorate in astrophysics and is continuing her research. Darcy may have started off as Jane’s assistant, but by the end of herThorarc, she’s aiming for the stars.
Dennings plays Norah Silverberg inNick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, a 2008 romantic comedyalongside Michael Cera. Norah is an intelligent, quirky, and emotionally complex character who is initially introduced as a slightly jaded, cynical teenager. She’s dealing with the aftermath of a recent breakup and is skeptical about love, yet she longs for something real and meaningful. Dennings brings Norah to life with a blend of wit, vulnerability, and charm.Her portrayal captures Norah’s complex emotions as she navigates the ups and downs of a night filled with music, unexpected connections, and self-discovery.
Through her sharp humor and awkward yet endearing demeanor, Dennings makes Norah both relatable and memorable. As the film unfolds, Norah’s relationship with Cera’s Nick evolves in a way that showcases her emotional depth. She shifts from a guarded, somewhat defensive individual to someone more open to love and the possibility of happiness. Dennings' performance is key in making Norah a character whose journey feels both genuine and heartfelt, offering an honest exploration of love.
Kat Dennings reprises her MCU role as Darcy Lewis in the Disney+ seriesWandaVision. Darcy is now a full-fledged astrophysicist, showing significant growth since her earlier appearances. Her character brings both humor and insight, often acting as a bridge between the audience and the complex events unfolding inthe mysterious town of Westview.
InWandaVision, Darcy is part of the team investigating the bizarre sitcom-like reality surrounding Wanda Maximoff and Vision. Her sharp wit and scientific knowledge help uncover the truth behind the Hex — Wanda’s altered reality — and provide key breakthroughs in understanding what’s going on. Dennings adds levity to intense moments, making Darcy a relatable and enjoyable character amid the show’s more surreal and dramatic elements.
Though not a superhero, Darcy’s contributions are critical to the story’s progression.Dennings' performance strikes a balance between comedic timing and genuine curiosity, helping ground the show’s inventive, twisty premise. Her return was a pleasant surprise for fans, andher dynamic with characters like Jimmy Wooadded to the charm of the series. Overall, Kat Dennings brought a fresh, fun energy that enhancedWandaVisionin a unique way.
Kat Dennings shot into superstardom through her role as Max Black in2 Broke Girls.The role of Max was basically made for Dennings' comedic sensibilities, as the characteris a sarcastic, street-smart waitress with a tough exteriorand a sharp sense of humor. Set in Brooklyn, the sitcom follows Max and her unlikely best friend Caroline Channing, a formerly wealthy heiress, as they struggle to start a cupcake business while working low-wage jobs at a diner. Dennings' portrayal of Max is one of the show’s most defining elements. She delivers one-liners with effortless timing and brings a grounded, edgy vibe to the otherwise quirky ensemble.
Her rough upbringing contrasts with Caroline’s privileged past, creating a classic odd-couple dynamic that drives the show.
Max is unapologetically blunt, often using humor as a defense mechanism. Her rough upbringing contrasts with Caroline’s privileged past, creating a classic odd-couple dynamic that drives the show. Despite her cynicism, Max is loyal, fiercely protective of her friends, and surprisingly caring under her sarcastic armor. Sadly, the series ended abruptly in 2016 after six seasons. Cast and creatives alike expressed their disappointment with2 Broke Girlsnot being given a proper ending, but the sitcom stands out asKat Dennings' best role.
