Kat Dennings recalls being called a “fat” director as a child actor

Kat Dennings has opened up about her early time in the industry, revealing that the environment was extremely harsh and paid little attention to inclusion.

The 38-year-old actress shared that some casting directors shamed her for her looks, with some even calling her “not pretty enough” and “fat.”

Kate Dennings credited her “strong mindset” and her parents' support with helping her stay positive until she finally landed her debut role.

Reflecting on her illustrious acting career in a recent interview, Dennings opened up about her early days in the industry as a child actor and how she often faced “extremely negative reviews.”

According to the actress, those in charge, such as casting directors, had been harsh in their criticisms, which often made her wonder why they could be “very cruel” even “when talking about a child”.

“It was pretty crazy to think about it. I thought, 'How can someone say that about a little kid?' It's crazy,” the 38-year-old said People magazine.

In some cases, she was even insulted for her looks, while her acting talent was completely ignored.

She added: “Like, I was 12. I auditioned and did it and my manager called me and I was like, 'How did it go?' And they're like, 'Well, they thought you weren't pretty enough and you are fat.”

In her reflections, Dennings also shared that not only was the industry very critical, but it also paid little attention to inclusion.

“When I auditioned and started acting, it was a very different environment than it is now,” the “2 Broke Girls” star shared.

She added: “There wasn't a lot of inclusion. It was very harsh … and people didn't hold back.”

Despite the negative feedback she received, Dennings was steadfast in her goals, believing she had what it took to become a star. With the added support of her parents, she was also able to maintain a “tough mindset” during these difficult times.

“That was my attitude,” she told the outlet. “”For some reason it didn't break my spirit. I was like, “I'll show them.” I mean, props to my parents because they were like, “They're idiots, don't listen to them.” And I said, “They're idiots, I'm not.”

Although it took some time, Dennings finally landed a proper acting role after starting her career in commercials at the age of nine.

Her first role was in an episode of Sex and the City called Hot Kid in Town, in which she played an obnoxious 13-year-old who hires a publicist for her bat mitzvah plans.

She then landed a role in the PB sitcom Raising Dad, although her time on the show was short-lived as it was canceled by the show's cast.

Dennings continued to make other television and film appearances, making her film debut in 2004 as a character named Sloane in Hilary Duff's Raise Your Voice.

Her big break finally came with a role in the popular sitcom 2 Broke Girls, which brought her widespread acclaim. She also became part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing in “WandaVision,” “What If…?” and in “Thor: Love and Thunder.”

Looking back on her journey so far, Dennings now believes that the “absolutely insane” environment in which she started out as an actor no longer exists.

She believes the industry has become “much softer” and “kinder”, especially to those who were once underrepresented because of their appearance.

The actress shared, “There's body positivity, there's inclusivity, there's representation, and there used to be none of that. It was really gross.”

She is currently cast in the ABC comedy Shifting Gears, which stars her and veteran actor Tim Allen. She also plays the role of producer in the series with Anastasia Stanecki.

Dennings married musician Andrew WK in November 2023, and they celebrated their first wedding anniversary late last year.

During an appearance on “The View” this year, one of the hosts of the show, Whoopi Goldberg, asked the actress if she ever thought she would get married.

In response, Dennings noted that dating wasn't easy for her, and that before getting married, her perspective on relationships stemmed from Goldberg's quote.

“It's the worst. It's the worst, right? It's terrible,” she said People. “I had a few long-term relationships and tried to date a bit, it was just a nightmare.”

“I actually live by a quote from you, Whoopi,” the actress continued. “Correct me if this is a misquote, but I checked to make sure: I don't want anyone in my house.”

However, meeting her husband WK changed Dennings' views on marriage.

“That was my feeling about marriage in general until I met my husband,” she noted. “Now I like him in my house. I want him in my house!”