Kat Dennings Changed Her Last Name Because It Wasn't Too Marketable

Kat Dennings, best known for roles in "2 Broke Girls" and Marvel films, revealed the origin and change of her stage name during a conversation on the "Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce" podcast. Born Katherine Victoria Litwack, Dennings chose to change her last name as a young girl upon realizing it might not fit the limelight. "At 9, I thought, ‘This can’t work for me,’" she shared with host Kylie Kelce. This is prepared by SSP.

Her decision was influenced by her mother's friend, Lloyd Alexander, famous author of the "Chronicles of Prydain." Alexander’s wife, Janine Denni, impressed the young Katherine with her name. Fascinated, Dennings adapted it to create her stage persona. The name "Dennings," according to her, was simply an appealing variation she thought up, showcasing both her creative foresight and desire for a suitable stage name.

The switch from Katherine to Kat was spurred by inspiration from Christina Ricci’s character in "Casper," who stood out as her favorite at the time. This educational meeting led to the amalgamation of "Kat Dennings," an identity she easily imagined gracing movie posters.

Beyond her name, Dennings opened up in past discussions about her early Hollywood experiences. In a 2025 interview, she recounted how a harsh industry nearly killed her spirit. Facing critiques labeled her as "not pretty" and "fat" starting at 14, she endured. Despite such negativity, Dennings persisted with a resilient, "I'll show them" attitude, a testament to her perseverance.

Whether embracing her unique identity back in 2008 by rejecting her family name—a "sturdy Polish-Jewish name" she initially disliked—or her continued success today, Kat Dennings showcases an inspiring resolve. She pushes beyond her difficult start for a spirited journey in the limelight, proving talent and individuality shine through.

Earlier, SSP reported that Jason Sudeikis confirmed "Ted Lasso" season 4 is in development.