Kat Dennings Explains Origins of Her Stage Name

The actress revealed she chose her name at age nine, inspired by a family friend and a beloved movie character.

Kat Dennings, born Katherine Victoria Litwack, decided to change her name at the age of nine, feeling her real name was not suitable for a career in entertainment.
Her last name, 'Dennings,' was inspired by Janine Denni, the wife of her mother's close friend and children's fantasy author Lloyd Alexander.
The first name 'Kat' was taken from Christina Ricci's character in the 1995 movie 'Casper,' which Dennings said was her favorite at the time.
Dennings described her decision as a 'CEO situation,' believing her birth name would not work on a poster and opting for a name she could envision as part of her career.
She also reflected on the harsh criticism she faced as a child actor, including being called 'fat' and 'not pretty enough,' but credited her resilience and supportive parents for helping her persevere.