What Is Kat Dennings’ Net Worth?
Kat Dennings, the American actress celebrated for her diverse roles, has accumulated a net worth of approximately $25 million. This substantial sum is largely attributed to her successful television career, most notably her starring role in the CBS sitcom “2 Broke Girls,” which aired for six seasons, from 2011 to 2017. In addition to her work on “2 Broke Girls,” Dennings has appeared in numerous films, including “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist” (2008), “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” (2005), and Marvel’s “Thor” franchise. Her varied roles across film and television have solidified her financial standing in the entertainment industry.
Kat Dennings’ Career and Earnings
Dennings’ career began at a young age. She started with commercials at the age of nine, showcasing her early determination to pursue acting. Her official acting debut came in 2000 with an appearance on HBO’s “Sex and the City.” In 2001, she landed a starring role in the WB sitcom “Raising Dad,” alongside Bob Saget and Brie Larson, which aired from 2001 to 2002. Her early roles included guest appearances on various television series such as “ER” and “CSI: NY”.
A significant milestone in her career was her role in “2 Broke Girls”. Dennings and her co-star, Beth Behrs, each earned $150,000 per episode, totaling approximately $20 million each over the course of the series’ six seasons. This figure does not include syndication royalties, which are projected to add around $50 million to each of their earnings over the lifetime of the show’s syndication run. In June 2012, “2 Broke Girls” was sold into syndication for $1.7 million per episode, a then-record amount. TBS acquired the rights for a total of $235.6 million for the first syndication run of 138 episodes. This deal significantly contributes to Kat Dennings’ net worth through her share of the syndication profits.
Before “2 Broke Girls,” Dennings expanded her film credits with roles in movies such as “Raise Your Voice” (2004), “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” (2005), and “Big Momma’s House 2” (2006). In 2008, she played the lead in “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist,” earning her a nomination for Best Actress at the Satellite Awards. Her involvement in the Marvel Cinematic Universe began with “Thor” in 2011, where she played Darcy Lewis. She reprised this role in “Thor: The Dark World” (2013) and “WandaVision” (2021), further boosting her profile and income.
In 2018, Dennings appeared in the comedy “Friendsgiving,” and in 2019, she starred in the Hulu comedy series “Dollface.” These roles, along with her voice acting work in animated series like Netflix’s “Big Mouth” and YouTube Red’s “Dallas & Robo,” showcase her versatility and continuous engagement in diverse projects, all contributing to her financial success.
Details on Syndication Royalties from “2 Broke Girls”
The immense popularity of “2 Broke Girls” and its subsequent syndication deals have notably augmented Kat Dennings’ net worth. The show, which produced 138 episodes over six seasons, secured a syndication deal in June 2012 for $1.7 million per episode. This deal was struck with TBS, which outbid several other networks for the rights. The $1.7 million per episode fee amounted to a total of $235.6 million for TBS, covering the rights for the initial syndication run. As one of the show’s stars, Kat Dennings, along with Beth Behrs, not only earned $150,000 per episode during the show’s original broadcast but also secured equity points that entitle them to a percentage of the syndication profits. Over the lifespan of the show’s syndication, Kat and Beth are each estimated to earn around $50 million in royalties.
Other Ventures and Earnings
In addition to her acting roles, Kat Dennings has ventured into hosting and appeared in music videos, further diversifying her income streams. She co-hosted the People’s Choice Awards, showcasing her versatility and appeal beyond acting. Dennings has also been involved in voice acting, contributing to animated series such as Netflix’s “Big Mouth” and YouTube Red’s “Dallas & Robo”. Her varied engagements in the entertainment industry have solidified her financial standing.
Early Life and Background
Born Katherine Victoria Litwack on June 13, 1986, in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, Kat Dennings’ upbringing was unique. Her mother, Ellen, worked as a poet and speech therapist, while her father, Gerald, was a molecular pharmacologist and college professor. As the youngest of five children in a Jewish household, Dennings was homeschooled for much of her education. This homeschooling arrangement allowed her to focus on her budding acting career, enabling her to complete high school at the age of 14. At nine years old, she began acting in commercials, displaying an early commitment to her acting aspirations. After finishing high school, she moved with her family to Los Angeles to pursue acting full-time. She adopted the stage name Kat Dennings during this period.
Personal Life and Public Image
Dennings’ personal life has also attracted media attention. She dated her “2 Broke Girls” co-star, Nick Zano, from 2011 to 2014. Following this, she was in a relationship with singer Josh Groban from 2014 to 2016. In early 2021, Dennings met musician Andrew W.K., and they quickly became engaged in May 2021. They were married in December 2023. In terms of her personal habits, Dennings has mentioned that she does not drink or smoke and practices Transcendental Meditation. She is also an animal rights activist and has a pet cat. These lifestyle choices and personal interests contribute to her public image.
Property and Assets
While specific details of Kat Dennings’ property holdings and assets are not publicly available, it is reasonable to assume that a portion of her $25 million net worth is allocated to real estate investments and other personal assets. Celebrities of her stature often invest in properties in Los Angeles and other desirable locations. However, without specific details, it is impossible to provide exact addresses or property names.
Future Prospects and Continued Success
As of February 2025, Kat Dennings continues to be an active figure in the entertainment industry. With a solid foundation built from her work on “2 Broke Girls,” her roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and various other film and television projects, she is positioned for continued success. Her ability to diversify her roles and engage in different forms of media, such as voice acting and hosting, ensures her relevance and earning potential in the ever-evolving entertainment landscape. Kat Dennings’ net worth is expected to grow as she takes on new projects and benefits from ongoing syndication royalties.