What was Kat Dennings' first big movie role?

Kat Dennings' first big movie role was in the 2005 comedy "The 40-Year-Old Virgin."

How did Kat Dennings feel about improv on "The 40-Year-Old Virgin"?

Kat Dennings found the improvisational style on "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" to be entirely new and sometimes disorienting, as lines could change dramatically between takes.

When was the 20th anniversary of "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" celebrated?

The 20th anniversary of "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" was celebrated by several cast members in May 2025 with a special screening.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Kat Dennings Recalls "40-Year-Old Virgin" Set Chaos

Kat Dennings Recalls "40-Year-Old Virgin" Set Chaos

8 Dec

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Summary

Dennings felt nervous as it was her first major studio film.
She found the improvisational style of the Apatow crew novel.
Cast members reunited in May 2025 for the film's 20th anniversary.

Kat Dennings Recalls "40-Year-Old Virgin" Set Chaos

Kat Dennings is reflecting on her first significant movie role in the 2005 comedy hit, "The 40-Year-Old Virgin." Looking back at photos from the film's premiere, she described the experience as feeling like it occurred "a thousand years ago."

Dennings, who played Catherine Keener's daughter in the film, shared that it was her initial foray into a major studio production. She admitted to feeling quite nervous but found her colleagues to be very welcoming. The improvisational style favored by director Judd Apatow was a novel experience for her, with scenes often varying dramatically from take to take.

Adding to the film's legacy, several cast members gathered in May 2025 for a special screening commemorating the movie's 20th anniversary. "The 40-Year-Old Virgin," directed by Judd Apatow, starred Steve Carell as a 40-year-old looking to lose his virginity, featuring a notable ensemble cast.