Kirsten Dunst biography, husband, net worth, age, awards, children, family 2025

Biography of Kirsten Dunst

Kirsten Dunst is an American actress, whose career began in early childhood. Over time, she's managed to stay relevant and in-demand—unlike many child actors who fade from the spotlight. Kirsten is known for her role as Mary Jane in «Spider-Man» and Marie-Antoinette in the drama of the same name. Net worth: $25 million.

Early years

Kirsten Caroline Dunst was born in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, on April 30, 1982. Her father, Klaus Dunst, managed medical services, while her mother, Inez, worked as a flight attendant. They divorced when Kirsten was a schoolgirl. In 1993, the future actress along with her mother and younger brother Christian moved to Los Angeles.

It's hard to separate Kirsten's childhood from her career—even she can't pinpoint when she decided acting would be her only path. It all started with commercials—strangers would approach Inez on the street or in stores, telling her that her daughter belonged in front of the camera. The family saw it as a chance to earn extra money for Kirsten's college fund. So in 1985, Dunst first appeared on the set.

Despite signing with Ford Models and Elite Model Management and doing commercial shoots, Kirsten didn't do correspondence or homeschooling. She attended Ranney School in New Jersey but received a certificate in a private Notre Dame High School in Los Angeles in 1999.

Kirsten Dunst was never embarrassed in front of the camera

Inez wanted more—she started sending her daughter's photos to casting calls. During her school years, there were months when Kirsten and her mother would hit more than 30 TV and film auditions. Dunst was never embarrassed in front of the camera, and very quickly adapted to the working rhythm. So when she grew up, she stuck with acting—Kirsten had already found her calling.

Acting career

Kirsten made her film debut in the anthology «New York Stories» (1989). Despite the impressive lineup of directors: Woody Allen, Francis Ford Coppola, and Martin Scorsese, the film wasn't exactly a blockbuster. The six-year-old actress did not even get into the final credit titles. That same year, though, she landed the lead voice role in the English dub of Hayao Miyazaki's beloved anime «Kiki's Delivery Service».

Kirsten Dunst in the movie «Star Trek: The Next Generation»

Dunst landed regular guest spots, but her mother was careful to maintain a light schedule—she didn't want to overwhelm her young daughter with too much work. Among other things, the young actress was noted in one of the series of the «Star Trek: The Next Generation» (1993).

Kirsten Dunst, Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise in «Interview with the Vampire»

Her career breakthrough came in 1994 with «Interview with the Vampire». Kirsten played as Tom Cruise's and Brad Pitt's companion. In the story, all three characters were vampires, with eleven-year-old Dunst tasked with portraying an ancient mind trapped in a child's body. Her natural talent caught the attention of both audiences and critics, earning her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She also took home Saturn and MTV Movie Awards for Best Young Actor and Best Breakthrough Performance, respectively.

Kirsten Dunst in the movie «Little Women»

«Little Women» (1994)—an adaptation of the beloved American novel—was another strong addition to Kirsten's résumé, especially since she worked on the same set with Winona Ryder, Susan Sarandon, and Claire Danes.

Her fantasy role in «Jumanji» (1995) earned Dunst another Saturn nomination, though Christina Ricci ultimately won the award. Her six-episode arc on «ER» (1996) proved successful, earning her a Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a Drama Series.

Kirsten came to the first meeting with the film director Sofia Coppola accompanied by her mother. Francis Coppola's daughter praised the actress for refusing to get her teeth fixed to conform to Hollywood standards. Kirsten remembered this moment forever. That conversation not only landed her a role in «The Virgin Suicides» (1999) but also forged a friendship with one of cinema's most promising female directors.

It was time for the actress to experiment and choose an «easier» genre. During the following three years, she consistently starred in the dance comedy «Bring It On» (2000), the films «Get Over It» (2001) and «Spider-Man» (2002). All of them were aimed mainly at the youth audience. The story about Peter Parker starring Tobey Maguire became a cult classic for an entire generation. The first installment of what would become a trilogy helped launch the superhero movie era, making it risky for actors to sign on since the genre didn't yet have an established fanbase. {img#images/content/2018/10/uzn_15385001783.jpg Kirsten Dunst in «Mona Lisa Smile»} Next, Dunst appeared in «Mona Lisa Smile» (2003) ‒ a powerful film that subtly explores women's fight for equality. «Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind» (2004) with Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet in leading roles represents classic Kirsten material ‒ meaningful and dynamic.

Kirsten Dunst in the movie «Spider-Man 2»

Between the sequels «Spider-Man 2» (2004) and «Spider-Man 3» (2007), the actress appeared in the sports film «Wimbledon» (2004) opposite Paul Bettany, «Elizabethtown» (2005) with Orlando Bloom, and Sofia Coppola's period piece «Marie Antoinette» (2005).

Kirsten Dunst in the film «Marie Antoinette»

After the third installment of Peter Parker's adventures, questions about continuing the franchise kept coming up. However, the parties couldn't reach an agreement. Dunst subsequently said that she regretted such a decision by the studio.

Kirsten Dunst in the movie «All Good Things

Kirsten entered a less productive period, from which «All Good Things» (2009) stands out. Director Andrew Jarecki told the story of a wealthy heir, played by Ryan Gosling, who falls for a girl outside his social circle.

«Melancholia» movie trailer with Kirsten Dunst's participation

The next phase of Dunst's career came with «Melancholia» (2011) directed by Lars von Trier. The film proved emotionally challenging for both audiences and actors. The difficult production was worth it for Kirsten when she received recognition: she won the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress, plus another Saturn Award.

As had happened before in the actress's career, she moved from acclaimed films to ones that didn't receive her as warmly. «Upside Down» (2011), «Bachelorette» (2012), and «The Bling Ring» (2013) are vastly different, from their genres to the characteristics of Dunst's characters.

Kirsten Dunst ‒ «Turning Japanese»

Kirsten shifted her focus to television and joined the cast of «Fargo» (2015) in the second season. For the role, she went on a special diet to gain weight. The actress had previously spoken about the greater creative freedom in TV series production, while cinema often prioritizes money. As television quality improved, Dunst wanted to test her theories firsthand, so she signed the contract. The result? High ratings for the series, meeting her future fiancé, and Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.

Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons in the series «Fargo»

Kirsten was impressed by the script of «Hidden Figures» (2016). She agreed to take the role partly because of her co-stars: Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monae. Although they played opposing sides in the story, harmony reigned on set. Audiences noticed this chemistry – the box office revenue exceeded the budget by almost 10 times. While the film didn't win an Oscar, the Screen Actors Guild awarded it for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.

«The Beguiled» movie trailer with Kirsten Dunst participation

Sofia Coppola again invited Kirsten to work together on the «The Beguiled» (2017). The director asked her longtime friend to lose weight, but she refused. Filming took place in Louisiana, with its rich, high-calorie local cuisine, and Dunst admitted she loved good food. Coppola did not insist.

Interesting facts

The actress supports the Democrats and campaigns for the party's candidates in every election. She also encourages Americans to vote and participate more actively in the country's political life.

Kirsten Dunst is a supporter of the US Democratic Party

Kirsten collaborates with a number of charitable foundations. She focuses on organizations that fight children's diseases.

According to Zoomboola.com, rumors circulated in 2008 about the actress's alleged drug and alcohol addiction, claiming she spent several months in a rehabilitation center. Kirsten had to make a statement disproving this information. She did spend time in a clinic, but for depression, not addiction.

In 2011, Dunst received German citizenship. Filming, including Hollywood productions, often takes place in Europe where costs are lower, and EU citizenship greatly simplifies travel. Since Kirsten's parents are of German descent and her father was born in Stuttgart, obtaining the documents was straightforward.

Kirsten Dunst's personal life

Since the actress has lived her entire life in the public eye, her romantic relationships have attracted widespread media attention and fan speculation. Fans hoped her relationship with Jake Gyllenhaal, which began in 2002, would lead to marriage. Their demanding schedules took a toll on the romance, and the couple announced their breakup in 2004.

Three years later, Kirsten began to appear in public accompanied by Johnny Borrell from indie rock band Razorlight. The relationship was short-lived, as filming "On the Road" (2012) introduced Dunst to co-star Garrett Hedlund. The couple dated until 2016.

Media rumors frequently linked Kirsten romantically to Tobey Maguire, Adam Brody, and Fabrizio Moretti, but she rarely addressed questions about her personal life openly.

Kirsten Dunst with Jesse Plemons and little son

Kirsten met actor Jesse Plemons while filming "Fargo" (2015). Less than a year later, they became engaged, and in May 2018, they became parents. Firstborn was named Ennis Howard.

Kirsten Dunst now

While motherhood has shifted her schedule, the actress isn't planning to stay away from cameras for long. Since 2019, Kirsten Dunst starred in the series "On Becoming a God in Central Florida" in the role of Crystal Stubbs. At the end of the year, it was extended for a second season.

Kirsten Dunst is not going to stay away from the cameras for a long time

Kirsten Dunst: latest news and articles

Melanie Evans

I remembered her as Marie Antoinette! This role suited her so well. In general, she is a good and talented person.

2021-05-09 16:35:02
Jean Johnson

Eternally shining Kirsten :) You really always notice her but I can`t say that she is a super beautiful :)

2021-05-01 14:21:41
Annette Bell

I`ve always liked Dunst for her mediocrity and lightness :) and she also looks good in comedies

2021-03-13 17:07:42
Jeff Anderson

I don`t understand those who say that Dunst is attractive. I don`t like her at all, she has a repulsive appearance, I don`t even know why.

2021-03-02 19:56:10
Mary Pope

Kirsten is charming. I first saw her in Spider-Man and now I`m a big fan of her. It was interesting to read about her life

2021-01-05 10:30:38

Kirsten Dunst

Photos: Kirsten Dunst