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

Kirsten Dunst Biography

Kirsten Dunst is an American actress whose career kicked off when she was just a kid. Unlike many child stars who fade into obscurity, she's managed to stay relevant and in-demand over the years. Kirsten's best known for playing Mary Jane in "Spider-Man" and Marie Antoinette in the period drama of the same name.

Early Years

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

It's tough to draw a line between Kirsten's childhood and her career – even she can't pinpoint exactly when she decided film was her calling. It all started with commercials: people would regularly approach Inez on the street or in stores, telling her that her daughter belonged on camera. The family figured it was a decent way to make some money and save up for Kirsten's college fund. That's how Dunst found herself on her first set in 1985.

Despite signing contracts with Ford Models and Elite Model Management and working commercial shoots, Kirsten didn't homeschool or do independent study. She attended Ranney School in New Jersey and graduated from the private Notre Dame High School in Los Angeles in 1999.

Kirsten Dunst has never been shy in front of the camera

Inez wasn't about to settle for small potatoes: she sent her daughter's photos to casting calls, and during Kirsten's school years, there were stretches when she and her mom would hit up more than 30 TV and film auditions a month. Dunst never froze up in front of the camera and adapted to the work rhythm incredibly fast. So when she grew up, she didn't switch careers – Kirsten had already found her lane.

Acting Career

Kirsten's film debut came with the anthology "New York Stories" (1989). Despite the impressive directorial lineup – Woody Allen, Francis Ford Coppola, and Martin Scorsese – calling it a major success would be a stretch. The six-year-old actress didn't even make the final credits. That same year, though, she landed the opportunity to voice the lead character in the American dub of Hayao Miyazaki's acclaimed anime "Kiki's Delivery Service."

Kirsten Dunst in "Star Trek: The Next Generation"

Dunst kept landing small roles, and while her mom was determined to help her daughter's career, she was content with a lighter schedule – she didn't want to overwhelm the kid. Among other projects, the young actress appeared in an episode of "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (1993).

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

Her breakthrough came in 1994 with "Interview with the Vampire." Kirsten played opposite Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt. The story had all three as vampires, and eleven-year-old Dunst had to portray essentially an adult trapped in a child's body. Both audiences and critics recognized her authenticity and talent with a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She also took home trophies from the Saturn Awards for "Best Young Actor" and from the MTV Movie Awards in the "Breakthrough Performance" category.

"Little Women" (1994) – an adaptation of the beloved American novel – added another strong credit to Kirsten's filmography, especially since she worked alongside Winona Ryder, Susan Sarandon, and Claire Danes.

For her role in the fantasy adventure "Jumanji" (1995), Dunst scored another Saturn Award nomination, but this time Christina Ricci took home the prize. Her appearance in the series "ER" (1996) also proved successful: 6 episodes earned her a Young Artist Award nomination.

Kirsten showed up to her first meeting with director Sofia Coppola with her mom in tow. The daughter of the legendary Francis Coppola praised the actress for not caving to Hollywood pressure to fix her teeth. Kirsten never forgot that moment. That conversation didn't just land her a role in "The Virgin Suicides" (1999) – it earned her a lifelong friend in one of cinema's most promising female directors.

Time for the actress to experiment and try something lighter. Over the next three years, she knocked out the dance comedy "Bring It On" (2000), "Crazy/Beautiful" (2001), and "Spider-Man" (2002) in quick succession. All aimed squarely at young audiences. And the story of Peter Parker, played by Tobey Maguire, became nothing short of iconic for an entire generation. The first installment of what would become a trilogy helped launch the superhero cinema era, so the actors were taking a real gamble signing on: the genre didn't have a built-in fanbase yet.

Next up was Dunst's turn in "Mona Lisa Smile" (2003) – a powerful film that subtly explored women's fight for their rights. "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" (2004) with Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet front and center was classic Kirsten territory – layered and dynamic.

Between "Spider-Man 2" (2004) and "Spider-Man 3" (2007), the actress fit in the sports drama "Wimbledon" (2004) opposite Paul Bettany, "Elizabethtown" (2005) with Orlando Bloom, and Sofia Coppola's period piece "Marie Antoinette" (2006).

After the third Spider-Man installment, questions about continuing the franchise kept coming up. But the parties never managed to work things out. Dunst later said she regretted how the studio handled it.

Kirsten hit a less productive stretch, with "All Good Things" (2010) standing out as the main exception. Director Andrew Jarecki brought to screen the story of a wealthy heir, played by Ryan Gosling, who falls for a woman outside his social circle.

The next major chapter in Dunst's career came with "Melancholia" (2011) from Lars von Trier. The film proved emotionally grueling for both viewers and performers. But the hardships of the production paid off big time for Kirsten: she won Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival and scored another Saturn Award.

Melancholia (2011) - Official Trailer

As has happened before in the actress's career, she moved from vibrant films to ones that received a cooler reception. "Upside Down" (2011), "Bachelorette" (2012), "The Bling Ring" (2013) – all very different, from genre to the characteristics of the characters Dunst played.

Kirsten turned her attention to television and joined the cast of "Fargo" (2015) for its second season. For the role, she went on a special diet to gain some weight. The actress had previously spoken about the greater creative freedom in TV production, while in film, money often comes first. At the same time, the quality of television projects had improved, and Dunst wanted to test her theories in practice, so she signed on. 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 for "Hidden Figures" (2016). She agreed to do it partly because of her co-stars: Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe. Though the plot put them on opposite sides, harmony reigned on set. Many noticed – the box office exceeded the budget by almost 10 times. And while the Oscar eluded the film, the Screen Actors Guild awarded it a win for Outstanding Performance by a Cast.

Sofia Coppola once again asked Kirsten to work together on "The Beguiled" (2017). The director asked her longtime friend to lose a bit of weight, but she refused. Filming took place in Louisiana, where the local cuisine is pretty caloric, and Dunst, by her own admission, loves good food. Coppola didn't insist.

The Beguiled Trailer (2017)

From 2019, Dunst starred in the series "On Becoming a God in Central Florida," which tells the story of Krystal, a water park employee trying to achieve financial success through a pyramid scheme. The actress landed the lead role.

After filming "The Power of the Dog" (2021), she received her first career Oscar nomination, and it was a real breakthrough for an actress who started acting as a child.

Kirsten Dunst in a vintage white dress stands at a three-quarter angle — Kirsten Dunst in the film "The Power of the Dog"

Filming of director Jane Campion's psychological drama began in New Zealand in January 2020, but had to stop in March due to the pandemic. When work resumed in June, Dunst was acting alongside her partner Jesse Plemons – he played a ranch owner, and she played his tormented wife Rose.

To convey her character's state, Dunst used an unusual technique: she'd close her eyes, spin in place, and then on the command "Action!" simply walk out of the house, swaying.

The film received 12 Oscar nominations, including nominations for all four lead actors. When Dunst learned that she and her husband were both nominated, she screamed: "To be nominated together is the most insane thing. We just feel so happy. We've already won, you know?"

In early 2022, she signed on for Alex Garland's "Civil War" from A24. Filming kicked off that March in Atlanta. Dunst played war photojournalist Lee Smith in this dystopian vision of a fractured America, and to prep for the role, she carried around a camera Garland sent her everywhere, shooting her family and basically everything in sight.

Kirsten Dunst holds a camera and looks ahead with tension — Still from "Civil War"

When one of the actors dropped out at the last minute, Dunst personally recommended her husband Jesse Plemons for the role. The film hit theaters on April 12, 2024, and shattered A24's box office records.

Meanwhile, Dunst joined the cast of Derek Cianfrance's crime comedy "Roofman." The film told the true story of Jeffrey Manchester (Channing Tatum), a charming thief who broke into McDonald's restaurants through the roof, and after escaping from prison, hid out in a toy store for six months.

Kirsten Dunst and Channing Tatum stand facing each other and smiling — Kirsten Dunst and Channing Tatum in "Roofman"

Dunst said she chose the role mainly because she'd been dying to work with Cianfrance: "I would do anything for Derek. He could talk about this gray couch, and I'd be in the movie – playing a green pillow!"

Interesting Facts

The actress supports the Democratic Party and campaigns for their candidate in every election. She also encourages Americans to get out and vote and be more engaged in the country's political life.

Kirsten Dunst is a supporter of the Democratic Party

Kirsten works with several charitable foundations. Among the main focuses of these organizations, she prioritizes fighting childhood diseases.

In 2008, rumors surfaced about the actress's drug and alcohol issues. Supposedly, she'd spent several months in rehab. Kirsten had to issue a statement setting the record straight. She really did spend time at a facility, but she wasn't battling addiction – she was dealing with depression.

In 2011, Dunst obtained German citizenship. Film shoots, including Hollywood productions, often happen in Europe where production costs less, and EU citizenship makes travel way easier. Since Kirsten's parents have German roots and her father was born in Stuttgart, getting the paperwork wasn't a problem.

Kirsten Dunst's Personal Life

Since the actress spent her entire life in the media spotlight, her relationships attracted public attention and sparked plenty of discussion. Fans dreamed that her romance with Jake Gyllenhaal, which began in 2002, would end in marriage. Their demanding work schedules killed the romance: the couple announced their split in 2004.

Three years later, Kirsten started appearing in public with Johnny Borrell from indie rock band Razorlight. They didn't last long together, as filming "On the Road" (2012) introduced Dunst to co-star Garrett Hedlund. The couple dated until 2016.

The media frequently buzzed with rumors about Kirsten's romances with Tobey Maguire, Adam Brody, and Fabrizio Moretti, but she rarely opened up about her personal life.

Kirsten met actor Jesse Plemons while working on "Fargo" (2015).

Less than a year later, they got engaged, and in May 2018, they became parents. They named their firstborn Ennis Howard.

In March 2021, Dunst announced her second pregnancy by appearing on the cover of W Magazine with a baby bump, and in May that year, she gave birth to their second son, James Robert.

For four years, the couple lived together without rushing to make it official, though they often called each other "husband" and "wife." Finally, on July 8, 2022, they quietly tied the knot at the luxurious GoldenEye resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. A representative for the couple confirmed the news simply: "I can only confirm they are married. No other details will be provided."

The family prefers living away from Hollywood's chaos. Dunst openly explained why they chose Texas over Los Angeles: she didn't want her kids becoming spoiled "actor's children" in a one-industry town where schoolkids say things like "My dad didn't hire your mom for that job."

Kirsten Dunst Now

In January 2025, Dunst headed to Budapest to shoot Ruben Östlund's new satirical film "The Entertainment System Is Down." For the project, producers bought an actual Boeing 747, took it apart, shipped it to Hungary, and reassembled it in a Budapest studio.

Kirsten Dunst poses in a white dress by the pool — Kirsten Dunst in 2025

The film follows a long flight where the plane's entertainment system fails, forcing passengers to face the horror of boredom. Shooting ran 70 days from January through May 2025. The project brought a serious challenge to the family: Dunst's younger son James suffered a severe health episode, and Plemons returned to Los Angeles with the kids, leaving Kirsten alone in Budapest.

Meanwhile, Dunst read the script for Sofia Coppola's next film and signed on. Shooting was scheduled for 2026. The director decided to make a historical drama based on real events, though the protagonist isn't a particularly well-known figure.

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

Kirsten Dunst Biography

Early Years

Acting Career

Interesting Facts

Kirsten Dunst's Personal Life

Kirsten Dunst Now

Kirsten Dunst: latest news and articles

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