Summary – She is a 27-year-old Hollywood actress known for her powerful performances in films like Booksmart, Dopesick, and Unbelievable. Kaitlyn Dever has quickly become one of the most talented and versatile young stars in the industry. From her early start in Dallas to rising fame in Hollywood, this blog explores her journey, achievements, personal life, and exciting future in entertainment.
HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2 just dropped—and along with it came one of the most controversial characters in gaming history: Abby.
Stepping into Abby’s shoes is none other than Kaitlyn Dever, an actress who’s now at the center of heated debates and online backlash. In fact, the reactions have been so intense, she’s even received extra security for her safety.
But beyond the controversy, Kaitlyn has delivered a powerful performance along with Isabela that’s left audiences wondering—who is she really? Where did she come from? What movies and shows has she worked in before?
In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the life, career, and journey of Kaitlyn Dever—exploring everything from her early days to her breakout roles and beyond.
Table Of Content
- Who is Kaitlyn Dever?
- Social Media Handles
- Early Childhood
- Education
- Family
- Partner
- Career
- Future Goals
- Favorites
- Achievements
- Brands
- Controversies
- Net Worth
- Facts
1. Who is Kaitlyn Dever?
Kaitlyn Dever is a 29-year-old Hollywood actress best known for her breakout role in the critically acclaimed series Justified (2011–2015), which firmly established her as one of the top emerging talents in the industry.
Credit – @kaitlyndever
Recently, she stepped into the spotlight once again with her powerful performance as Abby in The Last of Us Season 2—one of the most controversial and talked-about characters from the video game world. Her casting stirred a lot of conversation online, but her portrayal has earned both praise and curiosity.
Beyond television, Kaitlyn has also lent her voice to video games. She voiced Cassie Drake, the daughter of protagonist Nathan Drake, in Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End—a cool nod to her versatility as an actress.
Her other major roles include:
- Last Man Standing (2011–2021)
- Unbelievable (2019)
- Dopesick (2021)
- Booksmart
- Rosaline
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Not just that—Vanity Fair even named her among the Top 10 Actresses to Watch in Hollywood, solidifying her spot as a promising force in the industry.
2. Social Media
You can follow and track Catlyn Dever life and projects from her social media handles. She is quite active since the Last of Us series.
Credit – @kaitlyndever
3. Childhood of Kaitlyn Dever
Kaitlyn Dever was born on December 21, 1996, in Phoenix, Arizona. From a very young age, she showed a natural interest in acting—something her parents quickly recognized and supported. They enrolled her in a performing arts school to help nurture her talent early on.
Credit – @kaitlyndever
Before diving fully into acting, Kaitlyn explored a variety of activities including ballet, gymnastics, and most notably ice skating, inspired by her father, who was an ice skating coach. However, it was after watching Toni Collette’s powerful performance in The Sixth Sense (1999) that she made the decision to focus completely on acting.
Though she was born in Phoenix, her family later moved to Dallas, Texas, where she started her journey in front of the camera by appearing in several commercials. Eventually, the family relocated to Los Angeles, setting the stage for Kaitlyn’s future in Hollywood.
4. Education
Kaitlyn Dever’s educational journey began at the age of 5 when her family moved to Dallas, Texas. There, she attended public school while also pursuing her passion for acting. She enrolled at the Dallas Young Actors Studio, where she honed her skills in acting. Alongside acting, she trained in various disciplines, including skating, gymnastics, and ballet, to further develop her performance abilities. This early education in the performing arts laid the groundwork for her successful career in Hollywood.
5. Family of Kaitlyn Dever
Kaitlyn Dever comes from a unique and supportive family background—both of her parents were professional ice skating coaches, which certainly made for an interesting childhood. Her father is Tim Dever and her mother is Kathy Dever. Recognizing Kaitlyn’s passion for performing early on, they didn’t waste a moment and enrolled her in an acting school to help her follow her dreams.
Credit – @kaitlyndever
She isn’t the only talented one in the family either. Kaitlyn has two younger sisters, including Mady Dever, who is also an actress, and Jane Dever. She also has a brother, although his name hasn’t been publicly revealed.
6. Relationship
As of early 2025, Kaitlyn Dever was believed to be single—but things have taken a romantic turn recently!
With all the buzz surrounding The Last of Us Season 2, fans also spotted something off-screen: Kaitlyn is reportedly dating Ethan Dawes. The rumors sparked after the two were seen getting cozy at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party. While they didn’t walk the red carpet together, insiders caught Ethan giving Kaitlyn an affectionate kiss on the cheek inside the event.
Though the couple hasn’t made it official publicly, Kaitlyn has dropped several subtle hints. Let’s just say—it’s almost confirmed, and fans are just waiting for the announcement!
7. Career
So far, Kaitlyn Dever has built an impressive career and made a strong impact in Hollywood, with several acclaimed and iconic films to her name.
Credit – @kaitlyndever
a) 🎥 Early Roles & Breakthrough (2009–2013)
Kaitlyn Dever’s first notable on-screen moment came in 2009 when she played Gwen Thompson in An American Girl: Chrissa Stands Strong. But 2011 was her true breakout year. She landed the intense role of Loretta McCready, a recurring character on FX’s Justified, and also joined the sitcom Last Man Standing as Eve Baxter, daughter to Tim Allen’s character. Her sharp wit and confident delivery quickly made her a fan favorite.
During this early phase, she also appeared in shows like Make It or Break It, Modern Family, Private Practice, The Mentalist, Party Down, and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Her film credits in 2011 include Cinema Verite, Bad Teacher, and J. Edgar, directed by Clint Eastwood.
Her work didn’t go unnoticed—Kaitlyn received three Young Artist Award nominations in 2012 for Justified, Bad Teacher, and Last Man Standing.
b) Rising in Indie & Drama Circles (2013–2018)
Kaitlyn continued gaining ground in indie and dramatic roles with standout performances in The Spectacular Now and Short Term 12 (2013). In 2014, she starred in Lynn Shelton’s Laggies with Keira Knightley and Chloë Grace Moretz, followed by Men, Women & Children directed by Jason Reitman.
By 2017, she reunited with Shelton in Outside In and appeared in films like All Summers End, We Don’t Belong Here, and Kathryn Bigelow’s Detroit, showing her range in emotional and complex stories.
In 2018, she took on smaller parts in The Front Runner and Beautiful Boy, appearing alongside Timothée Chalamet. These roles kept her momentum strong as a rising Hollywood talent.
c)🚀 Breakout Stardom (2019–2021)
Credit – @kaitlyndever
2019 marked a huge turning point. Kaitlyn starred in Them That Follow, which premiered at Sundance, and then Booksmart, Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut. Her hilarious and heartfelt performance as Amy in Booksmart earned her serious critical love.
The same year, she blew audiences away in Netflix’s Unbelievable—a chilling, powerful miniseries based on true events. Her portrayal of Marie Adler earned her nominations for a Golden Globe, Critics’ Choice, TCA, and BAFTA Rising Star Award.
In 2020, she continued experimenting with unique projects, like the Home Movie: The Princess Bride quarantine special and Audible’s audio drama When You Finish Saving the World, written by Jesse Eisenberg.
She also starred in HBO’s Coastal Elites, and was cast as Zoe Murphy in Dear Evan Hansen (2021), adapted from the hit Broadway musical.
Her TV work didn’t slow down either—she appeared in Hulu’s Monsterland and starred in B.J. Novak’s anthology The Premise. But most notably, she played Betsy Mallum in Hulu’s Dopesick, a haunting performance that earned her an Emmy nomination.
d) 🧠 Challenging Roles & Critical Praise (2022–Present)
In 2022 and beyond, Kaitlyn fully embraced complex and risky characters. In 2023, she starred in No One Will Save You, a sci-fi thriller with almost no dialogue. Her ability to carry the entire film with just her expressions was praised as nothing short of extraordinary.
Then came one of the most talked-about announcements—in 2024, Kaitlyn was cast as Abby in Season 2 of The Last of Us. A bold move, given the character’s controversial role in the original video game, but fans of her acting knew she could handle the challenge. The buzz even led to her needing extra security due to online backlash.
In 2025, Kaitlyn expanded her range again with two big projects:
- She played Belle Gibson, a disgraced influencer, in Netflix’s true-story drama Apple Cider Vinegar (Feb 2025).
- And she joined the cast of the upcoming Monsterverse movie, set to release in 2027, marking her entrance into blockbuster territory.
8. Future Goals
Kaitlyn Dever continues to push boundaries with every role she takes. In the near future, fans can look forward to seeing her in the second season of The Last of Us as Abby and in the next Monsterverse film, scheduled for release in 2027. With her recent success in dramatic, action, and sci-fi genres, she’s clearly eyeing more complex, challenging roles—possibly even stepping into directing or producing down the line. Whatever comes next, Kaitlyn is definitely one to watch.
9. Achievements
Over the years, Kaitlyn Dever has earned critical acclaim for her powerful performances in both TV and films. She has won 7 major awards and received over 30 nominations, including prestigious ones like the Emmys, Golden Globes, and BAFTA.
🏅 Major Nominations
2020
• Unbelievable – Nominated for Critics’ Choice and Golden Globe as Best Actress in a Limited Series or TV Movie.
• Also nominated by Online Film & Television Association and TCA Awards for her powerful performance.
2022
• Dopesick – Nominated for Critics’ Choice, Golden Globe, and even a Primetime Emmy as Supporting Actress in a Limited Series.
2024
• No One Will Save You – Received a Critics’ Choice nomination for Best Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television.
2011–2013
• Multiple Young Artist Award nominations for roles in Private Practice, Bad Teacher, Justified, and Last Man Standing.
2013
• Short Term 12 – Nominated by the Phoenix Film Critics Society for Best Youth Performance.
2017
• Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End – Nominated by Behind the Voice Actors for Best Vocal Ensemble in a Video Game.
2019
• Booksmart & Them That Follow – Nominated by the Detroit Film Critics Society for Best Breakthrough Performance.
• Also nominated by the Indiana Film Journalists Association for Best Actress.
2020
• Nominated for the BAFTA Rising Star Award and Dorian Awards’ Rising Star of the Year.
🏆 Award Wins
2019
• Them That Follow – Won Best Ensemble Cast at the Newport Beach Film Festival.
• Booksmart – Named Female Star of Tomorrow at CinemaCon (shared with Beanie Feldstein).
2020
• Won Best Performance by an Actress 23 and Under from the Hollywood Critics Association.
• Named part of the Next Generation of Hollywood by industry experts.
2022
• Dopesick – Won Best Supporting Actress at the Hollywood TV Critics Awards.
10. Brands
Kaitlyn Dever isn’t just making waves on screen — she’s also caught the eye of the fashion world.
• InStyle Australia – Kaitlyn has graced their covers and editorial spreads, known for her effortlessly chic and modern style.
• Saint Laurent – She has collaborated with the iconic luxury brand, often seen wearing their designs at red carpets and fashion events, perfectly blending edgy and elegant.
• Ayamusa – Another clothing brand.
From magazine features to luxury fashion houses, Kaitlyn is definitely becoming a style icon in her own right.
11. Favorites
Wanna know what Kaitlyn Dever loves when she’s not busy slaying roles on screen? Here’s a peek into her personal faves:
• Favorite Person – Her mama! Kaitlyn has always been vocal about her love and admiration for her mom.
• Favorite Game – Yup, she’s a fan of The Last of Us even before joining the show. A true gamer at heart!
• Childhood Comfort – Her teddy bear! She’s mentioned in interviews that she still keeps it close.
• Favorite Roles – She’s particularly proud of her work in Unbelievable and Dopesick – two projects that earned her major critical love.
12. Controversies
Kaitlyn Dever has had a pretty clean and drama-free career… until now.
Her casting as Abby in HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2 stirred up a huge storm online. Why? Well, the character of Abby is already one of the most controversial characters in video game history. And now that the series is adapting that arc—fans have opinions. A lot of them.
Spoiler alert 🚨 (skip this line if you haven’t played the game or seen the show): Abby is the character who kills the beloved protagonist Joel, and that moment caused massive backlash in the gaming world when the game was released.
So when Kaitlyn took on the role? She got caught in the crossfire. The reaction was so intense that she reportedly had to get extra security just to stay safe during press tours and public appearances.
13. Net Worth and LifeStyle
As of 2025, Kaitlyn Dever has an estimated net worth of $3 million.
She has earned this through her successful career as an actress, musician, and producer. With major roles in hit series like Justified, Dopesick, and The Last of Us, along with film appearances and brand collaborations, Kaitlyn has built a solid and growing presence in Hollywood.
And considering her recent rise in popularity, this number is only expected to go up!
14. Facts
Here are some quick, short, and interesting facts about Kaitlyn Dever:
- She played Abby in the controversial The Last of Us series.
- Both her parents were professional ice skaters!
- She started acting after watching The Sixth Sense.
- She voiced Cassie Drake in Uncharted 4.
- She has a younger sister, Mady Dever, who’s also an actress.
- She’s been in commercials since childhood.
- She once trained in gymnastics, ballet, and ice skating.
- Named “Female Star of Tomorrow” at CinemaCon.
- Loves teddy bears and video games.
- Known for keeping her private life very low-key.
- She was very close to be casted as Ellie in The Last of Us, but the role went to Bella Ramsey.
- Caitlyn occasionally consume alcohol and other beverages.
FAQs
Q: Why did Kaitlyn Dever need extra security?
A: Due to backlash over her role as Abby in The Last of Us, a controversial character who sparked strong fan reactions.
Q: What is Kaitlyn Dever famous for?
A: She’s known for roles in Justified, Booksmart, Dopesick, and The Last of Us.
Q: What happened to Kaitlyn Dever’s mom?
A: Nothing publicly reported—her mother, Kathy Dever, is alive and supportive of her career.
Q: Was Kaitlyn Dever supposed to be Ellie?
A: She was once a fan-favorite choice to play Ellie, but Bella Ramsey was officially cast in the role.
Q: What about Kaitlyn Dever’s teeth?
A: Some fans noticed her unique smile, but there’s no known issue—her smile is natural and part of her charm.
Q: What is Kaitlyn Dever’s role in Dopesick?
A: She played Betsy Mallum, a young woman battling opioid addiction—earning her critical acclaim and awards.
Q: Did Kaitlyn Dever appear in Uncharted?
A: Yes, she voiced Cassie Drake, the daughter of Nathan Drake, in Uncharted 4.
Q: Is Kaitlyn Dever a singer too?
A: Yes! She’s also a musician and part of a music duo with her sister Mady called Beulahbelle.
