Kat Dennings, best known for her roles in films like Thor, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, and Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, found herself stepping into a whole new world when she took on her first major television role in CBS's 2 Broke Girls. Co-starring with Beth Behrs, Dennings portrayed Max Black, a tough, street-smart waitress navigating life in Brooklyn while striving to start a cupcake business with her fellow broke friend Caroline Channing. However, Dennings recently revealed that her journey on the show was far from smooth, opening up about the behind-the-scenes drama and the emotional challenges she faced.
As 2 Broke Girls approached its Monday-night premiere, Dennings admitted she was more than a little intimidated. Despite her success in films, the transition to a live studio audience was daunting. In a candid interview with the New York Times, Dennings recalled a particularly nerve-wracking moment before her second-ever taping. "I was talking on the phone to my mother," she shared. “I was like: ‘Mom, there’s no air.
I’m going to throw up. What do I do? ’ She’s like: ‘Go out there, you’ll be great. Go get some water. Eat a piece of fruit.’”
Despite her initial nerves, Dennings believed strongly in the show's premise. 2 Broke Girls centers around the struggles of Max and Caroline as they navigate the challenges of being broke in Brooklyn while dreaming of opening their own cupcake shop. The storyline struck a chord with many viewers, especially given the tough economic climate at the time. “The subject matter of being broke is a huge deal always, and especially right now,” Dennings explained to MTV News.
“Everyone can relate to that, and it’s nice to see people go through it on TV.”
While Dennings expressed confidence in the show’s potential success, her behind-the-scenes experiences weren’t always easy. Working with executive producer Michael Patrick King, whom she had previously collaborated with on Sex and the City, added an extra layer of pressure. On Sex and the City, Dennings played a memorable role as a “blow job Bar Mitzvah girl,” a part she humorously acknowledged had “changed my life.
” But transitioning to a lead role on a primetime sitcom brought new challenges and expectations, amplifying her anxieties.
Dennings’ openness about her struggles on 2 Broke Girls provides a glimpse into the often-overlooked pressures faced by actors, even those who seem effortlessly confident on screen. Behind the laughter and the quirky one-liners, Dennings was navigating her own journey of self-doubt and growth, much like the characters she portrayed.
Despite the backstage jitters and occasional moments of self-doubt, Dennings' portrayal of Max Black became a defining role in her career, resonating with audiences who saw themselves in the struggles of two young women hustling to make their dreams a reality. The relatability of the show, combined with the genuine chemistry between Dennings and Behrs, helped solidify 2 Broke Girls as a staple of early 2010s television.
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