The Next Files: Kat Dennings

THE HOT PROJECT
The House Bunny

BUT YOU KNOW HER FROM…
The 40 Year-Old Virgin

Why she’s here to stay
The 22-year-old brings unexpected heart and humor to angsty roles.

Wigging out
As an awkward sorority sister in Bunny, Dennings gets a makeover — kind of. ”My first look is the ‘Matt Dillon in the ’90s’ haircut. And the second look is like a drag queen Dolly Parton. No joke.”

Video killed the tabloid star
A YouTube channel and a brutally honest blog (katdennings.com) are the actress’ way of keeping it real with fans. ”So if you were to read about me getting married to a dinosaur in the Philippines…”

Coming up
Her first starring role — opposite Michael Cera in October’s Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist — is another free spirit. But don’t call her a misfit: ”It’s annoying that interesting roles for girls are always tagged as outcasts. You have to play the cheerleader to be called ‘normal.”’