Kaitlyn Dever, born and raised in the American Southwest, grew up immersed in a world of movement and discipline, juggling gymnastics and ballet throughout her youth. But over time, Kaitlyn Dever discovered a deeper passion—one that would ultimately define her path. Acting quickly became her true calling, and by the age of 13, Kaitlyn Dever had already stepped into the spotlight. Her early appearances included a role in An American Girl: Chrissa Stands Strong (2009) and a guest spot on the popular series Modern Family (ABC, 2009–2019), marking the beginning of what would become a dynamic career.
By 2011, Kaitlyn Dever was gaining serious momentum. That year, she landed two standout television roles that showcased her range and talent. She played the daughter of Tim Allen’s character in the sitcom Last Man Standing (ABC/Fox, 2011– ), bringing both humor and heart to the role. At the same time, she took on the recurring part of Loretta McCready in the critically acclaimed drama Justified (FX, 2010–15), earning praise for her nuanced performance.
While building her presence on screen, Kaitlyn Dever also had the opportunity to work alongside some of the most respected names in filmmaking. She appeared in Martin Scorsese’s J. Edgar (2011), delivered a memorable turn in James Ponsoldt’s The Spectacular Now (2013), and collaborated with Jason Reitman in Men, Women & Children (2014). Along the way, Kaitlyn Dever continued to impress audiences and critics alike with her supporting roles—particularly in the powerful indie drama Short Term 12 (2013), starring Brie Larson, and the darkly comedic Bad Teacher (2012).
The year 2019 proved to be a major milestone for Kaitlyn Dever. She headlined her first leading roles in feature films, showing incredible versatility across genres. In Booksmart (2019), she starred opposite Beanie Feldstein in a sharp, heartfelt teen comedy that earned widespread acclaim. Around the same time, she took on a dramatically different role in the tense, atmospheric thriller Them That Follow (2019), sharing the screen with Olivia Colman. Not stopping there, Kaitlyn Dever further demonstrated her depth as an actress in the Netflix miniseries Unbelievable (2019), where she delivered a powerful performance alongside Toni Collette.
Throughout her journey, Kaitlyn Dever has consistently proven herself to be a compelling and versatile talent—someone who brings authenticity and emotional intelligence to every role she takes on.
When it comes to Kaitlyn Dever’s filmography, fans and critics alike often point to Short Term 12 (2017) as her standout performance—though wait, correction, that film actually came out in 2013. Yeah, Short Term 12 (2013) is widely regarded as Kaitlyn Dever’s highest-rated project to date, earning critical acclaim for its emotional depth and powerful storytelling. Kaitlyn Dever delivered such a compelling performance that it really put her on the map. On the other end of the spectrum, her role in All Summers End (2017) tends to receive much more mixed, if not lower, reviews overall. While every actor has peaks and valleys in their career, it’s clear that Kaitlyn Dever shines brightest in more intense, character-driven roles. So, while Kaitlyn Dever continues to build an impressive body of work, it’s Short Term 12 that remains a fan favorite and career highlight for Kaitlyn Dever.