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Kaitlyn Dever, recognized as one of Hollywood’s most talented and versatile young actresses, has embraced two of the most significant roles of the year that have captured widespread attention. In HBO’s critically acclaimed series The Last of Us Season 2, she takes on the role of Abby, a multifaceted and controversial character whose decisions have ignited passionate discussions among fans and critics alike. At the same time, Dever stars in Netflix’s gripping limited series Apple Cider Vinegar, portraying Belle Gibson, an Australian wellness influencer who notoriously fabricated claims about curing her terminal brain cancer through alternative treatments.
With the highly anticipated Season 2 finale of The Last of Us set to air on Sunday, May 25, 2025, audiences are eagerly awaiting the resolution of Kaitlyn’s impactful portrayal of Abby, as it promises to conclude a compelling chapter in the series’ narrative.
At just 28 years old, the actress has already demonstrated her remarkable acting abilities in numerous acclaimed projects such as Booksmart, Unbelievable, and Dopesick. Discover more about the remarkable journey of Kaitlyn below.
Discover Kaitlyn Dever’s Prominent Roles in 2025
In 2025, Kaitlyn has made significant waves in the entertainment industry with her involvement in two major television roles. She portrays Abby Anderson in season 2 of The Last of Us, a character infamous among video game fans for the pivotal moment in which she kills Joel, played by Pedro Pascal, during a crucial early episode. Although this moment was anticipated by gamers, it nonetheless provoked strong reactions from viewers as they witnessed it unfold on screen.
Despite initial fan expectations that The Wilds star Shannon Berry would be cast as Abby, it was ultimately Kaitlyn who secured this coveted role, showcasing her ability to take on complex characters.
“Our casting process for season two has followed the same principles as season one: we seek world-class actors who embody the essence of the characters found in the source material,” stated series co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann at the time, as reported by Variety. “Nothing is more important than talent, and we are excited to welcome an acclaimed performer like Kaitlyn to join Pedro, Bella, and the rest of our talented cast.”
In addition to her role in The Last of Us, Kaitlyn is also the lead in Netflix’s gripping limited series Apple Cider Vinegar, where she brings the character of Belle Gibson to life.
Unpacking Kaitlyn Dever’s Emmy-Nominated Performance
Kaitlyn achieved her first Emmy nomination for her outstanding performance in Hulu’s critically acclaimed limited series Dopesick, where she portrayed a young woman grappling with addiction to painkillers. Her remarkable talent has also garnered her Golden Globe nominations for her compelling performances in both Dopesick and the Netflix series Unbelievable.
Kaitlyn Dever’s Rise to Stardom Through ‘Last Man Standing’
Kaitlyn experienced a significant breakthrough in her career by playing Eve Baxter, the daughter of Tim Allen’s character, in the beloved comedy series Last Man Standing. She was a series regular for the initial six seasons before transitioning to a recurring role during seasons seven through nine. Additionally, she made a memorable appearance as Loretta McCready in the acclaimed series Justified.
Her cinematic journey began with her first film role in the 2011 comedy Bad Teacher. Since then, her filmography has expanded to include notable movies such as Booksmart, Ticket to Paradise, and No One Will Save You, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Exploring Kaitlyn Dever’s Musical Talents
In addition to her acting career, Kaitlyn is also a talented singer. She forms part of the musical duo Beulahbelle alongside her sister Mady Dever. The duo released the track “Let You Go” for the soundtrack of the film Tully in 2018. Furthermore, Kaitlyn showcased her vocal abilities by performing several songs in the film adaptation of Dear Evan Hansen.
Kaitlyn Dever’s Family Background in Ice Skating
Kaitlyn hails from a family with a strong background in sports; her parents, Kathy and Tim Dever, were both ice skating coaches. Notably, her father lent his voice to the character Barney from 1999 to 2001. Although Kaitlyn was born in Phoenix, she also spent part of her childhood in Dallas before ultimately moving to Los Angeles, where she pursued her acting dreams.
