Kat Dennings Calls Tim Allen Her Favorite TV Dad!

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Kat Dennings revealed that her co-star Tim Allen holds a special place in her heart as her "favorite TV dad of all time." The 38-year-old actress, known for her versatile roles over the decades, is embarking on a new journey with ABC's highly anticipated sitcom, "Shifting Gears," where she pairs up with the 71-year-old comedic legend.

A Perfect Father-Daughter Match

Kat Dennings, who has portrayed numerous on-screen daughters throughout her extensive career, expressed her admiration for Tim Allen's portrayal of father figures. "Tim Allen, I will say, is my favorite TV dad of all time. It's been a real joy doing this show,"

Dennings shared. Her appreciation for Allen goes beyond his on-screen presence; she highlighted the loyalty of his crew, who have been with him since his iconic roles in "Home Improvement" (1991-1999) and "Last Man Standing" (2011-2021). "They followed him through all of his projects, which I think is a real testament to him as a person," she added.

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On-Camera Chemistry

Dennings and Allen share a dynamic and humorous on-screen rapport that fans can look forward to. "We have a very funny banter. We really enjoy these scenes where we're arguing. It's really fun," she explained, emphasizing the natural chemistry that enhances their performances. This synergy is expected to be a cornerstone of "Shifting Gears," a sitcom that promises both laughs and heartfelt moments.

About "Shifting Gears"

The new ABC series centers around Matt (Tim Allen), a stubborn and widowed owner of a classic car restoration shop. The plot thickens when his estranged daughter, Riley (Kat Dennings), along with her two children, moves back into his home. As the tagline suggests, "the real restoration begins," hinting at both the literal and metaphorical repairs the family will undergo.

A Serendipitous Opportunity

Before landing the role in "Shifting Gears," Dennings found herself in a challenging period, feeling lost and uncertain about her career path. "I was like, 'God, I don't know what I want to do.

I am just feeling so crazy,'" she recalled. A friend's suggestion to envision her "dream job" led her to realize her desire to return to multi-cam sitcoms. The following day, she received the call for "Shifting Gears," feeling it was a "meant to be thing."

Growing up watching "Home Improvement," Dennings was thrilled to work alongside Tim Allen, whom she idolized. "He's Santa Claus [in The Santa Clause films] and Buzz Lightyear [in the Toy Story franchise]. He's a big part of my consciousness growing up, so it was very surreal to work with him, but in a great way because he's a very kind person," she shared.

Reflecting on Past On-Screen Dads

While Tim Allen stands out as her favorite TV dad, Dennings fondly remembers other paternal figures she's portrayed. She expressed sadness over the passing of Bob Saget, who played her father in the 2001-2002 sitcom "Raising Dad." "I'm so sad that he's gone," Dennings said of Saget, describing him as a "lovely, lovely person."

Dennings also reminisced about her role as Marla in the 2005 comedy "The 40-Year-Old Virgin," where she played the stepdaughter of Steve Carell's character. The film, which marked both Carell's breakout and Judd Apatow's directorial debut, holds a special place in her career. "Steve Carell, I remember him being like, 'God, I hope this works out.' And he had just done The Office pilot or something like that, and now he's one of the biggest stars in the world, rightly so," Dennings remarked.

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Looking Ahead

Kat Dennings expressed gratitude for her journey and the experiences she's had with various on-screen fathers. "I've been very lucky. I've had very good experiences," she concluded, highlighting the positive relationships that have shaped her career.

As "Shifting Gears" gears up for its premiere, fans of both Kat Dennings and Tim Allen can anticipate a blend of humor, heartfelt family dynamics, and the seasoned performances that have made both actors beloved figures in the entertainment industry.

For more exclusive updates and behind-the-scenes insights, visit People.com.