Kirsten (pronounced Keersten, not Kursten) Caroline Dunst was born on April 30, 1982 in Point Pleasant, New Jersey to father Klaus, a medical services executive and mother Inez an artist and former gallery owner. Kirsten has a brother named Christian. But a t age 13, Kirsten’s parents divorced.

At an early age of 3, her mother prompted her in modeling so that the age of 4, she already signed up to Elite and the Eileen Ford Agency. Her acting in front of a camera started in casting in advertisements and cameo roles in TV and in feature films like Woody Allen's "New York Stories" in 1989. Her film debut landed in "Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles" co-starring Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise. Her maturity in performing as the young vampire Claudia earned her a Golden Globe nomination, the MTV Award for Best Breakthrough Performance and the Saturn award for Best Young Actress. Along the way, she attended Ranney School at Tinton Falls, New Jersey and graduated from Notre Dame High School in Los Angeles. Speaking of voice, she also had her debut in singing performing the song "Dream of Me" from Get Over It in 2001.

In 1994 came her second triumph in another adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's classic about the women of the March family, Little Women where she was cast as the youngest daughter, naughty little Amy, who grows up to be the far-more-mannered Samantha Math. Along with the flick were Winona Ryder, as maverick sister Jo, and Susan Sarandon. Subsequently she got role in Jumanji. Besides films, Kirsten played some roles in TV like some deadly serious parts in “er” where she took a recurring role as Charlie Chiemienga. She also provided the voice of Young Anastasia in Fox's cartoon and of a character in the Japanese film called Majo no Takkyubin. She was paired with Tobey Maguire in the worldwide box-office hit Spiderman and its sequel, Spiderman II. Working on different types of flick and with great actors, Kirsten was able to prove her versatility as an actress.

Beside a maturity in acting, her astounding beauty counted her as one of People magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People in 1995 and was named one of Teen People magazine's 25 Hottest Stars Under 25 in 2002.

Kirsten has also been engaged with community service and charities, working with Elizabeth's Glaser's Pediatric AIDS Foundation, California Page Flippers, an organization to promote reading with young children and Tuesday's Child.

With all the fame and glory she earned, Kirsten managed to put up her own production company with her mother called "Wooden Spoon Productions". The name was inspired by her grandmother, which suggests women and creativity.

Her other upcoming movies include Wimbledon, Elizabethtown, and Marie-Antoinette.