Raymond Liu/Disney via Getty Images: Tim Allen and Kat Dennings filming ‘Shifting Gears’
The emotions ran high for Kat Dennings and Tim Allen while filming a poignant scene for the show Shifting Gears. During an appearance on the Not Gonna Lie podcast, the 38-year-old actress reflected on the powerful moment shared with her co-star from the popular ABC comedy.
“We were both nervous about it,” Dennings revealed about the emotional scene with Allen. “We were like, ‘Oh no, we have to cry. What is this?’ I looked at him and started tearing up, he looked at me and did the same. It felt genuine.”
“In the first episode, we both got emotional, and it was authentic,” she added.
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty; Momodu Mansaray/Getty: Kat Dennings and Tim Allen
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The former 2 Broke Girls star admitted that working on the show has been a unique experience as they delve into themes of grief and real-life issues.
“It’s quite an interesting experience because we are tackling grief and real issues,” Dennings shared. “It feels surreal to be raw and emotional in front of an audience like that. It’s this incredible blend of theater and burlesque. But when I look into Tim Allen’s eyes, I’m right there.”
“Forget everything else because he’s so present, and he truly feels these emotions,” she continued. “I haven’t experienced that much because, like me, people are often thinking about their lines or other things. He’s truly in the moment and a fantastic actor who connects deeply.”
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The series follows Matt (Allen), a widowed owner of a classic car restoration shop, as he navigates life with his estranged daughter Riley (Dennings) and her two children moving back in with him.
Working alongside Allen and the kids has been “phenomenal” for Dennings, who praised the cast’s chemistry for enhancing the comedic aspects of the show.
“It’s been a very positive, natural-feeling show for me, which is refreshing and a new experience,” Dennings expressed.
Playing a mother for the first time was also a new challenge that Dennings embraced.
“At 38, I found myself unsure about what to do career-wise. How could I portray a mother when I feel like I’m still 12? It sounds crazy,” she pondered. “But I was excited to explore this new facet of my career and delve into this aspect of my life.”
Disney/Mike Taing: Tim Allen and Kat Dennings in ‘Shifting Gears’
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“It has truly been a delight working on this show,” she enthusiastically shared, highlighting the actor’s dedicated crew who have been by his side since his days on Home Improvement (1991-1999) and Last Man Standing (2011-2021). “Their loyalty throughout all his projects speaks volumes about him as a person.””We share a great sense of humor. We particularly enjoy the scenes where we playfully argue. It’s a lot of fun,” she commented on their on-screen chemistry. Stay informed on the latest celebrity news and captivating human interest stories by subscribing to PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter. Catch Shifting Gears on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, with streaming available the following day on Hulu. [Source: People]
