For over three decades, film fans and interviewers alike have been mispronouncing the name of one of Hollywood's most beloved actresses. Now, Kirsten Dunst has stepped in to set the record straight once and for all.
The star, famed for her roles in Spider-Man, Marie Antoinette, and the Oscar-winning The Power of the Dog, has revealed that the common Anglicised pronunciation of her name is incorrect. In a recent interview, she shared the authentic German pronunciation that honours her family heritage.
The Correct Pronunciation
So, how is it really said? Forget the commonly heard 'Keer-sten'. The correct articulation is 'Kear-stin' Dunst.
The revelation came during a conversation where Dunst explained that the mispronunciation has been a constant throughout her career. The name's Germanic roots dictate a harder 'Kear' sound at the beginning, rather than the soft 'Keer' that has become the norm in English-speaking circles.
A Lifelong Misconception
Dunst has been a household name since her breakout role as a child star in Interview with the Vampire alongside Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt. Despite her long-standing fame, the correct enunciation of her name has remained a elusive piece of trivia for most.
The actress's clarification puts to bed a long-running question amongst her fans and finally pays homage to her family's origins, offering a glimpse into the personal identity behind the global celebrity.
