Kaitlyn Dever was born in Phoenix, Arizona. She knew she wanted to act at just six years old, and incessantly asked her parents to send her to acting school. Instead, they enrolled her in gymnastics, ballet and ice skating, but her passion didn't lie within any of these activities. At nine years of age, Dever enrolled at the Dallas Young Actors Studio, where she learned set etiquette, how the entertainment business works, and what would be expected of her as a professional actress. She was quickly signed with a respected Los Angeles based talent agent. Shortly thereafter, Dever was booking commercials and was on her way to the quality projects that now support her strong body of work.
She showcased her versatility working with Shailene Woodley in the critically acclaimed coming-of-age comedic drama The Spectacular Now (2013). Soon thereafter, she was given the opportunity to truly shine in the dark drama States of Grace (2013) alongside Brie Larson, where she plays the supporting lead Jayden, a teenager living in a group home for troubled youths. States of Grace (2013) premiered at SXSW 2013, where it won the Grand Jury Prize for Best Narrative as well as the Audience Award. Kaitlyn was coined as Summer 2013's indie "It" girl and was highlighted as a SXSW breakout.
Kaitlyn has been fortunate to have worked with some of the industries top and up and coming directors including Clint Eastwood, Jason Reitman, Destin Daniel Cretton, James Ponsoldt, and Lynn Shelton.
In 2014 Dever played teen Brandy Beltmeyer in the Jason Reitman-directed Men, Women & Children (2014). She also starred alongside Keira Knightley, Chloë Grace Moretz and Sam Rockwell in Lynn Shelton's Girls Only (2014).
In 2015, She wrapped her memorable 4 season-long arc playing Loretta McCready on the FX drama Justified (2010), for which she received critical acclaim.
