Dakota Johnson’s Breakout TV Role as Kate Fox in Ben and Kate

Please subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates from Your Next Shoes. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure for more details.

In March 2012, Dakota Johnson made her television debut as Kate in the Fox comedy series Ben and Kate. The show, which also starred Nat Faxon and Kat Dennings, was canceled after one season on January 25, 2013.

When the first episode aired on September 25, 2012, Dakota Johnson (Kate) was 22 years old, Nat Faxon (Ben) was 36 years old, and Kat Dennings (Ruby) was 26 years old.

Abby Elliott was originally cast as Kate Fox in the show, but her tenure was short-lived. After the table read for the pilot, it was decided that she was too young for the role. The character of Kate was written as a 26-year-old, while Elliott was 24 at the time.

In the American single-camera sitcom television series Ben and Kate, Dakota Johnson brought the delightful character of Kate Fox to life, while the adorable and talented Maggie Elizabeth Jones captured hearts as the lovable Maddie FoxIn the American single-camera sitcom television series Ben and Kate, Dakota Johnson brought the delightful character of Kate Fox to life, while the adorable and talented Maggie Elizabeth Jones captured hearts as the lovable Maddie Fox (Credit: Fox)

As a result, she left the show, and the search for a new Kate began. Dakota Johnson, who was just 22 years old, was ultimately chosen as Elliott’s replacement, making her even younger than the character was originally intended to be.

Jake Kasdan, the executive producer of the Fox comedy series Ben and Kate, was pivotal in bringing Dakota Johnson on board. He recommended her for the role of Kate after being impressed with her performance in the 2012 romantic comedy film The Five-Year Engagement, where she had been personally referred to by Judd Apatow.

Model/actress Dakota Johnson, actress Maggie Elizabeth Jones, and actor/screenwriter Nat Faxon promoting the American single-camera sitcom television series Ben and KateModel/actress Dakota Johnson, actress Maggie Elizabeth Jones, and actor/screenwriter Nat Faxon promoting the American single-camera sitcom television series Ben and Kate at KIIS FM’s 2012 Jingle Ball at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on December 1, 2012, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: The Photo Access / Cover Images)

Despite the show’s potential and the talented cast, “Ben and Kate” faced an unfortunate fate. It only lasted for 16 episodes before being canceled by the network. Moreover, the final three episodes were never aired in the United States, leaving some loose ends for viewers.

The titular character, Ben, was based on Dana Fox’s brother, though the extent to which it remained true to his real-life persona was open to interpretation by the viewers.

The show gave its own creative spin to the character, providing a unique and entertaining perspective on Ben’s personality and experiences.

Dakota Johnson’s Chic Black Ensemble at UN Event

In August 2016, Dakota Johnson attended a special event for United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in Los Angeles.

Dakota Johnson pulls her hair back for an event honoring United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moonDakota Johnson pulls her hair back for an event honoring United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon held on August 10, 2016, at a private residence in Los Angeles (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

The then-26-year-old kept things fashionable in a black Proenza Schouler ensemble composed of a silk-crepe blouse and a pair of trousers.

Dakota Johnson looks classy at a political event in a Proenza Schouler ensembleDakota Johnson looks classy at a political event in a Proenza Schouler ensemble (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

The off-the-shoulder style showed off just a hint of flesh, while the long sleeves and loose-fitting silhouette covered up the “50 Shades of Grey” star’s curves.

Her top also had a halter-neck strap, ruffles, and a tie-neck detail.

Dakota Johnson shows off her shoulder and back tattoos in a black Proenza Schouler blouse and pant setDakota Johnson shows off her shoulder and back tattoos in a black Proenza Schouler blouse and pant set (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

Dakota gave the all-black ensemble a pop of color with bright red Flaca tassel earrings.

The gap-toothed actress kept the look simple, wearing her hair in a messy updo and sporting a natural makeup look.

Dakota Johnson wears an all-black Proenza Schouler outfit to a private event held for United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moonDakota Johnson wears an all-black Proenza Schouler outfit to a private event held for United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

Dakota picked a pair of Jimmy Choo “Kora” sandals for her feet that emphasized her foot tattoos.

Dakota Johnson's feet in black suede Jimmy Choo sandalsDakota Johnson’s feet in black suede Jimmy Choo sandals (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

These black suede sandals feature pleated straps, adjustable ankle-tie straps, and 3.5-inch column heels.

Dakota Johnson's feet in black suede "Kora" sandalsDakota Johnson’s feet in black suede “Kora” sandals (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

Discover a range of exquisite Jimmy Choo sandals available in various versions, all waiting for you to explore at Mytheresa and Farfetch.

Jimmy Choo "Kora" Sandals Tan Suede

Jimmy Choo "Kora" Sandals Red Suede

Jimmy Choo "Kora" Sandals SnakeskinJimmy Choo “Kora” Sandals, $795-$995

Black Jimmy Choo "Kaytrin" Platform SandalsBlack Jimmy Choo “Kaytrin” Platform Sandals, $895