Gossip Girl took the world by storm when it premiered in 2007, introducing us to the glamorous yet scandalous lives of Manhattan’s elite. Over six seasons, the show’s cast became household names, but what are they up to now? Let’s take a deep dive into the original Gossip Girl cast, their careers after the show, and some juicy behind-the-scenes facts that even die-hard fans might not know.
The Original Gossip Girl Cast: Then & Now
1. Blake Lively (Serena van der Woodsen)
Blake Lively played the stylish and effortlessly cool Serena van der Woodsen. Post-Gossip Girl, Lively cemented her place in Hollywood with films like The Age of Adaline, A Simple Favor, and The Shallows. She is also a businesswoman, launching her non-alcoholic beverage brand, Betty Buzz. Married to Ryan Reynolds, Lively continues to captivate audiences with her impeccable fashion sense and philanthropic efforts.
2. Leighton Meester (Blair Waldorf)
Leighton Meester’s portrayal of Queen B, Blair Waldorf, made her an icon. After Gossip Girl, she pursued music, starring in Broadway’s Of Mice and Men and appearing in TV shows like Single Parents. She also married The O.C. star Adam Brody, and the couple shares two children. Meester remains active in Hollywood, balancing family life and acting.
3. Penn Badgley (Dan Humphrey)
The infamous “Lonely Boy” had one of the biggest plot twists in TV history, revealing himself as Gossip Girl. Since then, Penn Badgley has taken on darker roles, particularly as Joe Goldberg in Netflix’s hit series You. A musician as well, Badgley is the lead singer of the band MOTHXR. He is also vocal about social justice issues and mental health advocacy.
4. Chace Crawford (Nate Archibald)
Chace Crawford played the charming and privileged Nate Archibald. After Gossip Girl, he starred in Amazon’s The Boys, a wildly popular superhero satire. Crawford has also appeared in Inheritance and Blood & Oil, showing his versatility in both TV and film.
5. Ed Westwick (Chuck Bass)
Ed Westwick brought Chuck Bass to life with his iconic catchphrase, “I’m Chuck Bass.” Since the series ended, he has acted in movies and shows such as White Gold and Wicked City. A fashion enthusiast, Westwick frequently collaborates with luxury brands and remains a fan favorite for Gossip Girl nostalgia.
6. Taylor Momsen (Jenny Humphrey)
Taylor Momsen left Gossip Girl after season four to focus on music. She is now the lead singer of the rock band The Pretty Reckless, which has achieved massive success in the rock music scene. Momsen has distanced herself from acting but continues to thrive in the music industry.
Behind-the-Scenes Secrets Fans Might Not Know
- Blake Lively and Leighton Meester Weren’t Best Friends – Despite their on-screen chemistry, the two actresses were reportedly not close off-camera.
- Penn Badgley Didn’t Like Playing Dan Humphrey – In multiple interviews, Badgley admitted he wasn’t fond of his character, calling Dan a hypocrite.
- Taylor Momsen Was Banned From Set – Due to her rebellious behavior, Momsen’s character was gradually written out of the show.
- Kristen Bell Was Almost Cast as a Main Character – The voice of Gossip Girl herself, Kristen Bell, originally auditioned for a role in the show but ultimately became the narrator.
- Ed Westwick Struggled With His American Accent – Being British, Westwick had to work hard to perfect Chuck Bass’s signature voice.
Will There Be a Gossip Girl Reboot?
HBO Max attempted a Gossip Girl reboot in 2021, introducing a new generation of Upper East Siders. However, the reboot received mixed reviews and was canceled after two seasons. While fans of the original series remain hopeful for a reunion, nothing has been confirmed by the cast or creators.
Conclusion
The Gossip Girl cast has come a long way since their days on the Upper East Side. Whether they pursued acting, music, or business, each star has left a mark in the entertainment industry. No matter what, they will always be remembered for their iconic roles in one of the most influential teen dramas of all time.
