
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - JULY 20: Cast members of Gossip Girl pose at The CW TCA Party held at the Pacific Design Center on July 20, 2007 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Mark Sullivan/WireImage) *** Local Caption ***
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“Gossip Girl Cast. the iconic teen drama that captured the hearts of millions, premiered in 2007 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Set against the backdrop of Manhattan’s Upper East Side, the series followed the lives of privileged high school students as they navigated love, betrayal, and scandal-all under the watchful eye of the mysterious Gossip Girl. The show not only became a massive success but also launched the careers of its young, talented cast. But what have these stars been up to since the series ended in 2012? Let’s take a look at where the cast of “Gossip Girl” is now.
Blake Lively (Serena van der Woodsen)
Blake Lively, who portrayed the glamorous and sometimes troubled Serena van der Woodsen, has since become a Hollywood A-lister. After “Gossip Girl, cast Lively starred in a variety of films, including “The Age of Adaline,” “A Simple Favor,” and “The Shallows.” She’s also known for her impeccable fashion sense and has become a style icon. Off-screen, Lively married fellow actor Ryan Reynolds in 2012, and the couple has four children together. She has taken a step back from acting in recent years to focus on her family and various business ventures, including her non-alcoholic mixer brand, Betty Buzz.
Leighton Meester (Blair Waldorf)
Leighton Meester’s portrayal of the queen bee, Blair Waldorf, earned her critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. Following her “Gossip Girl” days, Meester expanded her career beyond acting. She released a folk-pop album, “Heartstrings,” in 2014 and has appeared in several TV shows, including “Making History” and “Single Parents.” Meester married actor Adam Brody in 2014, and the couple has two children. While she continues to act, Meester has also embraced motherhood and often keeps a lower profile than her “Gossip Girl” days.
Penn Badgley (Dan Humphrey)
Penn Badgley, who played the introspective and often brooding Dan Humphrey, has perhaps undergone the most dramatic career transformation of the cast. After “Gossip Girl,” Badgley took a brief hiatus from acting to focus on his music with the band MOTHXR. He made a powerful return to television with the role of Joe Goldberg in the hit Netflix series “You.” His portrayal of the charming yet sinister character has earned him widespread praise and re-established him as a leading man in Hollywood. Badgley is married to singer Domino Kirke, and they have one child together.
Chace Crawford (Nate Archibald)
Chace Crawford, who brought the charming Nate Archibald to life, has continued to enjoy a steady acting career post-“Gossip Girl cast. He appeared in films such as “What to Expect When You’re awaiting ” and “ The Boys, ” the ultimate of which has come a major success. Crawford’s role as The Deep in “The Boys” has shown his range as an actor, allowing him to explore more complex and darker characters. Despite his continued success, Crawford maintains a relatively private life, keeping his personal affairs out of the spotlight.
Ed Westwick (Chuck Bass)
Ed Westwick’s portrayal of the enigmatic and troubled Chuck Bass made him a standout star of “Gossip Girl.” After the show ended, Westwick appeared in several films and TV shows, including “White Gold” and “Snatch.” However, his career faced significant challenges due to allegations of sexual misconduct that emerged in 2017, which he has consistently denied. These allegations led to his being dropped from projects and facing legal battles. Despite these setbacks, Westwick has been working to rebuild his career and has remained active in the industry.
Taylor Momsen (Jenny Humphrey)
Taylor Momsen, who played the rebellious Jenny Humphrey, made a bold career shift after leaving “Gossip Girl cast before its final season. Momsen pursued her passion for music and became the lead singer of the rock band The Pretty Reckless. The band has enjoyed significant success, with several chart-topping albums and singles. Momsen has largely stepped away from acting to focus on her music career and has embraced a more alternative lifestyle compared to her “Gossip Girl” character.
Jessica Szohr (Vanessa Abrams)
Jessica Szohr, known for her role as Vanessa Abrams, has continued to act in various TV shows and films since “Gossip Girl” wrapped up. She’s appeared in shows like “Shameless,” “The Orville,” and “Kingdom.” In 2021, Szohr gave birth to her first child with partner Brad Richardson, an NHL player. Szohr continues to work in the entertainment industry and has also ventured into podcasting, co-hosting a show about the making of “Gossip Girl.”
Kelly Rutherford (Lily van der Woodsen)
Kelly Rutherford, who played Serena’s elegant mother, Lily van der Woodsen, has had a tumultuous personal life since Gossip Girl cast ended. She became embroiled in a highly publicized custody battle over her two children, which made headlines for years. Professionally, Rutherford has continued to act, appearing in shows like “Quantico” and “Dynasty.” She is also an advocate for children’s rights and often speaks out on issues related to family law.
Matthew Settle (Rufus Humphrey)
Matthew Settle, who played Dan and Jenny’s laid-back father, Rufus Humphrey, has continued to work steadily in television and film. He’s appeared in various TV movies and had guest roles on shows like “Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders.” Settle has kept a lower profile in the entertainment industry but remains active in his career.
FAQs
1. Is there a “Gossip Girl” reboot?
Yes, a “Gossip Girl” reboot premiered on HBO Max in 2021. The new series introduces a fresh cast of characters while still taking place in the same world as the original. It features occasional cameos and references to the original series.
2. Did any of the Gossip Girl cast members stay close friends?
Several cast members have maintained friendships over the years. Blake Lively and Leighton Meester were not as close as their on-screen characters, but they remained friendly. Penn Badgley and Chace Crawford have also stayed in touch and have occasionally spoken about their time on the show.
3. How did “Gossip Girl” end?
The series finale of “Gossip Girl” revealed that Dan Humphrey was the infamous Gossip Girl all along. The final episode also featured a flash-forward showing the main characters moving on with their lives, including a wedding between Serena and Dan.
4. Which cast member has had the most successful post-“Gossip Girl” career?
While several cast members have gone on to successful careers, Blake Lively and Penn Badgley are often considered the most successful. Lively has become a major film star, while Badgley’s role in “You” has garnered him significant acclaim.
5. What is the legacy of “Gossip Girl”?
Gossip Girl cast is remembered as a defining show of the late 2000s, influencing fashion, pop culture, and even the way teen dramas are produced. Its exploration of social media’s impact on society was ahead of its time, making the series still relevant in discussions about media and culture today.
Conclusion
The cast of Gossip Girl cast has gone on to diverse careers, with some achieving significant success in Hollywood, while others have taken different paths. Whether they’ve continued acting, ventured into music, or focused on personal endeavors, each cast member has left a unique mark on the entertainment industry. As fans continue to reminisce about the drama and intrigue of the Upper East Side, the legacy of Gossip Girl cast remains as strong as ever.