When Gossip Girl premiered in 2007, it was a cultural phenomenon overnight that defined a generation of fashion, drama, and quotable one-liners. The show followed the lives of New York City’s upper-east-side teens, their scandals, and the anonymous blogger who exposed them. Over a decade later, the cast has moved on to other projects, but their characters as Serena, Blair, Chuck, and Dan remain iconic. Let’s take a look at what the Gossip Girl cast has been up to since the Upper East Side said goodbye.
Blake Lively (Serena van der Woodsen)
Blake Lively’s role as the effortlessly glamorous Serena van der Woodsen propelled her to superstardom. Following Gossip Girl, Blake became a Hollywood A-lister, appearing in films like The Age of Adaline, A Simple Favor, and The Shallows. She also met and married Ryan Reynolds, and the pair has become one of Hollywood’s most beloved couples, as they are known to constantly exchange side-splitting social media barbs. Blake remains a style icon and recently attempted directing and producing.
Leighton Meester (Blair Waldorf)
Constance Billard’s Queen Bee, Leighton Meester’s Blair Waldorf, was style and ambition embodied. After the show, Leighton kept things diverse with film roles in The Roommate and That’s My Boy. She also pursued her passion for music, releasing her debut album Heartstrings in 2014. On the small screen, she starred in the sitcom Single Parents and continues to do edgy roles in indie films. Off-screen, she’s a devoted mom to her two children with actor Adam Brody.
Penn Badgley (Dan Humphrey)
Penn Badgley played the brooding Brooklyn outcast Dan Humphrey, who was unmasked as the infamous Gossip Girl. Following Gossip Girl, Penn reinvented himself as a dramatic actor and earned critical acclaim for his role as Joe Goldberg in Netflix’s You. His chilling performance has earned him fan favorite status in the thriller genre. Penn is also an advocate for social and environmental issues, and he uses his platform to raise awareness about causes that matter.
Chace Crawford (Nate Archibald)
Chace Crawford’s Nate Archibald was the golden boy of the Upper East Side. Chace transitioned to more mature roles after Gossip Girl, including a scene-stealing stint as The Deep in Amazon’s hit show The Boys. His comic timing and dramatic range have captured a new generation of fans. Chace maintains a mix of film and TV work while keeping his personal life under wraps.
Ed Westwick (Chuck Bass)
Ed Westwick’s portrayal of the enigmatic and ruthless Chuck Bass earned him a special place in the hearts of fans. He later appeared in films like Romeo & Juliet and TV shows like White Gold after the show. Although his career has been tainted by a few setbacks, he remains popular with Gossip Girl fans. Ed has also dabbled in music, singing and playing the guitar.
Taylor Momsen (Jenny Humphrey)
Taylor Momsen’s Jenny Humphrey went from adorable little sister to crazy fashion designer. Following Gossip Girl, Taylor focused on music and became the lead singer of rock band The Pretty Reckless. The band has had several successful albums, and Taylor continues to tour and make music, leaving acting in the past.
Kelly Rutherford (Lily van der Woodsen)
As the sophisticated and sometimes manipulative Lily van der Woodsen, Kelly Rutherford brought glamour to the show. Kelly has appeared in many TV shows and films since Gossip Girl, including Dynasty and Riverdale. She’s also an advocate for family rights and has spoken publicly about her own custody battles, using her platform to support others in the same situation.
Matthew Settle (Rufus Humphrey)
Matthew Settle played adorable, flannel-wearing Rufus Humphrey, father to Dan and Jenny. After the show, Matthew retired from acting to focus on his family and personal projects. He appears here and there in television shows and movies, but Rufus is one of his most popular roles to date.
Jessica Szohr (Vanessa Abrams)
Jessica Szohr’s Vanessa Abrams was the artsy outsider who was consistently drawn back into the fold of drama. Since Gossip Girl, Jessica has acted on shows including Shameless, Twin Peaks, and The Orville. She has also begun to produce and continues to act on both television and film.
The Legacy of Gossip Girl
The original Gossip Girl series ended back in 2012, but its impact remains. In 2021, HBO Max rebooted the show with a new cast, bringing the drama back to the Upper East Side. While the reboot has its own flair, fans will always have a soft spot for the original cast.
Conclusion
The Gossip Girl cast has come a long way from their scandalous and scheming days on the Upper East Side. From Hollywood stardom to music and activism, they have proven to be versatile and enduring. As we revisit the show through streaming services, it is clear that Gossip Girl was not just a TV show but a cultural phenomenon with a lasting influence.
