Gossip Girl, The Cast
Blake Lively as Serena Van Der Woodsen
Blake Lively stars as Serena van der Woodsen in The CW's new drama "Gossip Girl," from Josh Schwartz ("The O.C."), based on the tremendously popular book series about privileged teenagers who attend an elite private school in New York City. Lively has quickly become one of the most sought-after young actresses in Hollywood. Last summer, Lively starred in Universal's summer comedy "Accepted," alongside Justin Long and directed by Steve Pink. She made her big-screen debut in Warner Bros.' "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants," for which she earned a "Breakthrough Performance" nomination at the "2005 Teen Choice Awards."
Lively recently completed production on the independent feature "Elvis & Annabelle," starring opposite Max Minghella and Mary Steenburgen, as well as the sequel to "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants."
She was also honored at the December 2006 Hollywood Life Breakthrough Awards. She graduated from high school last spring and resides in Los Angeles.
Leighton Meester as Blair Waldorf
Leighton Meester stars as Blair Waldorf in The CW's new drama "Gossip Girl," from Josh Schwartz ("The O.C."), based on the tremendously popular book series about privileged teenagers who attend an elite private school in New York City. After making her television debut when she was 13 on "Law & Order," she got her breakout role in 2004 with a recurring role as the Britney Spears-like singer Justine Chapin on the hit series "Entourage." She continued to work steadily with guest-star roles on series like "8 Simple Rules," "Numbers" and "CSI Miami," and has had recurring roles on popular series such as "24," "Veronica Mars," "Shark" and "House." In addition, she had regular roles on "Tarzan" and "Surface."
Meester made her film debut in the feature "Hangman's Curse," based on the best-selling novel by Frank Peretti. She also recently starred in the independent film "Flourish" with future "House" co-stars Jennifer Morrison and Jesse Spencer, and in the drama "Inside." Meester's upcoming feaure films roles include the dramedy "The Beautiful Ordinary," the horror/comedy "Drive-Thru" and the thriller "Dead of Night."
Raised in Marco Island, Florida, Meester became interested in acting when she appeared in a local production of "The Wizard of Oz." When she was 11, she moved with her family to New York City and soon after began working as a model with Wilhemina, booking a Ralph Lauren campaign shot by Bruce Webber and working with then photographer Sophia Coppola.
When not on the set, Meester passionately pursues her talent for music and creative writing. She has recorded a song for the soundtrack of her upcoming film "Drive-Thru." She currently resides in New York.
Penn Badgley as Dan Humphrey
Penn Badgley stars as Dan Humphrey in The CW's new drama "Gossip Girl," from Josh Schwartz ("The O.C."), based on the tremendously popular book series about privileged teenagers who attend an elite private school in New York City.
Badgley most recently starred in Tom Fontana's "The Bedford Diaries," opposite Matthew Modine and Milo Ventimiglia. On film, he starred alongside Jesse Metcalfe and Brittany Snow in the hit comedy "John Tucker Must Die," and will next be seen starring in the rugby-themed film "Forever Strong." His other film work includes the provocative yet acclaimed independent feature "The Fluffer."
Badgley also played the lead in the Warren Littlefield-produced comedy series "Do Over." He then segued into McG's drama series "The Mountain," with Barbara Hershey and Oliver Hudson.
Though life began for Badgley in Baltimore, he split his formative years between Richmond, Virginia, and Seattle. It was there that he became actively involved in the Seattle Children's Theater and voice-over work that eventually lead he and his mother to Los Angeles, where he secured an agent.
Upon relocating, he landed a coveted guest star role on "Will & Grace." Shortly thereafter, recurring roles on "The Young and The Restless," "The Brothers Garcia" and "Daddio" followed. He also guest starred on "What I Like About You."
When not honing his acting craft, Badgley attended Santa Monica Community College, having already completed his California High School Proficiency Exam at age 14. He has deferred admission to University of Southern California until his work schedule will permit him to return to school. In his spare time, he enjoys surfing, soccer, skiing, snowboarding, singing, and playing the guitar.
Chace Crawford as Nate Archibald
In The CW's new drama "Gossip Girl," Chace Crawford plays Nate Archibald, a young man uneasy with all the privileges that have been handed to him by his family, and who finds himself in a love triangle with his longtime girlfriend, Blair (Leighton Meester), and her best friend, Serena (Blake Lively).
Crawford recently wrapped production on the independent movie "She Lived" in Los Angeles, in which he stars as Joseph Young. Haley Bennett from "Music and Lyrics" co-stars and Mickey Liddell is directing. Crawford will next be seen starring in the Wingman Productions film "Loaded," starring alongside Jesse Metcalfe and Monica Keena.
In 2006, Crawford starred alongside Taylor Kitsch, Sebastian Stan and Toby Hemingway in Screen Gems' "The Covenant." The movie follows four young men who belong to a supernatural legacy and are forced to battle a fifth power long thought to have died. Directed by Renny Harlin, "The Covenant" opened at #1 in the box office.
Crawford also appeared in Lifetime's television movie "Long Lost Son" in 2006, in which he portrayed the son of Gabrielle Anwar's character. Directed by Brian Trenchard-Smith, "Long Lost Son" told the story of a mother who realizes 14 years later that the son and husband she believed to have drowned are still alive.
Crawford grew up in Plano, Texas. He moved to Los Angeles to attend Pepperdine University and while there, he began acting as a hobby. Shortly thereafter, he landed his first break as Tyler Simms in "The Covenant."
Currently, Crawford splits his time between Los Angeles and New York City, where "Gossip Girl" is being filmed.
Taylor Momsen as Jenny Humphrey
An actress whose poise and range reaches well beyond her years, Taylor Momsen stars as Jenny Humphrey, the freshman from Downtown Soho, who tries to fit in with the wealthy kids from New York's Upper East side, in The CW's new drama "Gossip Girl."
Working with directors ranging from Ron Howard to Gus Van Sant, Momsen is making her mark in Hollywood. She will next be seen in Gus Van Sant's "Paranoid Park" for IFC Films. The film revolves around a teenage skateboarder whose life begins to fray after he is involved in the accidental death of a security guard. The film premiered at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival to rave reviews and was given the 60th Anniversary Award.
Momsen can also be seen in Disney and Spyglass Entertainment's live action/CGI film "Underdog," starring Jim Belushi and directed by Frederik Du Chau. The film is scheduled for release on August 3, 2007.
In 2000, Momsen starred in her breakthrough performance in Ron Howard's "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," as Cindy Lou Who opposite Jim Carrey for Imagine Entertainment and Universal Studios. The film grossed over $340 million worldwide.
Additional film credits include: Robert Rodriquez' "Spy Kids 2," and Randall Wallace's "We Were Soldiers," starring Mel Gibson. Momsen was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and currently resides in Maryland.
Ed Westwick as Chuck Bass
Ed Westwick stars as Chuck, an overly confident and sexy bad boy, in The CW's new drama "Gossip Girl," from Josh Schwartz ("The O.C."), based on the tremendously popular book series about privileged teenagers who attend an elite private school in New York City.
An emerging young British actor trained at The National Youth Theatre in London, Westwick was recently seen in two high profile features. He played the role of Alex in Alfonso Cuaron's "Children of Men," opposite Clive Owen and Julianne Moore. Westwick was also seen playing the role of Zoran in Anthony Mighella's "Breaking and Entering," opposite Jude Law, Juliette Binoche and Robin Wright Penn.
Westwick will next be seen in the film "100 Feet," a supernatural thriller written by and to be directed by Eric Red. Starring alongside Famke Janssen and Bobby Cannavale, Westwick plays Joey, a handsome Brooklyn delivery boy who delivers groceries to Janssen's character, who is under house arrest. It is not long before they begin a heated affair. He will also be seen in "Son of Rambow," an independent film directed by Garth Jennings. Westwick plays Lawrence, a bully and surrogate father figure to his devoted younger brother. "Son of Rambow," which premiered at this year's Sundance Film Festival, caused quite a buzz at the festival, selling to Paramount Vantage for the highest amount at the festival.
Additional credits include guest leads in "Afterlife" for ITV1, "Casualty" for the BBC, "Doctors" for the BBC and "Dream Team" for Sky One. When not filming "Gossip Girl" in New York City, Westwick resides outside London.
Kelly Rutherford as Lily Van Der Woodsen
Perhaps best-known to television audiences as Megan Mancini in the hit series "Melrose Place," Kelly Rutherford stars as Lily van der Woodsen, wealthy socialite and mother of Serena (Blake Lively), in The CW's new drama "Gossip Girl," from Josh Schwartz ("The O.C."), based on the tremendously popular book series about privileged teenagers who attend an elite private school in New York City.
Recently, Rutherford starred in the NBC drama "E-Ring." Her other television series credits include starring roles in "Threat Matrix," "The Kindred," The Great Defender" and "Homefront." She also had recurring roles on "The District," "The Fugitive," "Get Real," and "The Adventures of Briscoe County, Jr." Additionally, Rutherford made guest appearances on such series as "Courthouse," "Davis Rules" and "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure." She also had a contract role on the NBC soap opera "Generations."
Rutherford appeared in the feature films "Swimming Upstream," "Scream 3," "I Love Trouble" and "Shakedown," as well as the television movies "Cry Wolf," "Robin Cook's Acceptable Risk," "The Perfect Getaway" and "No Greater Love."
Matthew Settle as Rufus Humphrey
Matthew Settle stars as Rufus Humphrey, a former rocker turned gallery owner and father to two teenagers, Dan and Jenny (co-stars Penn Badgley and Taylor Momsen), in The CW's new drama "Gossip Girl," from Josh Schwartz ("The O.C."), based on the tremendously popular book series about privileged teenagers who attend an elite private school in New York City.
Most recently, Settle had a recurring role on "Brothers and Sisters." His other series credits include roles on "E.R." and "The Practice," and guest appearances on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and "CSI: Miami." Settle has also starred in several television films, including "Blue Smoke," "Into The West," "A Place Called Home," "The Mystery of Natalie Wood," in which he portrayed Warren Beatty, "Band of Brothers," "Crime in Connecticut" and "Lansky," in which he played a young Bugsy Siegel.
On the big screen, Settle recently completed production on the thriller "Beneath." He starred in the "The Celestine Prophecy," which was adapted from the best-selling book. His other film credits include "Rancid," "Until the Night," "Attraction," "The In-Crowd," "U-571" and "I Still Know What You Did Last Summer." Credit: The CW