Gossip Girl, a show that launched the careers of its young and talented cast, saw actors closely matched in age to their characters. This marked a departure from the usual trend where actors playing teenagers were significantly older. The show, based on Cecily von Ziegesar’s books, ran from 2007 to 2012, offering a glimpse into the lives of elite teenagers on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
Age Comparison
Unlike typical teen dramas, Gossip Girl’s cast members’ ages closely aligned with those of their characters, maintaining a realistic portrayal of high school students.
10. Leighton Meester as Blair Waldorf
- Actor’s Age: 21
- Character’s Age: 16
Leighton Meester captured audiences as Blair Waldorf, being five years older than Blair. Her character’s evolution was a central theme of the series.
9. Ed Westwick as Chuck Bass
- Actor’s Age: 20
- Character’s Age: 16
Ed Westwick’s portrayal of the complex Chuck Bass was critical to the show’s success. He was four years older than his character.
8. Kaylee DeFer as Ivy Dickens
- Actor’s Age: 25
- Character’s Age: 21
Kaylee DeFer, who joined the cast in season 4 as Ivy, was four years older than her character. Ivy’s deceptive nature brought a new level of intrigue.
7. Jessica Szohr as Vanessa Abrams
- Actor’s Age: 22
- Character’s Age: 16
Jessica Szohr played Dan’s friend Vanessa, being six years older than her character. Vanessa’s return to New York sparked significant developments.
6. Matthew Settle as Rufus Humphrey
- Actor’s Age: 38
- Character’s Age: 42
Matthew Settle, portraying Rufus Humphrey, was younger than his character by four years. Rufus’s relationship with Lily added depth to the show’s adult storyline.
5. Kelly Rutherford as Lily Van Der Woodsen
- Actor’s Age: 39
- Character’s Age: 41
Kelly Rutherford played Serena’s mother, Lily, and was slightly younger than her character. Lily’s complex love life paralleled the drama of the younger characters.
4. Taylor Momsen as Jenny Humphrey
- Actor’s Age: 14
- Character’s Age: 14
Taylor Momsen was exactly the same age as her character Jenny, making her one of the few cast members to match her character’s age perfectly.
3. Chace Crawford as Nate Archibald
- Actor’s Age: 21
- Character’s Age: 16
Chace Crawford, who played Nate, also shared a five-year gap with his character. Nate’s tumultuous relationships added to the show’s drama.
2. Penn Badgley as Dan Humphrey
- Actor’s Age: 21
- Character’s Age: 16
Penn Badgley, portraying the outsider Dan Humphrey, was five years older than his character. Dan’s journey from a high school junior to the revelation as Gossip Girl kept audiences hooked.
1. Blake Lively as Serena Van Der Woodsen
- Actor’s Age: 20
- Character’s Age: 16
Blake Lively was close in age to her character when she began portraying Serena. The difference was merely four years, with Serena being a junior in high school at the series start.
The “Gossip Girl” cast mostly consisted of actors who were slightly older than their on-screen counterparts, a common practice in teen dramas. This age difference allowed for a portrayal of teenage life that was both relatable and aspirational, contributing to the show’s iconic status.
