Happiest of birthdays Blair Waldorf! November 15th marks the birthday of Gossip Girl’s “Queen B” of Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Love her or hate her, Blair Waldorf is Gossip Girl’s most iconic character. Played on the show by actress Leighton Meester, Blair’s an eclectic mix of good with bad, confident while insecure, loving yet cruel. Blair came from a wealthy family and is considered very intelligent and popular. Sometimes she uses her influence to manipulate others, which can certainly be seen as selfish. However, Blair’s actions are rarely done without purpose: whether it’s out of fairness, loyalty, or to protect someone she cares about – including herself. While she is privileged and controlling, she is not spoiled and works hard for her independence. Plus her awe-inspiring fashion choices in each episode were always a sight to behold.
Though the show originally focused more on Blair’s best friend (and sometimes enemy) Serena, it was only a matter of time before the show refocused on Blair as her popularity with Gossip Girl fans grew. Interestingly enough, in some ways, it was Blair’s jealousy of Serena and how much easier Serena’s life seemed to be that drove Blair to be more interesting of a character in comparison. This is not to say that Blair was not very mean to others she saw as below her (or as a threat to her) and didn’t act extremely immature at times. She certainly did. However, there’s often something very likable about Blair’s assured answers and responses which are enjoyable to watch play out. Blair said things most of us wish we had the courage to say to people we feel have somehow done us wrong.
Running six seasons and 121 episodes (from 2007-2012), Gossip Girl had many famous faces the YEM family are likely familiar with. Besides Leighton Meester as Blair, Serena was played by Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants star Blake Lively. Jenny was portrayed by the current lead singer and songwriter for the popular hard rock band, The Pretty Reckless, Taylor Momsen. Carter is now best known as Marvel’s Winter Soldier himself, Sebastian Stan. And the narrator of each episode of Gossip Girl was voiced by Veronica Mars star (and the voice of Anna from Frozen), Kristen Bell.
The popularity of the original series helped launch a new Gossip Girl reboot that is bringing the show to a whole new generation of young adults. YEM has you covered on who’s who in the current reboot version of the show here:
https://youngentertainmentmag.com/whos-who-in-hbo-maxs-gossip-girl-reboot/
Gossip Girl (the reboot) premiered on HBO Max on July 8th. The first season will consist of 12 episodes, split into two six-episode parts, with the second half of Season 1 arriving on HBO Max on November 25th. The new show has already been renewed for a second season.
