Penn Badgley Opens Up About the Challenges of Dating Blake Lively on ‘Gossip Girl’
In a candid revelation, Penn Badgley has shared the complexities of dating his Gossip Girl co-star Blake Lively, describing the relationship as a “struggle” during their time on the iconic teen drama. Their off-screen romance, which sparked curiosity and attention from fans, was deeply intertwined with their on-screen personas, leading to significant challenges.
The Heart of the Matter: A Unique Experience
Penn Badgley recently sat down with Alex Cooper on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast. During this insightful conversation, he opened up about the differences between filming a movie and shooting a television series. Badgley explained, “When you do a film, you do it once. And you kind of give it your all and then you move on — whether you want to or not.” In contrast, long-running shows like Gossip Girl create a unique pressure, where actors are continually expected to embody their characters.
“You’re doing it constantly,” he elaborated, shedding light on the relentless pace of television production. The ramifications of this constant immersion became a source of conflict for the young star as he navigated both his personal feelings and professional obligations.
The Weight of Celebrity and Self-Identity
The immense popularity of the CW Network series blurred the lines between Badgley and his character, Dan Humphrey. He remarked on the struggle of this dynamic, stating, “There is not enough separation… You’re seen as this person, you’re called their name out on the street.” This level of acclaim, while a boon for Badgley’s career, complicated his understanding of himself apart from the character he portrayed.
At just 23 years old, he reflected on the emotional toll such an experience inflicted, acknowledging that he lacked the “emotional maturity” to effectively differentiate between his on-screen role and his real-life identity. He candidly shared, “What people seemed to think of Dan seemed to be what people thought of me.”
The On-Set Dynamic: Professionalism Amidst Personal Struggles
Lively and Badgley’s on-and-off relationship lasted from 2007 to 2010 while filming, resulting in a unique camaraderie on set. Despite the ups and downs of their romance, they managed to maintain a sense of professionalism. According to an insider for Us Weekly, “They’re professionals… still good friends and hang out on the set.”
After their split, both actors continued to shine in their careers. Blake Lively, 37, eventually married her own co-star, Ryan Reynolds, in 2012 and the couple are now proud parents of four children. Meanwhile, Badgley tied the knot with Domino Kirke in 2017, and they welcomed a son together. As a recent update, they are currently expecting twins.
Moving Forward: Lessons Learned
Reflecting on his experiences, Badgley has grown immensely since his days on Gossip Girl. Today, he appreciates the importance of separating personal identity from professional roles, a lesson hard-earned during the tumultuous years spent in the public eye. The legacy of their time on the iconic show remains, but it is evident that both actors have moved on to embrace new chapters in their personal and professional lives.
As fans continue to reminisce about Gossip Girl, deeper stories like that of Penn Badgley and Blake Lively serve as a poignant reminder of the intricacies of love, friendship, and self-discovery within the often chaotic world of stardom.
