Penn Badgley Reflects on His Whirlwind Romance with Blake Lively During ‘Gossip Girl’
As fans say goodbye to the gripping series You, Penn Badgley takes a nostalgic trip down memory lane, revisiting his time on the iconic show Gossip Girl. In a candid interview on the podcast Call Her Daddy with host Alex Cooper, Badgley opened up about the challenges of navigating a real-life romance with co-star Blake Lively, all while portraying the fictional relationship of Dan and Serena.
The Spotlight was Blinding
When Gossip Girl first hit our screens in 2007, it quickly transformed its cast into household names. Badgley and Lively’s on-screen chemistry sparked a real-life romance that would capture the hearts of viewers. They reportedly dated from 2007 until 2010, creating a spotlight that made it difficult for Badgley to delineate between his personal and professional life.
“That’s a great question because it was the struggle,” Penn confessed when asked if he could keep his personal life separate from his character’s.
The Weight of Celebrity
Badgley reflected on how being continuously recognized and associated with his character took a toll. “What starts to happen when you’re in this one role for a long time—the aspect of celebrity being a part of it, a huge part of it—there is not enough separation, I think, for anybody,” he elaborated. “You’re seen as this person; you’re called their name out on the street. You also constantly have to be that person at work.”
Love in the Limelight: A Lifesaver
Interestingly, Badgley has previously noted how his relationship with Lively acted as a stabilizing force in his life. In a 2023 interview with Variety, he mentioned that their bond kept him from potentially falling into substance abuse during a challenging time. “To be honest, I never struggled with substance. Blake didn’t drink, and I think our relationship in some ways saved me from forcing myself to go down that road.”
Life After ‘Gossip Girl’
Fast forward to today and both stars have moved on with their lives. Penn Badgley is now happily married to Domino Kirke, and the couple is set to welcome identical twin boys into their family. “So now we have four boys,” he shared during an interview with Access Hollywood, beaming with pride. He is also a devoted stepfather to Domino’s eldest son, Cassius, and a doting dad to their son, James, aged four. “The world needs more good men,” Penn remarked, acknowledging the challenges of raising boys in today’s world. “So, you know, the pressure’s on us to raise them well!”
Conclusion: A Timeless Connection
While Penn Badgley and Blake Lively have long since parted ways, their multifaceted relationship during the Gossip Girl era remains a fascinating chapter in both of their lives. The complexities of dating within the starlit Hollywood realm shape not only personal narratives but also influence the characters that captivate audiences.
For more insights on celebrity relationships, lifestyle choices, and entertainment industry gossip, check out other pieces on Cosmopolitan or Variety.
Penn’s journey serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between love, fame, and the art we create, leaving us yearning for more stories behind the glitzy façades of Hollywood.
