Penn Badgley Reflects on His Relationship with Blake Lively During ‘Gossip Girl’
In a recent podcast episode, actor Penn Badgley opened up about his past relationship with Blake Lively, which blossomed while they were filming the iconic series Gossip Girl. It’s been nearly two decades since they captured the hearts of fans worldwide, and now, the nostalgia brings us back to their intertwined lives both on and off the screen.
A Relationship Born from Fame
During his candid discussion on Alex Cooper’s popular podcast, "Call Her Daddy", Penn shared that dating Blake while both played love interests on the show was not without its challenges. "When you do a television show, you’re doing it constantly…you feel like you’re constantly needing to prove yourself in some manner," he explained, shedding light on the pressures that came with their duality as actors and romantic partners.
The Burden of Celebrity
As Gossip Girl skyrocketed in popularity, the lines between Penn’s character, Dan Humphrey, and his real-life persona began to blur. He admitted to struggling with this lack of separation: "What starts to happen when you’re in this one role for a long time…there is not enough separation for anybody," he revealed. At just 21 years old, the weight of fame impacted his emotional maturity, making it difficult for him to distinguish personal identity from public perception.
Penn noted, "What people seemed to think of Dan seemed to be what people thought of me." This statement starkly illustrates the struggles of young actors navigating their burgeoning fame while trying to maintain their authenticity.
An Amicable End to an Iconic Romance
Though their romantic relationship eventually came to an end while the series was still on the air, both actors managed to keep their split amicable. In another emotional moment during his podcast Podcrushed, Penn reminisced, “I’m pretty sure we were exes for nearly half of the run of the entire series. We were always very professional. I don’t even think, in my memory, there was not one bit of strangeness.” This speaks volumes about their maturity and respect for one another, a rarity in the world of young Hollywood romances.
Keeping in Touch: The Cast’s Bond
When asked about his relationship with other Gossip Girl cast members, Penn described it in the light of long-distance friendships: “It’s sort of like college roommates, you know, you just move on. There’s a love there. Live your life.” This casual, yet affectionate remark reveals how much he values the time spent with his co-stars, even if they’ve drifted apart since the show’s conclusion.
The Legacy of Gossip Girl
Gossip Girl, which aired for six successful seasons from 2007 to 2012, remains a cultural touchstone. Fans are still fascinated by the show’s ability to blend drama, romance, and the complexities of youth in New York City. As we relive the magic of Blair, Chuck, Serena, and Dan, it’s heartening to realize that amidst the glitz and glam, the stars themselves forged genuine connections that lasted beyond the limelight.
Penn’s reflections on his relationship with Blake Lively and his time on Gossip Girl remind us that even in a world driven by fame, authentic emotions and respect can shine through. For more on celebrity life and behind-the-scenes stories, check out our related articles and dive deeper into the lives of your favorite stars.
[Explore more about Penn Badgley on his podcast Podcrushed here.](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcrushed/id1622070205)
