Latest news with #Meester
Elle
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Elle
The Surprising Way ‘Gossip Girl' Influenced Leighton Meester and Adam Brody's Wedding
Leighton Meester wore multiple wedding gowns during her time playing Blair Waldorf in Gossip Girl. That experience shaped how she handled her real-life wedding to Adam Brody in a surprising way, she revealed to Bustle. She and Brody chose to have a small celebration because 'on sets and in life, I've been able to wear a fancy dress and hit a mark and say lines, and I didn't want [my wedding] to feel like that,' she said. 'I wanted it to feel intimate and private.' Brody and Meester tied the knot in early 2014, just months after they revealed their engagement in November 2013. On Feb. 19, 2014, a source broke news of their wedding to E!, saying, 'Leighton and Adam got married in Northern California by the ocean a couple of weeks ago. It was a very small and intimate wedding with close family and friends. It was beautiful.' The couple hasn't said much about the ceremony since, and photos never emerged of their private day. Meester and Brody went on to welcome two children, who are now 9 and 4 years old. They are part of the reason why Meester is so selective about her projects now. 'There's been a lot of stuff that I haven't done because I want to be with them,' she explained. 'I don't like being away from them. I'm sure a lot of people feel this way, but I'm especially not into it. Obviously, for the very right thing, I would probably just be like, 'Let's figure it out.' I mean, I'm not going to leave my family for a year. We're not doing that. But apart from that, we have a good system in place, where I can consider jobs carefully. And every other piece of life. 'It's been really, very lovely to do a couple of shows where there is that feeling of: there could be a future there,' she added. 'But I don't know. People are always asking, 'What do you want to do? Where do you see yourself? Where do you want to go?' And I'm like, I don't know. I don't know if it's motherhood or this current situation or this business. You kind of can't be like, 'I know what I'm doing three years from now.' I'm just, like, OK right now, I just feel like being in the moment and figuring it out as I go along, because that's all we can do, you know?'
Daily Mirror
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Gossip Girl's Leighton Meester unrecognisable in The Buccaneers season 2 trailer
The second season of the hit period drama is set to premiere on Apple TV+ next month Gossip Girl icon Leighton Meester appears unrecognisable from her days as Blair Waldorf in the stunning trailer for the highly-awaited second season of the smash-hit period drama The Buccaneers. Kickstarting on Apple TV+ in 2023, this opulent saga first captured hearts by charting the misadventures of a clique of high society American women during the sumptuous Gilded Age, taking London's aristocratic scene by storm in their bid to snag well-to-do husbands. Instead of charming the English elites, their brazen and lively antics saw them gaining notoriety as the delightful hell-raisers within the starched collars of London's upper crust. Released today (Thursday, 22nd May), the trailer gives viewers a thrilling peek at Meester stepping into the role of Nell – seen imploring Patricia St. George (played by Christina Hendricks) to acquaint her with Annabel 'Nan' St. George (Kristine Frøseth). The intrigue surrounding Nell has fans pondering if Meester might be playing Nan's natural mother, sending admirers of both previous Gossip Girl shenanigans and The Buccaneers into a frenzy for the next chapter, reports the Mirror US. On Reddit, one fan couldn't contain themselves: "Omd is her mum Blair Waldorf???!!!!" Over on X (formerly Twitter), the quips kept coming: "the buccaneers season 2 trailer really saved leighton meester until the end like a marvel reveal." Another enthusiast commented: "SOOOOOO excited for the 2nd season! Really looking forward to seeing Leighton Meester in this season!" "SO many thoughts... mabel and honoria.... lizzy as a bride... nan standing up to her sister's abuser... leighton meester cameo gagging me at the last second... i love girlhood," read one fan's post. Another ecstatic viewer exclaimed: "leighton meester at the end WE ALL CHEERED." Meester, still mingling with America's elite in her latest role, looks unrecognisable compared to her iconic portrayal of Blair in her fleeting appearance. The Gossip Girl star, always known for her impeccable fashion sense, dazzles as Nell in a sumptuous purple evening dress, her hair styled in sophisticated curls, adorned with striking ruby earrings. The synopsis for the new series teases: "Now the Buccaneers are no longer the invaders - England is their home. In fact, they're practically running the place. "Nan is the Duchess of Tintagel, the most influential woman in the country. Conchita (Alisha Boe) is Lady Brightlingsea, heroine to a wave of young American heiresses. "And Jinny (Imogen Waterhouse) is on every front page, wanted for the kidnapping of her unborn child. "The girls have all had to mature quickly and now must fight to make their voices heard, grappling with romance, desire, envy, childbirth, and mortality... issues that affect women of any age, in any era. "Last time we got a taste of England. This time we're in for a veritable feast." Are you ready to see Nan and the Buccaneers stir up more mayhem when they return next month? The Buccaneers season 2 premieres Wednesday, 18th June on Apple TV+.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Gossip Girl' Actress Breaks Silence on Co-Star Michelle Trachtenberg's Death
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways Leighton Meester is the latest member of the Gossip Girl cast to speak out about the death of former co-star Michelle Trachtenberg. Trachtenberg, who was known for playing Georgina Sparks on the hit teen drama, died unexpectedly in February after suffering complications of diabetes mellitus. She was 39. 🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬 Over two months after Trachtenberg's passing, Meester broke her silence on the tragic situation in a new interview with Flaunt, calling the death of her former co-star and friend "devastating." "She was a wonderful, talented person, and everyone loved her," said Meester, who starred on Gossip Girl as the fan-favorite character Blair Waldorf. "It's very, very sad for everyone who knew her." Trachtenberg, who was also known for roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Harriet the Spy, 17 Again and Ice Princess, was found dead in her Manhattan apartment on Feb. 26. She was discovered unconscious and unresponsive, and was pronounced dead at the scene. While opening up about Trachtenberg's tragic death, Meester, 39, expressed her appreciation for the longevity of Gossip Girl, as it can help keep the memory of the late actress alive. "Now, I can see that [the show's legacy] continues—in some ways, even more so than back then—to live on, which is incredible," Meester added. Next: Blake Lively Reacts to 'Gossip Girl' Co-Star Michelle Trachtenberg's Death
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Leighton Meester speaks out on death of co-star Michelle Trachtenberg; says, "It's devastating"
Gossip Girl veteran Leighton Meester is grieving over the death of her former co-star and close friend, Michelle Trachtenberg, who unfortunately died earlier this year at 39. Speaking with Flaunt in a emotional interview, Meester, 39, shared their history together and the long-lasting friendships established while creating the legendary teen show. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "It's devastating," Meester said. "She was an incredible, talented woman, and everybody adored her. It's very, very sad for everybody who knew her." The actress, who played the tough and fashion-conscious Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl, said the news was especially difficult because they were the same age when Trachtenberg passed away. "It really makes you stop and think," she said. Michelle Trachtenberg, who was most famous for playing the troublemaker Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl and Dawn Summers on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, was discovered dead in a New York City apartment on February 26. The New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner subsequently confirmed that her death was due to complications from diabetes mellitus, and her death was determined to be natural. Meester also accepted the enduring impact of Gossip Girl, remarking, "Now, I can see that [the show's legacy] continues — in some ways, even more so than back then — to live on, which is incredible." The CW series, which broadcast from 2007 to 2012, has had a strong cultural presence, and the tight-knit cast created a connection that has lasted long past the last episode's broadcast. In the wake of confirmation of Trachtenberg's death, there was an outpouring of condolences from some of her former co-stars, including Penn Badgley, Blake Lively, Ed Westwick, and Chace Crawford. Badgley remembered her warmth and her effervescent nature: "What I remember of her is she was incredibly quick to laugh. She was really joyous.". We all have our ups and downs, our lights and shadows, but she had this — I mean, she was mature, but she had this childlike, joyous laugh. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now ' Though Badgley admitted he hadn't seen Trachtenberg in over a decade, he remembered her fondly, describing her as having a 'really pure heart.' Michelle Trachtenberg's sudden passing left a deep footprint on the Gossip Girl household and her admirers worldwide. While the entertainment world keeps rejoicing over her legacy and efforts, those around her, including Meester, remind us of the depth, talent, and light she illuminated in their world. 'Tiger 3': Hollywood actress Michelle Lee talks about the 'epic' towel fight scene with Katrina Kaif; says 'It was definitely a challenge'
Los Angeles Times
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Leighton Meester is more than the internet's boyfriend's wife
When Adam Brody became the internet's boyfriend a few months back, people started acting weird around Leighton Meester. Of course, long before audiences became obsessed with Brody's turn as a hot rabbi in 'Nobody Wants This,' both he and Meester were cemented in the pop culture firmament as teen drama icons. She was 'Gossip Girl's' Blair Waldorf. He was 'The O.C.'s' Seth Cohen. And it warmed everyone's cold little hearts that actors from two beloved mid-aughts shows had ended up together IRL. But when the couple — who have been married since 2014 — showed up at the Golden Globes in January, the vibes were off. Reporters on the red carpet couldn't stop fawning over Brody during interviews, to the point where he had to step in and attempt to make things less awkward. 'Your date is the Hot Rabbi,' an 'Entertainment Tonight' host gushed to Meester. 'And she's my real shiksa goddess,' Brody duly pointed out. On the 'Access Hollywood' podium, one journalist even grabbed Meester's face to ask if her husband kissed her as intimately as he did his scene partner on his new Netflix show. 'She taught me,' Brody chimed in again. 'I mean, she gets the good stuff. That's not even, like, the A material.' TikTok users zoomed in on their television screens that night, posting clips highlighting the odd energy being directed Meester's way. This was Queen B, after all. Show a little respect. But Meester herself swears she didn't even clock the gushy line of questioning. 'Wow, I don't remember that,' the 39-year-old insists. 'I understand that people are doing their jobs. I'm sure they're generally trying to be nice and supportive and rooting for us, and me.' From anyone else, this might read as frustratingly Pollyanna-ish. A politically correct answer from an actor trying not to offend the people who help her make her and her spouse's livelihoods. But Meester really is that unbothered. It's hard to square with the fact that she played a calculating, uppity bitch so well in the role that made her famous. But the signs have always been there. In the 13 years since 'Gossip Girl' wrapped, most of the paparazzi pictures snapped of her have been shot while she was surfing, appearing more concerned with sun protection — outfitted in a bucket hat and full-body wetsuit — than her appearance. Meanwhile, Meester and her husband, 45, have both continued to work steadily, often in independent films or as supporting characters in larger projects. Meester has played a country ingenue opposite Gwyneth Paltrow in the musical romance 'Country Strong,' done an arc on the short-lived 'How I Met Your Mother' spinoff and co-starred in an Elizabeth Meriwether-created sitcom that fizzled out during the COVID-19 pandemic. In other words, she's not overly precious about what she chooses to act in. Her latest role is in the comedic police procedural 'Good Cop/Bad Cop,' which starts streaming on Amazon Prime this month. The show has been airing on The CW since February but, despite earning strong reviews, has yet to become much of a talker. Australian actor Luke Cook — the male half of the sibling detective duo on the series — attributes much of that to the fact that the show was co-produced by a streaming company in his native country. 'There's a marketing budget in Australia, and there's not been one behind the U.S. launch,' says Cook. 'I have family members and friends over there sending me pictures of posters of the show everywhere, and over here, there's no sign that it's on other than on social media.' But if Meester is the least bit salty about the show's reception stateside — you guessed it — she doesn't let on. 'I'm super proud of this show,' she says. 'I just really hope that if people watch it, they enjoy it. It's my happy place.' It's February, about a week after the first episode dropped on The CW, and Meester is sitting in a booth at Casablanca, a dimly lit, vaguely divey Mexican restaurant whose decor is comprised entirely of memorabilia relating to the 1942 film. She's already sipping on a mezcal margarita by the time I arrive, passing a menu to recommend the enchiladas or ceviche. She's a regular here — her kids, ages 9 and 4, often ask to swing by after school — but doesn't know the origin of its ties to the Humphrey Bogart-Ingrid Bergman film. We ask the waiter. 'You know, like the movie,' he says, dropping a basket of chips on the table and walking away. That Meester and her family are gravitating toward the familiar right now makes sense. It's been just over a month since their home burned to the ground in the Palisades fire. She's still trying to find the right words to describe the loss. Devastating, of course. That's the first one she settles on. Painful. But then she starts talking about how lucky she feels in the grand scheme of things — that she hasn't had to face many crises in her life. She didn't think she needed a perspective shift, but the fire forced one on her, and now she feels surprisingly grateful. 'Loving something — or someone — so much that it would hurt so badly to lose it, and then saying I wouldn't have loved it any less? That's what I think I'm here for,' she says. 'I don't want to feel unhappy loving another human and thinking, 'Well, you could leave me tomorrow. You could die.' That's the horrible truth of this life. But it's also the amazing thing of the day-to-day, and most days, I'm fortunate enough to say, are pretty damn good.' It has been a time of stark contrast. The fires started just over 36 hours after the Golden Globes. Shortly after, the second season of 'Nobody Wants This' started filming, so Brody began traveling across town from the couple's new rental house on the Westside to go to set. At Casablanca, Meester has just arrived from a table read for the Netflix rom-com, for which she'll shoot a cameo in a few weeks. She says her scenes are mostly with sister characters Kristen Bell and Justine Lupe, rather than her husband. But they've acted together before — she thinks this is the seventh project for them — most recently on 'Good Cop/Bad Cop.' 'When the camera wasn't on her and we were doing his coverage, I would be like, 'Leighton, you're not acting. You're just watching Adam with a big smile on your face,'' recalls John Quaintance, the show's creator. 'They're so supportive of each other that it's both heartwarming and a little sick.' They've never played an onscreen couple, but Meester says she'd be down for it. 'I really like hanging out with him and working with him,' she says, her eyes getting that gooey look she had watching Brody take home the actor in a comedy series prize at the Critics Choice Awards in early February. (His speech ended with this ol' heartstring-puller: 'And my darling, darling, darling wife, Leighton. Thank you. Thank you for sharing this life with me, and this journey with me. Thank you for our family. I love you with all my heart.') Those who've worked with Meester would love for her to have her own renewed moment in the sun. 'I don't think enough people have seen how great she is at comedy,' says Quaintance. ' I think that first huge role probably hangs over her in the form of expectations that people think, 'Oh, I'll go see her on some sort of nighttime soap.' And I think the real Leighton is a lot more fun than that.' Meester acknowledges that she and her 'Gossip Girl' character share startlingly little in common. She's definitely not into headbands. But you know that saying about ducks? They look calm on the surface of the water, but their feet are anxiously paddling away underneath. That feels like the thread connecting Meester and Blair Waldorf — they're both ambitious, the latter is just unabashed about showing it. As a girl, Meester did local theater in Marco Island, Fla. The only stage in town was a church, so the venue moonlighted as the host of Girl Scout meetings, potluck dinners and local productions. In fifth grade, Meester got a part in a play and went there every day after school for rehearsal. She loved it so much that she convinced her mother to let her attend a modeling and acting convention in Georgia. After performing a made-up commercial for a handful of talent representatives, one urged her to move to New York for the summer to try her hand at professional auditions. So at 11, she and her mother decamped to the city. She enrolled in junior high at Manhattan's Professional Children's School and soon landed a role on 'Law & Order.' She got to act with Jerry Orbach and Benjamin Bratt, and the costume director liked her grape-juice-stained shirt so much that she was ordered to keep it on for her scene. She spent her high school years in L.A. but returned to New York City for 'Gossip Girl.' The show ran from 2007 to 2012, when she was in her 20s, and it's a period she still feels tender about. 'I feel so close to that person, almost now more than any other time in my life,' she says. 'I feel very in touch with her, and I feel for her.' There has, of course, been a lot of speculation about the turmoil of the 'Gossip Girl' years, particularly among the suddenly-famous young and beautiful cast members. In January, after Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni entered into a public and contentious legal battle, clips resurfaced online of Meester and Lively. It has long been rumored that the two did not get along, and old interviews posted online purported to spotlight steely interactions between the two of them. Asked how she felt about being brought up in relation to the Lively drama, Meester demurs. 'Oh, I — I don't want to talk about any of that,' she says. At the moment, she's focused on making her life as low-stress as possible. This summer, she'll stay in L.A., partly because of work: She's booked a recurring role on HBO's forthcoming 'Untitled Rachel Sennott Project.' But that's about all she knows about how the next few months will go. After the fires, she's focused on trying not to plan too far ahead. Her kids help with that. Lately, they've been fascinated with something called Stick Nation, a subculture of people on TikTok who upload videos showcasing unique sticks they've found in the wild. 'My son will see a stick and be like, 'Can I take it home? It's special.' To see the world like that is pretty amazing,' says Meester. 'I'm trying to spend those moments with them and absorb it. I was going to say trying to focus on the joy of the moment, but even sometimes the pain of it. It sounds strange, but I've really been enjoying this time.'
