Penn Badgley recently took a trip down memory lane to his time on "Gossip Girl," a period when he was romantically involved with his co-star, Blake Lively.
In a conversation with Variety, published on February 15, the "You" actor delved into his sudden rise to stardom following the series' debut in 2007, shedding light on his relationship with Lively as well.
"Outside of our relationship, I don't think anyone was particularly interested in my public persona," he shared with the publication, while acknowledging the seismic shift in his life that occurred after the show's premiere. "I believe the date was September 19, 2007."
Badgley and Lively's on-screen chemistry evolved into a real-life romance in 2007, and their relationship had its share of ups and downs before they finally parted ways in 2010.
Towards the conclusion of his time on "Gossip Girl," Badgley confessed that his enthusiasm for television had waned, and he had lost interest in his role. "I spent a considerable amount of time as Dan... And I'm not suggesting it's a positive thing! I'm merely stating the facts," he noted.
During that period, he revealed that he was grappling with what he described as a "spiritual crisis," stemming from his fame and fortune, a challenge that Blake Lively played a pivotal role in helping him overcome. "To be frank, I never had an issue with substances," he clarified. "Blake didn't drink, and I believe our relationship served as a lifeline, steering me away from that path."
Badgley characterized that phase as a "dark undercurrent" that persisted into his twenties. He went on to explain, "Like anyone who experiences a certain degree of fame and wealth, I confronted the universal truth that not only does it fail to improve or simplify your life, but it can actually complicate things and lead to significant unhappiness."
However, through his exploration of social change, Buddhism, and travel, he ultimately found inner peace. Today, he fully embraces the fame that accompanies his role in "You," a role he believes has revitalized his acting career.
