Leighton Meester

Leighton Meester is an actress, singer, and model known for her versatile talent and iconic role as Blair Waldorf on the hit TV series "Gossip Girl" from 2007 to 2012. Growing up, Meester moved frequently as a child before her family settled in Florida, where she began modeling at the age of 11. She eventually relocated to New York City to pursue acting, quickly booking roles in television shows like "Law & Order" and "7th Heaven."

During her six-season run on "Gossip Girl," Meester became a fashion icon and face of Upper East Side glamour. The character’s blend of wit, ambition, and vulnerability resonated with audiences, making her one of the show’s most beloved characters. Meester’s performance not only brought her recognition but also opened doors to film roles, including appearances in "Country Strong" alongside Gwyneth Paltrow, "The Roommate," in which she was nominated for multiple awards for her villainous role as Rebecca Evans, the indie comedy "Life Partners," and the Broadway play "Of Mice and Men." More recently, she starred in the films "The Weekend Away" and "EXmas.".

In addition to acting, Meester is a talented musician. In 2009, she launched her music career with the single "Somebody to Love," featuring Robin Thicke. Later, she shifted to a more indie-folk sound, releasing her debut album, "Heartstrings," in 2014, which she wrote and was produced by Jeff Trott. She also featured in the Cobra Starship single "Good Girls Go Bad," which was a top ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2009.

In recent years, Meester has continued to work in television, starring in series like "Making History" and "Single Parents," both of which allowed her to explore more comedic roles. She also had guest roles in "The Last Man on Earth" in 2018 and "The Orville" in 2019 and 2022. She had a recurring role in the series "How I Met Your Father" and appeared in the 2023 series "The Buccaneers." Offscreen, she is married to actor Adam Brody, with whom she shares two children, and is known for her dedication to environmental causes and philanthropy. Meester has been actively involved in charity work, including with Feeding America since 2017, and has collaborated with several campaigns for organizations like Safe Horizon and Many Hopes. She has also volunteered at Los Angeles' Downtown Women's Center, Para Los Niños Charter School, and the Los Angeles Food Bank.