For many of us, Gossip Girl was more than just a show — it was a defining part of our teenage years.
But for Chace Crawford, who played the ultra-polished Nate Archibald, revisiting the Upper East Side drama stirs up more anxiety than nostalgia.
Now 39, Chace recently admitted he hasn’t had the courage to rewatch Gossip Girl.
Speaking to People, he confessed, “I’d be terrified. It’s a bit embarrassing.”
Fame at a Young Age Left a Mark
While promoting his fashion brand, American Dream Clubhouse, Chace opened up about why he’s hesitant to revisit the series that made him a household name.
He explained that as a young actor suddenly thrust into fame, he took everything way too seriously.
“You think everything is precious,” he said, recalling how easy it was to get caught up in the fame game.
“You want to be this Marlon Brando type,” he added, laughing a little at his younger self.
The identity crisis didn’t help either. “Your sense of self gets wrapped up in not just your character, but the popularity of the whole show,” he said.
“It probably made me a bit paranoid at the time.”
Gossip Girl’s Legacy Lives On
Even though Chace shies away from watching old episodes, he recognizes the show’s lasting cultural relevance.
Gossip Girl ran from 2007 to 2012, just before social media exploded — which, as Chace put it, made it “ahead of its time.”
He described the show’s vibe as “kind of campy,” but in a fun, nostalgic way.
“The music too,” he added. “Before it aired, I gave a copy of the pilot to my parents, and they probably watched it 20 times. Those songs are ingrained.”
What Chace Would Tell His Younger Self
Looking back now, Chace has a much calmer perspective on his early fame.
Asked what advice he’d give to his younger self, he said: “Relax, have fun, it’s going to be OK.”
He emphasized not holding on too tightly to career goals or image.
“You can take yourself too seriously when you’re young. Sometimes, it’s just about enjoying the ride.”
Meanwhile, Blake Lively’s Legal Battle Takes a Turn
While Chace is reflecting on his past, his former co-star Blake Lively is dealing with serious present-day drama — and it’s not fictional.
The actress is currently locked in a legal fight with Justin Baldoni, her It Ends With Us co-star and director.
The dispute escalated late last year when Blake sued Baldoni for alleged sexual harassment and claimed he led a smear campaign against her.
A Judge Denies Blake’s Request to Keep Messages Private
Things heated up even more this week when a New York judge denied Blake’s legal team’s request for a protective order.
That means her private text messages — including those exchanged with longtime friend Taylor Swift — can now be reviewed by Baldoni’s legal team.
The court ruled that any texts, emails, or messages related to the filming of It Ends With Us are fair game for discovery.
Missed Career Opportunities Become Part of the Lawsuit
In her lawsuit, Blake detailed how the fallout from the alleged on-set harassment affected her career.
One major opportunity she says she missed? Hosting the 50th season premiere of Saturday Night Live in September — just a month after the movie came out.
“The effects on Ms. Lively’s professional life were immediate and substantial,” the lawsuit stated.
She reportedly avoided public events altogether, fearing she’d be forced to address what happened during the shoot.
A Dark Cloud Over a Former TV Favorite
For fans of Gossip Girl, it’s jarring to see two of its most beloved cast members in such different places.
Chace Crawford is distancing himself from the past while building a future in fashion, and Blake Lively is in the thick of one of the most high-profile legal battles in Hollywood this year.
Even though Gossip Girl is remembered for its drama-filled plot twists, the real-life stories of its stars are proving to be just as intense.