Leighton Marissa Meester was born on April 9, 1986, in Fort Worth, Texas. She spent much of her childhood in Marco Island, Florida. Meester began modeling in her early teens, working with Bruce Weber for Abercrombie & Fitch. She moved to New York City at age 11 and subsequently to Los Angeles at age 14 to pursue acting.
Meester’s television debut was in 1999 with a guest appearance on “Law & Order”. She continued to appear in various television series, including “Boston Public,” “7th Heaven,” “Veronica Mars,” and “Entourage,” before landing her breakthrough role.
Meester achieved widespread recognition for her role as Blair Waldorf in the CW teen drama “Gossip Girl,” which aired from 2007 to 2012. Her portrayal of the complex and stylish Upper East Side socialite garnered her critical acclaim and several Teen Choice Awards nominations.
Meester has appeared in numerous films, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Her film roles include:
Following “Gossip Girl,” Meester continued to work in television, starring in series such as “Making History” (2017) and “Single Parents” (2018-2020). She also appeared in “How I Met Your Father” (2022).