To celebrate Leighton Meester’s 35th birthday on April 9, let us reflect on why her portrayal as Blair Waldorf in the hit 2000’s show Gossip Girl is the best role in TV history, and why nobody else will ever live up to this role…
Fellow Upper East Siders, let me begin with declaring I am a MASSIVE Gossip Girl fan. From binging the series, to replaying the soundtrack over and over, it is a series which I can whole-heartedly say is my absolute favourite.
Leighton Meester began her role as Blair Waldorf back in 2007 when the first episode of Gossip Girl premiered. This is where we first got introduced to our iconic headband-wearing diva. Her first appearance took place at a socialist party on the Upper East Side when all the drama about Serena returning and her then-boyfriend Nate’s love affair occurred.
From the first season, we learn Blair is extremely smart, manipulative and a fashion icon – inspired by Audrey Hepburn; Blair displays every characteristic we all love in a character! However, what Meester achieved was also being able to portray the multiple sides to Blair’s character – the fact she is a sweet, funny but also the loyal person to her friends (and of course Chuck), all of which we can aspire to be like.
An actor’s portrayal of a character like Blair is an incredibly difficult job, as by just hiring an actor who can only do one side to them often falls flat in many modern TV shows of today. Whereas Meester illustrated a multi-dimensional character. Let’s be real – who didn’t cry when Blair asked Chuck if it was all a game in season two, I know I did many times. The famous saying: “Three words. Eight letters. Say it and I’m yours.” Iconic.
The character of Blair has so much power, and this is shown throughout the series. From when she confronted Georgina in such a badass way and sent her to bible camp, right to her ultimate take down Bart Bass in season six – amazing. As a viewer, you typically embody elements of her character. There’s one thing you easily take away from Blair, which is the confidence to approach life the same way she does: bold, strategic, as well as conniving (but in a good way).
Gossip Girl is a show like no other, it perfectly captures the 2000’s and life of Upper-Class New York. The series is one you can endlessly re-watch over and over again every few months, just because of how incredible the series is. I know I’m not the only one who binged it during the first lockdown…
Nevertheless, as much as I adore the series and the whole cast, the one person who has been my favourite since day one has and will forever be Blair Waldorf and I’m sure many others feel the same. Meeter’s portrayal makes the show, she is the show and is a true icon.
One of the potential reasons why we all adore Blair is Meester’s natural chemistry with her co-stars – the charming Chuck (Ed Bestwick) and loveable Dorota (Zuzanna Szadkowski). The way the actors just naturally bounced off each other and engage in scenes is something you don’t typically witness on TV, but it is a pleasure to see in this series.
I have to admit I think my heart skips a beat whenever Chuck and Blair are together, I genuinely act like I’m living the dream as if I’m Blair myself. I think growing up many of my characteristics are influenced by Blair, from giving me confidence to aiming to achieve whatever I want in life the same way Blair did, so thank you, Leighton.
A huge notable side mention which I have to include is Meester’s impeccable album “Heartstrings” which is truly underrated and glorious throughout. Songs such as “L.A”, “Blue Afternoon” and the title song “Heartstrings” have such an uplifting vibe and makes you want to close your eyes and embrace the beautiful music, picturing yourself sunbathing and just pure relaxation. Pure magic.
I am blissfully aware that a Gossip Girl reboot is on its way this year, however I am personally not interested because nothing can take away from the magic Leighton Meester added to Gossip Girl and nothing will ever live up to the impactful role she played as Blair Waldorf. This is the same for any show on TV, no other role or character will ever impact me the same way Meester as Blair will ever do and I can promise that.
I could talk endlessly about how much I love Gossip Girl and Blair Waldorf, and the amount of praise I have for Meester is undeniably endless. For now and forever, I will be re-watching Gossip Girl and I will be forever grateful to Leighton for her perfect portrayal of our queen Blair Waldorf.
Happy 35th birthday Leighton Meester! – xoxo, Gossip Girl.
By Jack Proverbs
(Feature image: ABC)
What shirt is she wearing in the first pic above? Gorgeous black lace neck line.