The privileged prep school teens on Manhattan's Upper East Side first learn that Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively, "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants") is back in town the way they learn all the important news in their lives ?? from the blog of the all-knowing albeit ultra-secretive Gossip Girl.  No one knows Gossip Girl's identity, but everyone in this exclusive and complicated vicious circle relies on her website and text messages for the latest scoop.  Even Serena's closest friend, Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester, "Entourage"), is surprised to find that Serena has suddenly ended her self-imposed exile to boarding school and returned to Manhattan. 

            Once the Upper East Side's most notorious party girl, Serena's reasons for returning are mysterious, although they may have something to do with her younger brother Eric (Connor Paolo, "Alexander").  Whatever the reasons, the change in Serena is obvious, especially to Blair, whose friendship with Serena has always been competitive and difficult.  When Serena was out of the picture, Blair enjoyed her time in the spotlight and she has no intention of going back to living in Serena's shadow.  Their uneasy relationship is further complicated by Blair's boyfriend Nate (Chace Crawford, "The Covenant"), a young man uneasy with all the privileges that have been handed to him by his high-powered father Howie "The Captain" Archibald (Sam Robards, "The West Wing").  Now that Serena is back, Blair will have to fight to hold onto Nate's attention.  It also remains to be seen whether Blair's loyal lieutenants ?? Katy (newcomer Nan Zhang) and Isabel (newcomer Nicole Fiscella) ?? will remain by her side or break ranks to follow Serena. 

            The tension between Blair and Serena isn't lost on anyone in this crowd, since they all live for gossip and scandal ?? along with fashion, shopping and partying in Manhattan's trendiest hot spots.  This is a world you have to be born into, full of wealth, power, and people like Chuck (Ed Westwick, "Children of Men").  A friend of Nate's since childhood, Chuck leads a reckless life, and constantly pushes Nate to explore his dark side. 

            The proverbial fish-out-of-water at the prep school are Dan (Penn Badgley, "John Tucker Must Die," "The Bedford Diaries") and his sister Jenny (Taylor Momsen, "Paranoid Park," "How The Grinch Stole Christmas"), middle-class kids whose background keeps them on the fringes of this exclusive clique.  Dan and Jenny are attending the school at the insistence of their father Rufus (Matthew Settle, "Into The West"), a former rocker turned art gallery owner, determined to give his kids a first-class education.  Rufus has a history with Serena's mother Lily (Kelly Rutherford, "Melrose Place"), a socialite who hides her past as a dancer and rock groupie.  When a chance encounter brings Dan to Serena's attention, he suddenly finds himself dating the girl of his dreams.  The more Dan discovers about the real Serena, the more he's challenged to make sense of her world.  Dan's sister Jenny is the youngest of the group and wants desperately to be accepted.  The price she'll have to pay for popularity will take a toll, but at the moment, Jenny is just thrilled to have entry into this glamorous world. 

            Dan and Serena's relationship is further complicated by the arrival of Dan's friend Vanessa (casting TBD), a Brooklyn rebel and loner who doesn't approve of Serena's world of money, fashion shows and fundraisers.  Vanessa's attempts to pull him back to his roots will cause friction between Dan and Serena. 

            Keeping track of the shifting friendships, jealousies and turmoil in this wealthy and complex world isn't easy, but it's what Gossip Girl does best.

            Filmed in New York and based on the popular series of young-adult novels by Cecily von Ziegesar, "Gossip Girl" is from Alloy Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Paramount Television Inc. with executive producers Josh Schwartz ("The O.C.") & Stephanie Savage ("The O.C."), Bob Levy, Leslie Morgenstein ("Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants") and Felicia Henderson ("The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air"), and co-executive producer K.J. Steinberg ("The Nine").  

CREDITS FOR "GOSSIP GIRL" ON THE CW 

Day and time:                                       Wednesdays, 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET

Network debut:                                    September 26, 2007

Format:                                                Based on the popular series of young-adult novels by Cecily von Ziegesar and executive produced by Josh Schwartz & Stephanie Savage ("The O.C."), "Gossip Girl" is a one-hour drama based on the lives of the privileged prep school teens on Manhattan's Upper East Side.

Cast:                                                    Blake Lively as Serena van der Woodsen

Leighton Meester as Blair Waldorf

                                                            Penn Badgley as Dan Humphrey

                                                            Chace Crawford as Nate Archibald

                                                            Taylor Momsen as Jenny Humphrey

                                                            Ed Westwick as Chuck Bass

                                                            with Kelly Rutherford as Lily van der Woodsen and Matthew Settle as Rufus Humphrey

Executive Producers:                            Josh Schwartz & Stephanie Savage, Bob Levy, Leslie Morgenstein and Felicia Henderson

Co-Executive Producer:                        K.J. Steinberg

Origination:                                           New York City

Produced by:                                        Alloy Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Paramount Television Inc.

Media contact:                                      Melissa Burton, (818) 977-0105

                                                            [email protected] 

BLAKE LIVELY

Serena van der Woodsen in "Gossip Girl"

            Blake Lively stars as Serena van der Woodsen in The CW's new drama "Gossip Girl," from Josh Schwartz ("The O.C."), based on the tremendously popular book series about privileged teenagers who attend an elite private school in New York City.

            Lively has quickly become one of the most sought-after young actresses in Hollywood.  Last summer, Lively starred in Universal's summer comedy "Accepted," alongside Justin Long and directed by Steve Pink.  She made her big-screen debut in Warner Bros.' "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants," for which she earned a "Breakthrough Performance" nomination at the "2005 Teen Choice Awards."

            Lively recently completed production on the independent feature "Elvis & Annabelle," starring opposite Max Minghella and Mary Steenburgen, as well as the sequel to "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants."  

            She was also honored at the December 2006 Hollywood Life Breakthrough Awards.

            She graduated from high school last spring and resides in Los Angeles.

LEIGHTON MEESTER

Blair Waldorf on "Gossip Girl"

            Leighton Meester stars as Blair Waldorf in The CW's new drama "Gossip Girl," from Josh Schwartz ("The O.C."), based on the tremendously popular book series about privileged teenagers who attend an elite private school in New York City. 

            After making her television debut when she was 13 on "Law & Order," she got her breakout  role in 2004 with a recurring role as the Britney Spears-like singer Justine Chapin on the hit series "Entourage."  She continued to work steadily with guest-star roles on series like "8 Simple Rules," "Numbers" and "CSI Miami," and has had recurring roles on popular series such as "24," "Veronica Mars," "Shark" and "House." In addition, she had regular roles on "Tarzan" and "Surface."

            Meester made her film debut in the feature "Hangman's Curse," based on the best-selling novel by Frank Peretti.  She also recently starred in the independent film "Flourish" with future "House" co-stars Jennifer Morrison and Jesse Spencer, and in the drama "Inside."  Meester's upcoming feaure films roles include the dramedy "The Beautiful Ordinary," the horror/comedy "Drive-Thru" and the thriller "Dead of Night."

            Raised in Marco Island, Florida, Meester became interested in acting when she appeared in a local production of  "The Wizard of Oz."  When she was 11, she moved with her family to New York City and soon after began working as a model with Wilhemina, booking a Ralph Lauren campaign shot by Bruce Webber and working with then photographer Sophia Coppola. 

            When not on the set, Meester passionately pursues her talent for music and creative writing. She has recorded a song for the soundtrack of her upcoming film "Drive-Thru."  She currently resides in New York.

PENN BADGLEY

Dan Humphrey in "Gossip Girl"

            Penn Badgley stars as Dan Humphrey in The CW's new drama "Gossip Girl," from Josh Schwartz ("The O.C."), based on the tremendously popular book series about privileged teenagers who attend an elite private school in New York City.

            Badgley most recently starred in Tom Fontana's "The Bedford Diaries," opposite Matthew Modine and Milo Ventimiglia.  On film, he starred alongside Jesse Metcalfe and Brittany Snow in the hit comedy "John Tucker Must Die," and will next be seen starring in the rugby-themed film "Forever Strong."  His other film work includes the provocative yet acclaimed independent feature "The Fluffer."

            Badgley also played the lead in the Warren Littlefield-produced comedy series "Do Over."  He then segued into McG's drama series "The Mountain," with Barbara Hershey and Oliver Hudson.

            Though life began for Badgley in Baltimore, he split his formative years between Richmond, Virginia, and Seattle.  It was there that he became actively involved in the Seattle Children's Theater and voice-over work that eventually lead he and his mother to Los Angeles, where he secured an agent. 

            Upon relocating, he landed a coveted guest star role on "Will & Grace."  Shortly thereafter, recurring roles on "The Young and The Restless," "The Brothers Garcia" and "Daddio" followed.  He also guest starred on "What I Like About You."

            When not honing his acting craft, Badgley attended Santa Monica Community College, having already completed his California High School Proficiency Exam at age 14.  He has deferred admission to University of Southern California until his work schedule will permit him to return to school.  In his spare time, he enjoys surfing, soccer, skiing, snowboarding, singing, and playing the guitar.

CHACE CRAWFORD

Nate Archibald in "Gossip Girl"

            In The CW's new drama "Gossip Girl," Chace Crawford plays Nate Archibald, a young man uneasy with all the privileges that have been handed to him by his family, and who finds himself in a love triangle with his longtime girlfriend, Blair (Leighton Meester), and her best friend, Serena (Blake Lively).

            Crawford recently wrapped production on the independent movie "She Lived" in Los Angeles, in which he stars as Joseph Young.  Haley Bennett from "Music and Lyrics" co-stars and Mickey Liddell is directing. Crawford will next be seen starring in the Wingman Productions film "Loaded," starring alongside Jesse Metcalfe and Monica Keena. 

            In 2006, Crawford starred alongside Taylor Kitsch, Sebastian Stan and Toby Hemingway in Screen Gems' "The Covenant."  The movie follows four young men who belong to a supernatural legacy and are forced to battle a fifth power long thought to have died.  Directed by Renny Harlin, "The Covenant" opened at #1 in the box office. 

            Crawford also appeared in Lifetime's television movie "Long Lost Son" in 2006, in which he portrayed the son of Gabrielle Anwar's character.  Directed by Brian Trenchard-Smith, "Long Lost Son" told the story of a mother who realizes 14 years later that the son and husband she believed to have drowned are still alive.  

           Crawford grew up in Plano, Texas.  He moved to Los Angeles to attend Pepperdine University and while there, he began acting as a hobby.  Shortly thereafter, he landed his first break as Tyler Simms in "The Covenant."

           Currently, Crawford splits his time between Los Angeles and New York City, where "Gossip Girl" is being filmed.

July 2007

TAYLOR MOMSEN

Jenny Humphrey in "Gossip Girl"

            An actress whose poise and range reaches well beyond her years, Taylor Momsen stars as Jenny Humphrey, the freshman from Downtown Soho, who tries to fit in with the wealthy kids from New York's Upper East side, in The CW's new drama "Gossip Girl."

            Working with directors ranging from Ron Howard to Gus Van Sant, Momsen is making her mark in Hollywood.  She will next be seen in Gus Van Sant's "Paranoid Park" for IFC Films.  The film revolves around a teenage skateboarder whose life begins to fray after he is involved in the accidental death of a security guard.  The film premiered at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival to rave reviews and was given the 60^th Anniversary Award. 

            Momsen can also be seen in Disney and Spyglass Entertainment's live action/CGI film "Underdog," starring Jim Belushi and directed by Frederik Du Chau.  The film is scheduled for release on August 3, 2007.

            In 2000, Momsen starred in her breakthrough performance in Ron Howard's "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," as Cindy Lou Who opposite Jim Carrey for Imagine Entertainment and Universal Studios.  The film grossed over $340 million worldwide.

            Additional film credits include: Robert Rodriquez' "Spy Kids 2," and Randall Wallace's "We Were Soldiers," starring Mel Gibson.

            Momsen was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and currently resides in Maryland. 

July 2007

ED WESTWICK

Chuck Bass in "Gossip Girl"

            Ed Westwick stars as Chuck, an overly confident and sexy bad boy, in The CW's new drama "Gossip Girl," from Josh Schwartz ("The O.C."), based on the tremendously popular book series about privileged teenagers who attend an elite private school in New York City.

            An emerging young British actor trained at The National Youth Theatre in London, Westwick was recently seen in two high profile features.  He played the role of Alex in Alfonso Cuarón's "Children of Men," opposite Clive Owen and Julianne Moore.  Westwick was also seen playing the role of Zoran in Anthony Mighella's "Breaking and Entering," opposite Jude Law, Juliette Binoche and Robin Wright Penn.

            Westwick will next be seen in the film "100 Feet," a supernatural thriller written by and to be directed by Eric Red.  Starring alongside Famke Janssen and Bobby Cannavale, Westwick plays Joey, a handsome Brooklyn delivery boy who delivers groceries to Janssen's character, who is under house arrest.  It is not long before they begin a heated affair.  He will also be seen in "Son of Rambow," an independent film directed by Garth Jennings.  Westwick plays Lawrence, a bully and surrogate father figure to his devoted younger brother.  "Son of Rambow," which premiered at this year's Sundance Film Festival, caused quite a buzz at the festival, selling to Paramount Vantage for the highest amount at the festival.

            Additional credits include guest leads in "Afterlife" for ITV1, "Casualty" for the BBC, "Doctors" for the BBC and "Dream Team" for Sky One.

            When not filming "Gossip Girl" in New York City, Westwick resides outside London.

July 2007

KELLY RUTHERFORD

Lily van der Woodsen in "Gossip Girl"

            Perhaps best-known to television audiences as Megan Mancini in the hit series "Melrose Place," Kelly Rutherford stars as Lily van der Woodsen, wealthy socialite and mother of Serena (Blake Lively), in The CW's new drama "Gossip Girl," from Josh Schwartz ("The O.C."), based on the tremendously popular book series about privileged teenagers who attend an elite private school in New York City. 

            Recently, Rutherford starred in the NBC drama "E-Ring."  Her other television series credits include starring roles in "Threat Matrix," "The Kindred," The Great Defender" and "Homefront."  She also had recurring roles on "The District," "The Fugitive," "Get Real," and "The Adventures of Briscoe County, Jr."  Additionally, Rutherford made guest appearances on such series as "Courthouse," "Davis Rules" and "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure."  She also had a contract role on the NBC soap opera "Generations." 

            Rutherford appeared in the feature films "Swimming Upstream," "Scream 3," "I Love Trouble" and "Shakedown," as well as the television movies "Cry Wolf," "Robin Cook's Acceptable Risk," "The Perfect Getaway" and "No Greater Love."

July 2007

MATTHEW SETTLE

Rufus Humphrey in "Gossip Girl"

            Matthew Settle stars as Rufus Humphrey, a former rocker turned gallery owner and father to two teenagers, Dan and Jenny (co-stars Penn Badgley and Taylor Momsen), in The CW's new drama "Gossip Girl," from Josh Schwartz ("The O.C."), based on the tremendously popular book series about privileged teenagers who attend an elite private school in New York City. 

            Most recently, Settle had a recurring role on "Brothers and Sisters."  His other series credits include roles on "E.R." and "The Practice," and guest appearances on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and "CSI: Miami."  Settle has also starred in several television films, including "Blue Smoke," "Into The West," "A Place Called Home," "The Mystery of Natalie Wood," in which he portrayed Warren Beatty, "Band of Brothers," "Crime in Connecticut" and "Lansky," in which he played a young Bugsy Siegel.

            On the big screen, Settle recently completed production on the thriller "Beneath."  He starred in the "The Celestine Prophecy," which was adapted from the best-selling book.  His other film credits include "Rancid," "Until the Night," "Attraction," "The In-Crowd," "U-571" and "I Still Know What You Did Last Summer."  

July 2007

NICOLE FISCELLA

Isabel on "Gossip Girl"

            As Isabel on The CW's new drama "Gossip Girl," Nicole Fiscella has done what most young models only dream of -- seamlessly parleying her talent in front of the camera into her first acting role.   

            Fiscella has found considerable success in the three short years she has modeled with New York Model Management.  Of mixed Indian and St Lucian ancestry, her unique look has graced the pages of top fashion and beauty magazines such as Elle, Cosmopolitan, Cosmo Girl, Lucky, and Self and she also has been featured in campaigns for Pantene and Gap Body.  

            A native of Rochester, New York, Fiscella graduated from Tufts University with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology.  And though her dual career keeps her busy, she is currently pursuing an M.S. in Human Nutrition.  Additionally, in her spare time, she loves to spoil her younger brother, exercise, and is addicted to online blogs.  She lives with her two cats, Tess and Ollie, in Manhattan. 

July 2007

NAN ZHANG

Katy in "Gossip Girl"

            Fresh-faced newcomer Nan Zhang stars as Katy, one of Blair's (Leighton Meester) loyal lieutenants, in The CW's new drama "Gossip Girl," from Josh Schwartz ("The O.C."), based on the tremendously popular book series about privileged teenagers who attend an elite private school in New York City. 

            Born in Bengbu in the Anhui province of China, Zhang immigrated to the United States at the age of 6 after her parents, both doctors, settled in New Orleans.  Growing up, Zhang faced a major culture clash, torn between her parent's strict, traditional Chinese upbringing and her desire to be a "regular American teenager." 

            A self-proclaimed "nerd," she was ranked at the top of her high school class and moved to Baltimore to attend Johns Hopkins University to pursue a career in medicine, specializing in neuroscience.   At the age of 16, Zhang also began to pursue modeling after being selected in Chanel/Seventeen Magazine's New Model of the Year contest.  Her first big break in acting came when Zhang was discovered by a casting director while she was at a nail salon in New York City's Upper East Side.  From that chance meeting, she landed a part in "Shanghai Hotel."  After that, her next role was in "West 32^nd," starring John Cho and Grace Park. 

            Zhang enjoys sports, snowboarding and is accomplished in archery (strictly for skill, not for hunting).  She also loves playing the piano, jazz dance, painting and traveling.  Despite her hectic acting and modeling schedule, she continues to be actively involved with neuroscience research.

July 2007

JOSH SCHWARTZ

Executive Producer of "Gossip Girl"

            As the creator of "The O.C." and the highly anticipated new series "Gossip Girl" and "Chuck," Josh Schwartz is one of today's most influential young writer/producers.

            Schwartz is executive producer of The CW's "Gossip Girl," based on the best-selling book series by Cecily von Ziegesar, which explores the world of contemporary New York teens and their parents through the observations of an anonymous blogger.

            This spring, NBC ordered "Chuck" to series earlier than any other pilot.  "Chuck" is an action comedy about a normal guy who ends up downloading a computer server of government secrets into his brain.

            Schwartz sold his first feature film and television pilot scripts during his junior year at the University of Southern California School of Cinema-Television.  Five years later, at age 26, he created "The O.C.," the hit one-hour ensemble drama about a street smart teen forced to live amongst privileged Newport Beach, California society.  Over the series' four seasons, Schwartz received an award nomination from the Writers Guild of America, while the show garnered Television Critics Association and Peoples Choice nominations.    

            Schwartz is also currently adapting John Green's 2003 novel Looking for Alaska (entitled "Famous Last Words") for Paramount Pictures and producer Ivan Reitman.  Winner of the American Library Association's Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in young adult literature, Looking for Alaska follows Miles Halter, a bored, lonely, unchallenged 16-year-old who confronts the pressures of growing up and feeling indestructible at a boarding school in Alabama.  "Famous Last Words" will mark Schwartz's feature film directorial debut.   

            An avid music fan, Schwartz executive produced six mixes for "The O.C.," and brought such acts as Bright Eyes, Dandy Warhols, Death Cab for Cutie, Gorillaz, Interpol, The Killers, LCD Soundsystem, Modest Mouse, Alexi Murdoch, Of Montreal, Sufjan Stevens, Super Furry Animals and The Thrills to a broad television audience.  Music is also a significant element of both "Gossip Girl" and "Chuck."

            Born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island, Schwartz is the son of toy inventors.  He currently resides in Los Angeles and is an active member of the Writers and Producers guilds. 

            Schwartz recently signed a three-year deal with Warner Bros. Television.

July 2007

STEPHANIE SAVAGE

Executive Producer and Writer of "Gossip Girl"

           Stephanie Savage is Executive Producer and Writer of The CW's new drama "Gossip Girl."

            Savage began her career as Vice President of Development at Flower Films, Drew Barrymore's production company.  While at Flower, she helped develop the feature films "Never Been Kissed," "Charlie's Angels" and "Donnie Darko."   Savage then formed Wonderland Sound and Vision with producing partner, director McG.

            Wonderland's first film, "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle," grossed over $265 million worldwide.  Wonderland also produced the Fox shows "Fastlane" and "The O.C.", as well as "The Mountain," which Savage wrote and executive produced, along with Shaun Cassidy and McG.

            Savage developed "The O.C." with creator Josh Schwartz, who gave Savage her first shot at a TV script with "The Best Chrismukkah Ever."  She moved on from Wonderland in 2005, and worked exclusively on "The O.C." in seasons three and four.  She executive produced the fourth season as well as wrote numerous episodes of the series.

            She recently completed her first feature script, an adaptation of the Alloy Entertainment property "The Au Pairs," for Flower Films and Warner Bros.

           Canadian-born Savage first came to Los Angeles from the University of Iowa, where she taught film history and theory while working on her PhD.  She is the published author of several scholarly articles on true crime, scandal and pornography.

July 2007