Penn Badgley Opens Up About the ‘Dark Undercurrent’ of Fame and How Blake Lively Steered Him Away from Destruction

In a candid reflection on his early days of fame, Penn Badgley has shared how his former romance with Blake Lively played a crucial role in helping him navigate the pressures of stardom, particularly during the tumultuous years of Gossip Girl. The 38-year-old actor, known for his role in Netflix’s You, recently opened up about the challenges he faced in the spotlight, revealing that Blake was a lifeline for him during a time when fame threatened to take a darker turn.

A Romance Amidst the Spotlight
Penn and Blake’s on-screen chemistry as Dan Humphrey and Serena van der Woodsen in Gossip Girl captivated audiences for six seasons, from 2007 to 2012. Off-screen, their romance mirrored the ups and downs of their characters’ turbulent relationship, lasting from 2007 to 2010. Despite the end of their personal relationship, the two remained professional co-stars on the hit CW drama, continuing to share scenes even after their breakup.

In a 2023 interview with Variety, Penn reflected on the whirlwind of fame that accompanied Gossip Girl‘s success. While he described the experience as “fun and fast-paced,” he also acknowledged a “dark undercurrent” that came with the territory, particularly the pressure of being thrust into the public eye at such a young age. When asked about any struggles with substance abuse during this time, Penn was forthright in his response, crediting Blake for keeping him grounded.

Blake Lively: A Lifeline During Dark Times
Penn revealed that he never succumbed to substance abuse, largely thanks to the influence of his then-girlfriend Blake, who did not drink. “To be honest, I never struggled with substance. Blake didn’t drink, and I think our relationship in some ways saved me from forcing myself to go down that road,” he admitted, shedding light on how their bond acted as a stabilizing force amid the chaos of early fame.

This insight into their relationship comes as Penn prepares for the final season of his popular Netflix thriller You, which drops next week. In addition, Blake has been navigating her own personal and professional challenges, including dealing with legal issues surrounding her film It Ends With Us alongside actor Justin Baldoni. Despite their separate paths, Penn’s comments reflect a deep sense of gratitude for their time together and the positive impact Blake had on his life.

The Double-Edged Sword of Fame
Penn also opened up about the more complicated aspects of fame, acknowledging that while it offers certain benefits, it can also bring unforeseen challenges. “Like anybody who experiences some degree of fame and wealth, I was presented with the universal truth that not only does it not make your life better or easier, it actually can greatly complicate things, and make you quite unhappy,” he explained, offering a candid perspective on the often-glamorized world of celebrity.

A Professional Partnership Beyond Romance
This isn’t the first time Penn has spoken about his relationship with Blake. Over the years, both actors have reflected on how they maintained professionalism while working together after their breakup. In a 2013 interview with Elle, Penn noted that their post-breakup dynamic was not difficult to navigate. “We were ultimately professional,” he said, underscoring their ability to keep their personal lives separate from their work.

When asked about what he had learned from the end of their romance, Penn admitted he couldn’t fully articulate it, but emphasized that their time together was both valuable and formative. “Our relationship was a part of that and helped us through it. I mean, like anything valuable, it was good and it was bad and it was a learning experience,” he reflected.

Life After Gossip Girl
Both Penn and Blake have since moved on to new chapters in their lives, each finding love in new marriages. Penn married singer Domino Kirke in 2017, and the couple shares two children. Blake, on the other hand, found her soulmate in actor Ryan Reynolds, whom she married in 2012. The couple, who first met on the set of Green Lantern in 2011, are now parents to four children.

As both actors continue to thrive in their respective careers and family lives, their past together remains a significant part of their shared history. Penn’s recent reflection on Blake’s role in helping him avoid the pitfalls of fame offers a touching tribute to the relationship that helped shape him during one of the most formative periods of his life.