Penn Badgley Reveals Gossip Girl Helped Him Through Financial Struggles Early in His Career: ‘I Was Close to Being Broke’

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Penn Badgley, famously recognized for his character Dan Humphrey in Gossip Girl, recently opened up about his hardships early on in Hollywood’s limelight during an episode of Call Her Daddy podcast. In stark contrast to his later fame and success, he confessed that prior to those achievements, he was almost penniless – a situation that arose even though he had been financially independent since the age of 15.

At only 12 years old, Badgley kicked off his acting career with roles in shows like The Young and the Restless and various television projects. He shared how he swiftly shouldered adult responsibilities, stating that by the age of 15, he was financially self-sufficient. Although he wasn’t the primary breadwinner, he felt a strong urge to help his parents financially from an early stage in life.

At age 20, Badgley had been in the industry for almost a decade and was feeling burnt out. He expressed his disenchantment with Hollywood and initially declined the role of Dan Humphrey on Gossip Girl. “That’s your whole life,” he remarked about starting work so early. “I carried a sense of weariness at 20 that I believe is not common for someone that age.

In the end, Badgley reluctantly took on the role mainly because of financial necessity. As he confessed, his funds were running low and the future seemed uncertain. He felt the risks were significant. Moreover, he harbored a strong longing to relocate to New York, where the series was set, which further strengthened his resolve.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I found myself immersed in all six seasons of that renowned series, an experience that catapulted my recognition but also molded my industry image. On the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, I admitted that the character Dan has significantly influenced my public identity, a fact that remains evident years after the show’s debut. “I’m still fielding questions about this role I took on when I was just 20,” I mused, pondering the lasting impression it left.

Apart from sharing insights into the emotional strain he experienced due to his close connection to his character, he expressed that the public’s perception of Dan was often reflective of how they viewed him personally. He confessed that though he didn’t completely immerse himself in the role, it still had a profound impact on him.

Currently, after playing Joe Goldberg in Netflix’s “You” and gaining a better perspective of his character, Badgley reflects on his role in “Gossip Girl” as a pivotal moment and a test. In his own words, he stated, “It puts you on a specific path that you need to resist… or it propels you along.

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2025-04-24 09:52