Penn Badgley

Penn Dayton Badgley
(born November 1, 1986)

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.

Filmography

* The Fluffer (2001) - Young Sean McGinnis
* Debating Robert Lee (2004) - Debator
* John Tucker Must Die (2006) - Scott Tucker (John Tuckers brother aka "The Other Tucker")
* Drive-Thru (2006) - Van
* Forever Strong (2007) - Lars

* Gossip Girl (TV Series) (2007) - Dan Humphrey

source : CW

Leighton Meester

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.
source : www.cwtv.com