Bio
Leighton Meester is an American actress best known for her leading role as Blair Waldorf in the television drama series Gossip Girl, based on the popular book series about privileged teenagers who attend an elite private school in New York City, from 2007-2012.
After making her television debut when she was 13 on Law & Order, Meester got her breakout opportunity 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-starring roles on series like 8 Simple Rules... for Dating My Teenage Daughter, Numb3rs and CSI: Miami, and has had recurring roles on 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 starred in the independent film Flourish, with future House co-stars Jennifer Morrison and Jesse Spencer, and in the drama Inside.
Meester's feature 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 thereafter began working as a model with Wilhemina, booking a Ralph Lauren campaign shot by Bruce Webber and working with then-photographer Sofia Coppola.
When not on the set, Meester passionately pursues her talent for music and creative writing. She recorded a song for the soundtrack of her film Drive-Thru, in 2007.
She resides in New York.