Penn Badgley as Lars in Forever Strong

Penn Badgley

At 21, actor Penn Badgley is destined for a distinguished acting career. He currently stars as the male lead in the CW’s new hit drama series Gossip Girl for producer Josh Schwartz (The O.C.). Though life began in Baltimore, he split his formative years between Richmond, VA and Seattle. It was there that Penn became actively involved in the Seattle Children’s Theater and did voice-over work that eventually lead him to Los Angeles where he secured an agent. Upon relocating, he landed a coveted guest star role on Will & Grace; recurring roles on The Young and the Restless, The Brothers Garcia, and Daddio followed. His first starring role was the lead of the acclaimed Warren Littlefield-produced, WB comedy series Do Over. He then segued into a WB Network drama series The Mountain with Barbara Hershey and Oliver Hudson. He currently stars as the male lead in the CW’s new hit drama series Gossip Girl for producer Josh Schwartz (The O.C.). Penn also recently starred for Tom Fontana (Oz, Homicide) in the WB’s mid-season college drama The Bedford Diaries with Matthew Modine and Milo Ventimiglia. Prior to relocating to New York City for production on the show, he starred alongside Jesse Metcalfe and Brittany Snow in Fox’s hit comedy film John Tucker Must Die. He will next be seen starring in the rugby themed film Forever Strong, as well as the lead in Screen Gems’ remake of the ‘80s thriller classic The Stepfather. In his spare time, he enjoys surfing, soccer, skiing, snowboarding, singing, and playing the guitar.