Ever wonder what happens when a star tries to break free from a hit show? In the glamorous world of 'Gossip Girl,' where drama is as common as designer handbags, one actress faced a battle to escape the show's clutches. This is the story of Taylor Momsen, who played the ambitious Jenny Humphrey, and her fight to leave the series. Based on the young adult novels by Cecily von Ziegesar, the show, created by Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, followed the lives of wealthy Manhattan teenagers, filled with romance and scandal.
Momsen, who portrayed Jenny from the first to the fourth season, revealed on the 'Call Her Daddy' podcast that she desperately wanted to leave 'Gossip Girl' to focus on her band, The Pretty Reckless. She described her departure as an 'Irish exit', just disappearing from the script.
But here's where it gets controversial... getting out of her contract was far from easy. Momsen recalls a prolonged struggle, pleading to be released. She said she was told by the head of Warner Bros., "F*** Taylor Momsen. No f***ing way."
This highlights a significant power dynamic in the entertainment industry. Ultimately, Jenny was written out of the show.
Fortunately for Momsen, Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage stepped in, respecting her wishes when Warner Bros. apparently didn't. The only condition was that she couldn't take on another acting project, which was acceptable to her. This allowed her to pursue her musical aspirations.
But who exactly was Jenny Humphrey? Jenny, the younger sister of Dan Humphrey and daughter of '90s rocker Rufus Humphrey, was determined to fit in with the popular crowd at the elite Constance Billard prep school. However, their Brooklyn roots set them apart. Throughout the series, Jenny schemed her way into Blair Waldorf's inner circle, even briefly succeeding Blair as the queen of Constance, but at the cost of her own identity.
And this is the part most people miss... Despite the initial conflict, Momsen, and Jenny, made a comeback in the series finale, showing there were no hard feelings.
Jenny's character actually left 'Gossip Girl' twice, potentially due to her struggles with Warner Bros. In the season 3 finale, after Chuck sleeps with Jenny, Blair bans her from Manhattan. In season 4, after Jenny gets involved in dangerous schemes, she chooses to leave the city.
Jenny reappears in the season 6 finale as a designer for Waldorf Designs. Momsen appreciated the full-circle moment, enjoying the reunion of the entire cast.
Momsen has come to terms with the lasting impact of 'Gossip Girl.' She initially found the constant references amusing, but eventually, she learned to live with it, embracing the character that would forever be linked to her.
'Gossip Girl' is available on HBO Max and Netflix.
What do you think about the entertainment industry's control over actors? Do you think Momsen's experience was fair? Share your thoughts in the comments!
