Leighton Meester (born 1986)

Actress

What is Leighton Meester (born 1986) known for?

Leighton Marissa Meester, born on April 9, 1986, in Fort Worth, Texas, is an accomplished American actress, singer, and model. She began her career in 1999 and is best known for her role as Blair Waldorf on the TV series Gossip Girl (2007-2012). In addition to her television work, she has appeared in many films including Killer Movie (2008), Country Strong (2010), The Roommate (2011), Monte Carlo (2011), The Oranges (2011), The Judge (2014), and The Weekend Away (2022). She also starred in the ABC sitcom Single Parents from 2018 to 2020.

Beyond acting, Meester has made a name for herself in the music industry. She was featured in the Cobra Starship single "Good Girls Go Bad," which made it to the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2009. She has released solo singles like "Somebody to Love" (2009) and "Your Love's a Drug" (2010). Her debut album, Heartstrings, was released independently in 2014.

Meester has also had a successful modeling career, serving as the face of renowned brands like Jimmy Choo, Herbal Essences, and Vera Wang.

Born to Douglas Jay Meester and Constance Lynn (née Haas), who were involved in a drug ring at the time of her birth, Meester has stated that despite their criminal past, her parents gave her a normal upbringing. She grew up in Marco Island, Florida, and participated in local playhouse productions.

At 11, Meester moved with her mother and siblings to New York City. She attended the Professional Children's School and started her modeling career with Wilhelmina. She has worked with big names in the industry like Bruce Weber and Sofia Coppola. She shifted to Los Angeles at the age of 14, where she attended Hollywood High School and eventually Beverly Hills High School.

Learn more about Leighton Meester's career and personal life on her Wikipedia page. For more information about her birthplace, you can visit the Fort Worth, Texas website.