In a recent interview with The Guardian, Penn Badgley, the star of Gossip Girl and You, candidly discusses his struggles with body dysmorphia and childhood insecurities. He also reveals how his fame from Gossip Girl contributed to these issues.
Badgley, who is now 38 years old, confessed to hating his body and simply wanting a different one. He explained that the mental health struggle intensified after his parents’ divorce, as he gained weight and felt increasingly isolated. The loneliness he experienced only exacerbated his distorted self-image.
According to the NHS, Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), or body dysmorphia, is a mental health condition characterized by excessive preoccupation with perceived flaws in one’s appearance.
“During a period of coming out of depression and isolation,” Badgley explained, “I found myself willingly entering and being thrust into this world where my conventional beauty seemed to lead to success and value.”
However, the issue wasn’t solely personal; it was also rooted in culture. He criticized Hollywood’s obsession with looks, stating, “There’s no way to escape the superficiality of this work. And if you acknowledge that, you can’t help but recognize the superficiality of our culture.”
The Gossip Girl alum didn’t hesitate to discuss the hit CW series, which catapulted him into the spotlight alongside Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, and Chace Crawford.
“What was that show other than its aesthetic appeal?” he bluntly asked. “That was its sole focus — the way we all looked.”
In a recent interview, Badgley revealed that while he enjoyed his fame, he didn’t particularly relish the superficiality of celebrity.
As for what keeps him grounded these days, Badgley credits his family for a significant role.
With a four-year-old son, James, and a 15-year-old stepson, Cassius, along with his wife Domino Kirke (who is also expecting twins), Badgley believes he has finally found what truly matters.
He emphasized the importance of simple pleasures like having a family and meaningful relationships with friends.
Badgley also attributes his resilience to his spirituality, which helped him overcome the challenges he faced.
He expressed hope that his experiences have led to some form of inner transformation.
