Dorota Kishlovsky

Gossip Girl

Company type	Television series
Industry	Entertainment
Founded	2007 (2007)
Founder	Cecily von Ziegesar (novels)
Defunct	2012 (2012) (original series)
Successor	Gossip Girl (2021–2023) (sequel series)
Area served	United States
Key people	Kristen Bell (narrator)
Products	Television drama series

The list below details the characters from The CW's teen drama Gossip Girl (2007–2012) along with its standalone sequel (2021–2023), both inspired by the well-known novels written by Cecily von Ziegesar. These shows center on affluent students attending the fictional Constance Billard School for Girls and St. Jude's School for Boys.

The original installment highlights ten primary characters: socialite Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively); the dominant Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester); Dan Humphrey (Penn Badgley), who is Serena's romantic interest; Nate Archibald (Chace Crawford), the charming golden boy; Jenny Humphrey (Taylor Momsen), Dan's younger sister; Chuck Bass (Ed Westwick), Nate’s close friend and a billionaire; Vanessa Abrams (Jessica Szohr), Dan’s friend and former lover; Lily van der Woodsen (Kelly Rutherford), Serena’s mother and a socialite; Rufus Humphrey (Matthew Settle), Dan’s father, a former rock star turned gallery owner; and Ivy Dickens (Kaylee DeFer), a skilled con artist.

Expanding the cast, the sequel series introduces sixteen main characters encompassing both students and faculty members: influencer and social leader Julien Calloway (Jordan Alexander); her half-sister Zoya Lott (Whitney Peak); English instructor Kate Keller (Tavi Gevinson); affluent Otto "Obie" Bergmann IV (Eli Brown); Max Wolfe (Thomas Doherty), known for his pansexual charm; literature lover Audrey Hope (Emily Alyn Lind); skateboarder Akeno "Aki" Menzies (Evan Mock); attorney Nick Lott (Johnathan Fernandez); computer science teacher Jordan Glassberg (Adam Chanler-Berat); stylist Luna La (Zión Moreno); billionaire Monet de Haan (Savannah Lee Smith); classics professor Rafa Caparros (Jason Gotay); theatre director Gideon Wolfe (Todd Almond); athleisure brand designer Kiki Hope (Laura Benanti); rebellious Shan Barnes (Grace Duah); and Kate’s acquaintance Wendy (Megan Ferguson).

Both series feature narration by the apparently all-knowing "Gossip Girl" (voiced by Kristen Bell). The original show presents Gossip Girl as a single individual whose identity is disclosed in the finale, whereas in the sequel, this role is shared among multiple characters.

Main

• The cast is listed according to their original broadcast credits; designation as main cast is determined by producers.

Actor	Character	Gossip Girl (2007–12)						Gossip Girl (2021–23)
		Season 1	Season 2	Season 3	Season 4	Season 5	Season 6	Season 1	Season 2
		2007–08	2008–09	2009–10	2010–11	2011–12	2012	2021	2022–23
Blake Lively	Serena van der Woodsen	colspan="6" Template:CMain	Does not appear
Leighton Meester	Blair Waldorf	colspan="6" Template:CMain	Template:CGuest	Does not appear
Penn Badgley	Dan Humphrey	colspan="6" Template:CMain	Does not appear
Chace Crawford	Nate Archibald	colspan="6" Template:CMain	Does not appear
Taylor Momsen	Jenny Humphrey	colspan="4" Template:CMain	Does not appear	Template:CGuest	Does not appear
Ed Westwick	Chuck Bass	colspan="6" Template:CMain	Does not appear
Kelly Rutherford	Lily van der Woodsen	colspan="6" Template:CMain	Does not appear
Matthew Settle	Rufus Humphrey	colspan="6" Template:CMain	Does not appear
Jessica Szohr	Vanessa Abrams	colspan="4" Template:CMain	Does not appear	Template:CGuest	Does not appear

Recurring

Actor	Character	Gossip Girl (2007–12)						Gossip Girl (2021–23)
		Season 1	Season 2	Season 3	Season 4	Season 5	Season 6	Season 1	Season 2
		2007–08	2008–09	2009–10	2010–11	2011–12	2012	2021	2022–23
Zuzanna Szadkowski	Dorota Kishlovsky	colspan="6" Template:CRecurring	Template:CGuest	Does not appear
Michelle Trachtenberg	Georgina Sparks	colspan="6" Template:CRecurring	Template:CGuest	Template:CGuest
Margaret Colin	Eleanor Waldorf-Rose	colspan="5" Template:CRecurring	colspan="3" Template:CGuest
Connor Paolo	Eric van der Woodsen	colspan="4" Template:CRecurring	Does not appear	Template:CGuest	Does not appear
Amanda Setton	Penelope Shafai	colspan="2" Template:CRecurring	Does not appear	colspan="2" Template:CRecurring	Does not appear
Robert John Burke	Bart Bass	colspan="2" Template:CRecurring	Template:CGuest	Does not appear	Template:CGuest	Template:CRecurring	Does not appear
Yin Chang	Nelly Yuki	colspan="2" Template:CRecurring	Does not appear			Template:CRecurring	colspan="2" Template:CGuest

Family members

An alphabetical list of recurring relatives connected to the main cast.

Anne Archibald

Anne Archibald (born van der Bilt), portrayed by Francie Swift during the first, second, and fourth seasons, is Nate Archibald’s mother. In the initial season, she aids her husband with Eleanor Waldorf’s financial matters and promises Blair her family’s Cornelius Vanderbilt engagement ring if Blair and Nate become engaged. Nevertheless, Blair ends the romance after observing Nate’s familial complications. By the second season, Anne faces frozen assets due to her husband’s legal troubles, leading to their Manhattan residence being confiscated and Nate temporarily living with the Humphreys. After Chuck sells his club Victrola to lend Anne money, his friendship with Nate becomes strained. The financial difficulties are eventually resolved when Nate convinces his father to cooperate with the FBI. Prior to her husband’s release, Anne initiates divorce proceedings.

Howard Archibald

Played by Sam Robards in the first, second, fourth, and sixth seasons, Howard "The Captain" Archibald is Nate’s father, a white-collar felon and former cocaine addict in recovery. He initially escapes to avoid arrest but reappears in season two to take Nate and Anne with him. Nate offers him the option to either leave for good or surrender himself; Howard opts for the latter. While serving time, Anne sends him divorce papers. After being released on parole, Howard secures employment with Russell Thorpe.

Bart Bass

Portrayed by Robert John Burke across seasons one, two, five, and six, Bartholomew "Bart" Bass is Chuck’s billionaire father and the founder of Bass Industries. Unlike many affluent Upper East Side families, his fortune was earned through his own efforts. Bart was a domineering and ruthless businessman who showed little warmth toward Chuck, blaming him for the death of his wife during childbirth. Occasionally, he reveals pride in Chuck’s accomplishments and once asked him to serve as best man at his wedding. In season two, with Dan's assistance, Bart attempts reconciliation with Chuck but dies in a limousine accident. He later appears as a "ghost" on the anniversary of his passing.

In season five, Diana Payne falsely alleges she is Chuck’s biological mother from an affair with Bart. Bart is later discovered to be alive while Chuck uncovers his father's role in eliminating threats via fatal "accidents." As Chuck and Blair investigate Bart’s deeds, Bart orchestrates Nate’s incarceration and tries to kill Chuck during a flight to Moscow as leverage to protect those close to Chuck. Following a party announcement about a plane crash involving a Bass Industries jet carrying Chuck, Dan delivers a speech exposing Bart’s betrayal. Bart attempts to manage the aftermath by having Chuck committed for supposed delusions.

The conflict reaches its climax on a rooftop where Bart threatens Chuck; after a struggle, Bart falls to his death—Chuck shows no remorse while Blair is left stunned.

Jack Bass

Depicted by Desmond Harrington from seasons two through six, Jack Bass is Chuck's uncle who arrives in New York following Bart Bass' demise. Previously leading Bass Industries in Australia, Jack becomes Chuck's legal guardian but soon tries to wrest control of Bass Industries by revealing Chuck's missteps to the Board. Due to Jack's poor management causing business stagnation, Lily replaces him as guardian of Chuck and gains substantial control over the company. After a violent altercation with Lily, Jack is sent back to Sydney.

In season three, Blair reaches out to Jack for help in securing a liquor license for Chuck’s new hotel venture, resulting in a staged police shutdown that generates publicity for Chuck’s upcoming speakeasy. Jack returns in season four to support Chuck against Lily’s plan to sell Bass Industries. In season five, Jack reappears to thank Chuck for saving his life but raises doubts when Chuck uncovers discrepancies regarding a blood donation; it is later suggested that Elizabeth Fisher—not Jack—was responsible for saving Chuck. Near the season finale, Jack is shown involved romantically with Georgina Sparks.

Alison Humphrey

Played by Susan Misner, Alison is the estranged spouse of Rufus and mother to Dan and Jenny. Their marriage ends after she returns for the holidays following an affair she had while working as an artist in Hudson, compounded by a former lover attempting to reach her at the Brooklyn loft.

CeCe Rhodes

Appearing across several seasons and portrayed by Caroline Lagerfelt, CeCe Rhodes is the matriarch of Lily and Carol and grandmother to Scott, Chuck, Serena, Lola, and Eric. A wealthy, traditional socialite from Montecito, California, CeCe wields considerable power over family matters and business ventures. She compelled Lily to choose between her inheritance and Rufus, which contributed to their separation. Additionally, CeCe tried to interfere with Serena and Dan’s relationship by involving Carter Baizen.

Known for her psychological tactics, CeCe pretended to have a terminal illness in season one to evoke sympathy but later showed a softer side by allowing Dan to accompany Serena to an exclusive event. After Bart Bass' funeral, she divulges significant family secrets and later supports Lily during legal challenges. In season five, CeCe returns for a Studio 54-themed birthday celebration where her granddaughter Charlie Rhodes’s (Ivy Dickens) true identity is uncovered. Despite Ivy’s deception, CeCe accepts her due to her kindness and keeps Ivy’s secret about her health condition. CeCe passes away in episode 16 "Cross Rhodes," naming Ivy as her heir and indicating she had long known Ivy’s real identity.

Cyrus Rose

Portrayed by Wallace Shawn from seasons two through six, Cyrus Rose serves as Eleanor Waldorf’s divorce attorney before becoming her fiancé and eventually husband. He is the father of Aaron Rose from a previous marriage. Blair initially admires him, anticipating a refined partner for her mother, but is taken aback by his short stature, bald head, and warm, affectionate demeanor. His recurring phrase "Not enough!" adds humor throughout the series.

Cyrus’s backstory includes a meaningful relationship with Mei Li, a Vietnamese woman he met during wartime, which influenced his divorce and subsequent romance with Eleanor. Despite Blair’s early efforts to keep them apart, Cyrus and Eleanor become engaged and marry in season two.

He plays an important role supporting other characters: persuading Dorota to marry and purchasing her a Queens apartment (season 3), hosting Blair and Louis's engagement party (season 4), and walking Blair down the aisle at her wedding. In season five, he organizes a Yom Kippur dinner where Blair’s pregnancy is disclosed; as a lawyer, he carefully reviews custody contract details. Cyrus’s last regular appearance occurs in season six when he officiates Chuck and Blair’s wedding. In the time jump, he remains married to Eleanor and returns in the 2021 sequel series as both lawyer and friend to Gideon Wolfe alongside Eleanor.

Scott Rosson

Played by Chris Riggi during seasons two and three, Scott Rosson is revealed as the biological son of Rufus Humphrey and Lily van der Woodsen, born in 1986 but given up for adoption secretly by Lily without Rufus’s knowledge. Upon learning of Scott’s existence, Rufus searches for him but initially believes Scott died in a boating accident—later clarified when it emerges that it was Scott’s adoptive brother who died instead.

Scott arrives in New York under the guise of an NYU student and develops a relationship with Vanessa. Once his true identity comes to light, Vanessa helps him attempt to reconnect with Rufus and Lily. His adoptive mother explains they kept him hidden out of fear of losing him after their previous tragedy. Although Lily initially rejects him, tensions ease after his identity is confirmed, leading both parents to accept him fully. His storyline explores complex themes of adoption and family reconciliation within the broader narrative of the series.

Maureen van der Bilt

Played by Holley Fain during the second and third seasons, Maureen van der Bilt is the spouse of Trip. In the third season, she displays a cunning nature by devising a plan to enhance Trip's congressional campaign, which involves hiring an individual to stage a drowning incident so Trip could emerge as a hero. Nate and Vanessa discover this scheme and confront William, subsequently distancing themselves from him. William becomes aware of Maureen's machinations only after Trip secures his election victory. Maureen's resentment intensifies when Serena and Trip engage in an affair, revealed during Thanksgiving. She exploits a letter from Lily’s former husband to coerce Serena into becoming Trip’s mistress—an arrangement Maureen and Trip consent to in order to safeguard his political career. When Trip attempts to explain the situation with Serena to Nate, Maureen ultimately silences him.

Trip van der Bilt

William "Trip" van der Bilt III, portrayed by Aaron Tveit across seasons two, three, and five, is Nate’s cousin with political aspirations. He persuades Nate to consider a political internship, although Nate opts for a trip to Europe instead. In the third season, Trip campaigns for and wins a seat in Congress with Nate’s backing. His extramarital relationship with Serena, uncovered at Thanksgiving, causes significant harm to both his marriage and career. Trip and Maureen establish terms concerning Serena’s role; however, Serena declines to become his mistress, leading to conflict. Following a car accident involving Serena, Nate physically confronts Trip. Trip reappears in season five amid ongoing marital difficulties and orchestrates an accident aimed at Nate out of jealousy.

William van der Bilt

William van der Bilt, portrayed by James Naughton in seasons two, three, and five, serves as Nate Archibald’s grandfather and head of the powerful van der Bilt lineage. Proud of their political heritage, he exerts pressure on Nate to pursue a political career—having already influenced Trip—and manipulates family relationships to advance his objectives, including encouraging Blair to guide Nate toward Yale instead of Columbia. After a period of estrangement due to his refusal to assist during an embezzlement scandal involving Nate’s mother’s husband, William reasserts his dominance in "The Grandfather," heightening tensions with Vanessa and Blair. To date, Nate has resisted William’s political ambitions for him.

Eric van der Woodsen

Since the pilot episode, Connor Paolo has portrayed Eric van der Woodsen, Serena’s younger brother and heir to the Van Der Woodsen estate. His suicide attempt prompts Serena’s return home. During the first season, Eric publicly comes out as homosexual following a ruse where his boyfriend Asher pretends to date Jenny Humphrey. Early in season two, Eric and Jenny mend their friendship and grow close again before their relationship deteriorates in season three when Jenny embraces her Queen Bee status. They reconcile after Serena suffers an accident. Eric dates Jonathan Whitney but ends the relationship due to obsessive behavior toward Jenny. Later on, he becomes involved with Elliot, who is bisexual. In the reboot series, Eric and Jonathan reunite and marry.

William van der Woodsen

Dr. William van der Woodsen, portrayed by William Baldwin from seasons three to six, is Lily's initial spouse and the father of Serena and Eric. Lily keeps her cancer diagnosis hidden from most family members while receiving treatment from William, which creates tension in her marriage to Rufus and frustrates Serena, who had been searching for her father for years. Upon William’s return to the Upper East Side, he encounters resistance: Lily relies on him, Eric doubts his intentions, Serena desires reconnection, and Rufus resents his presence.

Although William genuinely provides care for Lily, he deliberately keeps her mildly ill to secure his role within the family after rekindling feelings for her. When Jenny uncovers his plan to drive a wedge between Lily and Rufus, Serena feels betrayed, prompting William’s exit as law enforcement closes in. He reappears in season four to support Lily during her arrest and eventually reconciles with Rufus.

In season five, William serves as the executor of CeCe's estate; Ivy Dickens is designated as CeCe’s heir, with CeCe fully aware of Ivy’s true identity. Carol Rhodes reveals that William is Charlie's biological father. Season six depicts William involved with Ivy as part of a scheme targeting Lily. Following Bart Bass’s death, William consoles Lily, leading to the revival of their romantic relationship. When Ivy prepares to disclose their involvement publicly, William denies any association with her but privately admits using Ivy to regain Lily’s affection before coldly dismissing her. The series finale confirms that William and Lily have remarried.

Eleanor Waldorf

Eleanor Waldorf, played by Florencia Lozano in the pilot and Margaret Colin from episode four onward, is a fashion designer and mother to Blair Waldorf. Her lengthy marriage to Harold Waldorf ended when he left her for a French male model named Roman. Eleanor’s fashion brand, Eleanor Waldorf Designs, is retailed through Barney's and Bendel's. She previously hired Jenny as an intern and later wed Cyrus Rose, her divorce attorney. In the 2021 sequel series, Eleanor and Cyrus host a Hanukkah dinner attended by Gideon & Max Wolfe and Kiki & Audrey Hope, during which she offers fashion guidance to Kiki.

Harold Waldorf

Harold Waldorf, portrayed by John Shea, is Blair’s father who relocated to France with his partner Roman, a former model linked to Eleanor. Known for traditionally baking pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving, he stopped after Blair’s final holiday with him before he came out publicly. Harold returns during holidays to spend time with Blair, including gifting her a bulldog named Handsome Dan. He supports Blair amid a college admissions scandal by emphasizing integrity over institutional prestige.

Georgina Sparks

Played by Michelle Trachtenberg throughout seasons one to six, Georgina Sparks is a cunning figure from Serena’s past whose reappearance causes turmoil in Serena’s life. After fleeing rehab following the sale of a show pony for cocaine money, Georgina’s actions lead Serena to relapse. Blair arranges for Georgina to be sent to reform school; however, Georgina later returns pretending to have reformed through Christianity before resuming her manipulative behavior. She attends NYU and briefly shares an apartment with Blair. After blackmailing Vanessa and disrupting Rufus and Lily's wedding plans, Blair banishes Georgina to Europe.

At the conclusion of season three, Georgina returns incognito claiming she is pregnant with Dan’s child—a deception that is eventually uncovered. She leaves Dan caring for their son Milo but later reclaims Milo after Dan signs the birth certificate. She appears again at a Constance Billiard alumni gathering revealing she resides in Bedford, New York, married to a Wall Street intern yet bored with domestic life. In season five, Georgina takes over as Gossip Girl following the original narrator's departure. She aids Dan in authoring his next book and becomes involved in significant storylines including romantic entanglements with Jack Bass and support for Blair and Chuck.

Georgina resurfaces in the 2021 continuation after discovering Kate’s identity as the new Gossip Girl.

Isabel Coates

Played by Nicole Fiscella in the first, second, and fourth seasons, Isabel Coates is Blair's devoted companion who stays by her side despite losing the Queen Bee title. She shares a close friendship with Kati Farkas, and the two often coordinate their outfits. Alongside Penelope, Isabel plays a role in the conflict between Blair and Serena when Serena assumes the Queen Bee position. The sheer dress Isabel intended to wear to the Snowflake Ball is used to embarrass Vanessa. Together with Penelope and Nelly Yuki, she schemes to appoint Emma Boardman as the new Queen; however, Jenny ultimately claims that role. Initially, both Isabel and Penelope oppose a Brooklyn girl continuing their tradition until Blair persuades them otherwise. Isabel makes a return with Kati for a Constance reunion toward the end of season four.

Kati Farkas

Portrayed by Nan Zhang across seasons one, four, five, and six, Kati Farkas serves as one of Blair’s faithful sidekicks until she loses her Queen Bee status. She is best friends with Isabel Coates, and they frequently dress in matching outfits. Kati’s brother owns the apartment where Blair’s Japanese-themed seventeenth birthday party takes place, which becomes the backdrop for Blair and Chuck’s secret romance in season one. Following spring break, her parents relocate her back to Israel. She returns alongside Isabel for a Constance event near the end of season four and later competes with Penelope and Jessica to be one of Blair’s bridesmaids in season five. Kati remains one of Blair’s loyal followers through season six.

Dorota Kishlovsky

Since episode two, Zuzanna Szadkowski has portrayed Dorota, the Waldorfs' maid who acts as Blair’s trusted confidante and often takes on a maternal role. The web series "Chasing Dorota" reveals her background as a Polish countess married by arrangement to Stanisław; she fled to America in 2004 to work for the Waldorf family. After falling in love with Vanya, the Russian doorman, she divorces Stanisław. Unexpectedly pregnant, Dorota marries Vanya before giving birth to their daughter Anastasia at the close of season three; Cyrus purchases an apartment for them in Queens. In the season five premiere, she covers for Blair’s pregnancy by announcing her own and subsequently delivers a son named Leo.

In the series finale, even though Gossip Girl’s true identity is exposed, Blair confesses she had suspected Dorota was Gossip Girl—a belief supported by Zuzanna Szadkowski in interviews. Dorota also appears in the 2021 sequel series, attending Cyrus Rose’s Hanukkah dinner with her husband Vanya (Aaron Schwartz) and their children Ana and Leo.

Carter Baizen

Carter Baizen, portrayed by Sebastian Stan from seasons one through three, is an alumnus of St. Jude's and a rival to Nate and Chuck. Having severed ties with his parents and lost access to his trust fund, Carter takes control of his destiny, revealing this to Serena prior to the cotillion. In season two, he returns to New York accompanied by the enigmatic Elle but becomes involved with Blair, contributing to her decline before leaving after Serena and Chuck intervene. He reappears in the season two finale to inform Serena he has found her father. Season three reveals they spent summer in Europe searching for him. After Serena's unsuccessful attempt, Carter admits his feelings for her and they share a kiss. Their relationship ends when it emerges he abandoned Bree Buckley’s cousin at the altar; consequently, the Buckleys send him to Texas to work off his debt. Serena attempts to win his freedom through gambling but fails; she later arranges his release herself, yet Carter declines to rekindle their relationship, choosing instead to make amends on his own terms. Later on, he deceives Serena about her father’s whereabouts to get closer; upon discovering this lie, she expels him from her life.

Headmistress Queller

Headmistress Queller, portrayed by Linda Emond in the first season and early second season, and later by Jan Maxwell in late second and fourth seasons, oversees both Constance Billiard School for Girls and St. Jude's School for Boys. Introduced as the institution's new leader in season one, she promptly tackles disciplinary challenges, including a notable incident at the swimming pool involving underclassmen. The situation threatens expulsion unless the responsible student admits guilt. Serena accepts blame but avoids expulsion after Bart Bass intervenes, resulting instead in community service. In season two, Queller handles Jenny’s unauthorized absence from school while working at Eleanor Waldorf’s atelier until her return. When Blair faces waitlisting at Yale, she turns to Queller for advice; Queller reassures her that Constance students typically secure admission if their records remain unblemished. However, following Blair’s involvement in a hazing scandal, Queller imposes detention with community service, which ultimately leads to Yale rejecting Blair’s application. Blair’s subsequent attempt to enroll at Sarah Lawrence College also fails due to this incident despite Queller’s influence with the dean.

Penelope Shafai

Played by Amanda Setton across seasons one, two, four, and five, Penelope Shafai begins as a member of Blair’s inner circle before losing her status as queen bee. She frequently shifts her loyalties between Blair and Jenny and openly displays an attraction to Nate. Penelope supports Jenny’s ascension to Queen after Blair’s sabotage efforts falter, assisting in hosting Jenny’s party and trusting her despite deceit involving Asher Hornsby—an act that ultimately dissolves their friendship. A nationally recognized Merit Scholar, Penelope is convinced by Chuck to vandalize Amanda Lasher’s hair, igniting tensions between Dan and Serena. Alongside Isabel, she plays a role in widening the divide between Blair and Serena during changes in the Queen position. Penelope plans to accompany Nate to the Snowflake Ball with the intent of embarrassing Vanessa and participates in attempts to crown Emma Boardman Queen, though Jenny ultimately wins. Initially resistant to the idea of a Brooklyn girl carrying on their tradition, she is persuaded otherwise by Blair. Returning in season four as a Columbia University student, Penelope joins the prestigious Hamilton House club and remains one of Blair’s most loyal allies. In season five, she competes with former followers for a place as Blair’s bridesmaid.

Hazel Williams

Hazel Williams, portrayed by Dreama Walker in seasons one and two, is part of Blair’s clique until dethroned as queen bee and alternates her loyalty between Blair and Jenny. She forgives Jenny after impressing the group by bringing Nate to dinner at Butter. Similar to Penelope, Hazel initially believes Jenny’s falsehoods about Asher but ends their friendship upon discovering the truth. Along with Isabel and Penelope, she contributes to publicly humiliating Vanessa at the Snowflake Ball. Frequently seeking romantic relationships, Hazel is blackmailed by Jenny into treating Nelly Yuki better by referencing a past hookup with her cousin. She is an avid follower of Gossip Girl’s blog and once exhibited withdrawal symptoms when cellphones were banned at Constance.

Nelly Yuki

Nelly Yuki, played by Yin Chang during the first, second, and sixth seasons, serves as Blair’s intellectual adversary and boasts accolades such as Merit Scholar, Peabody Scholar, and finalist in the Intel Science Talent Search. Coming from a family owning significant Tribeca real estate, she was gifted her initial violin by Itzhak Perlman. Although Blair interferes with her SAT performance, Nelly briefly forms a friendship with Blair and eventually allies with her in the Queen rivalry. She exposes Jenny Humphrey’s dishonesty, which leads to Jenny losing her Queen Bee status, and subsequently integrates into Blair's circle in season two. Jenny tries to shield Nelly from harassment by leveraging her knowledge to intimidate others but is ultimately outmaneuvered when Nelly reveals she was manipulating the power shift for personal advantage. Following their competition, Nelly secures admission to Yale over Blair and endorses Jenny’s ascension to Queen at the conclusion of season two.

In season five, while still attending Yale, Nelly declines an invitation to join Blair’s bridesmaids due to lingering resentment, resulting in Charlie taking her place. In season six’s second episode, she reappears as a fashion journalist critiquing Blair’s new collection; although Blair suspects foul play, she discovers Nelly merely allows her to self-destruct. Nelly advises Dan against integrating into high society and initially offers a critical review of Blair’s debut fashion show before providing positive feedback that significantly advances Blair’s career in fashion. In episode three, she subtly expresses interest in Dan but is ultimately overlooked when he departs with another woman.

Jonathan Whitney

Jonathan Whitney, portrayed by Matt Doyle from seasons two through four, is Eric's former boyfriend and a member of the influential Whitney family. In "The Goodbye Gossip Girl," he was mistakenly accused of being "Gossip Girl" after allegedly hacking into the website. After a brief absence in season three, Jonathan and Eric challenge Jenny's authority at school, leading to incidents such as Eric being doused with yogurt. At a social gathering, Jonathan is pelted with eggs by Jenny’s followers, motivating Eric to retaliate against Jenny's Cotillion event. Upon discovering Eric's collusion with Blair in this scheme, Jonathan ends their relationship. In season four, he attempts unsuccessfully to reconcile with Eric.

Diana Payne

Elizabeth Hurley portrays Diana Payne in season five as a shrewd and calculating media mogul. She encounters Nate Archibald in Los Angeles and subsequently launches an online publication called The NY Spectator, designed to undermine the powerful New York blog 'Gossip Girl.' Their clandestine relationship deteriorates amid mutual jealousy until Diana publicly reveals it through her platform. She uncovers Ivy and Charlie’s true identities and coerces Charlie into working for her under duress. It is later disclosed that Diana collaborates with Nate's grandfather, William van der Bilt, orchestrating Nate’s employment as part of an extensive plan before departing the city. Her return in episode 19, "It Girl Interrupted," ignites a power struggle with Nate and reveals that Diana is Chuck’s biological mother. Further inquiries imply that "Diana Payne" might be an assumed name.

Damien Dalgaard

Portrayed by Kevin Zegers during the third and fourth seasons, Damien Dalgaard is a drug dealer and the son of the Belgian ambassador. He forms a friendship with Jenny, exploiting her as a drug courier and seller before their romantic relationship ends when she refuses to engage in intimacy. Damien is both clever and athletic, having attended the same boarding school as Serena. In the fourth season, he assists Blair and Dan in locating Juliet after supplying Juliet with drugs that were used to incapacitate Serena. Additionally, he sells sleeping pills to Eric.

In retaliation against Ben—who had threatened him to stay away from Serena’s family—Damien cultivates a friendship with Eric and orchestrates an unsuccessful attempt to have Ben sent back to prison. After manipulating Eric, Damien abruptly terminates their fabricated friendship. While searching for Eric, Dan and Nate uncover Damien’s drug dealings but only encounter the ambassador, who disinherits Damien upon discovering his son's illicit activities. Subsequently, Damien blackmails Eric using forged affidavits related to Ben and forces him into drug dealing to keep a low profile in front of his father. Damien secures a $100,000 check from Eric but is later confronted and intimidated by Ben as he leaves the Van der Woodsen residence.

Louis Grimaldi

Played by Hugo Becker in seasons four and five, Louis is the nephew of Albert II and the heir apparent to Monaco's throne. He encounters Blair in Paris early in season four and immediately develops feelings for her, going so far as to pose as a chauffeur to ensure her interest is not influenced by his royal status. Blair rejects Louis initially due to her lingering feelings for Chuck; however, he later travels to New York to pursue her further. The couple dates secretly at first to avoid the disapproval of his mother, Princess Sophie. After Blair escapes a royal event disrupted by Chuck, Louis proposes marriage. Though Sophie initially doubts Blair’s suitability as a princess, she is eventually persuaded with assistance from Cyrus. Louis frequently places his mother's desires above Blair’s and harbors insecurities about Blair's past with Chuck, requiring frequent reassurance from him. In Season 5, episode 13, their wedding is interrupted by a video revealing Blair’s declaration of love for Chuck. Louis forgives her and proceeds with the ceremony but later admits that their marriage is contractual—a façade lacking genuine affection.

Juliet Sharp

In season four, Katie Cassidy portrays Juliet Sharp, an enigmatic woman Nate meets during a date. She possesses more knowledge about their social circle than she initially reveals and encourages Vanessa to reconcile with Dan in order to help Nate regain Serena’s attention. Juliet’s brother Ben is incarcerated, and her secretive demeanor arouses Nate’s suspicion. Despite maintaining a guarded front, Juliet develops sincere feelings for Nate but ends their relationship to protect her brother after he assaults Nate’s father. Colin, Serena’s professor, provides Juliet with money, hinting at his involvement in her schemes; he is later uncovered as her cousin who remains unaware of her plans. Juliet collaborates with Vanessa and Jenny to undermine Serena, leading to Serena’s commitment at the Ostroff Center. She extorts money from Lily by threatening to expose Serena’s secrets but eventually leaves town to avoid further conflict. Upon briefly returning due to suspicions that others know about her actions, Juliet reconciles with Serena after discovering Lily was responsible for her brother’s imprisonment. Before departing again, she promises no additional harm will come from her actions; however, Nate remains distrustful—a fact that deeply wounds Juliet as she exits once more.

Ben Donovan

In season four, Ben Donovan, played by David Call, is introduced as Juliet’s brother and Serena’s former English instructor. Following the development of mutual romantic feelings, Ben was unjustly convicted on charges of statutory rape and interstate transportation of a minor, based on a forged signature attributed to Serena. He consequently served a five-year prison term. Together, Ben and Juliet plotted to sabotage Serena’s life, ensuring no physical harm would come to her. It was subsequently uncovered that Lily, Serena’s mother, orchestrated Ben’s incarceration by falsifying Serena’s signature to compel her daughter’s return to Constance.

Eventually, Serena reconciles with Ben, and they begin a romantic relationship. Additionally, Ben has issued warnings to Damien to deter him from associating with the Van Der Woodsen family.

Russell Thorpe

Russell Thorpe, portrayed by Michael Boatman in season four, is depicted as a longstanding real estate adversary of Bart Bass. After Bart undercut his business deals, Russell relocated to Chicago to establish his own enterprise. He later returns to the Upper East Side accompanied by his daughter Raina with intentions to acquire Bass Industries. Russell shares a complicated history with Lily van der Woodsen.

Opposing Raina's involvement with Chuck Bass, Russell reveals that his grudge against Bart originates from the suspicious death of his wife Avery Thorpe in a fire at one of Bart's properties. Initially blaming Bart for the tragedy, Russell later confesses that he himself set the fire without knowing Avery was inside. He struck a deal with Bart: Russell would flee to Chicago if Bart accepted responsibility and agreed never to mention Avery again. Chuck and his allies uncover Russell’s deceit through security footage, thwarting his scheme to dismantle Bass Industries.

Raina Thorpe

In season four, Raina Thorpe, played by Tika Sumpter, is introduced as Russell’s intelligent daughter and vice-president within his company. Initially mistaken by Chuck Bass for an assistant, she is soon revealed as a pivotal figure in her father’s takeover attempt of Bass Industries. Raina admits that her father facilitated the acquisition by alerting a prospective buyer.

She engages briefly in a romantic relationship with Chuck, which ends after learning from Russell about Bart Bass's involvement in Avery's death—her mother—who perished in a fire set by Bart during an affair two decades earlier. Russell had misled Raina into believing her mother abandoned them.

Subsequently, Raina begins dating Nate Archibald after discovering the truth about her mother. She distances herself from her father but supports Blair and Chuck when evidence emerges exposing Chuck's responsibility in Avery's death.

Guest stars

Reed Birney appears as Mr. Prescott, an educator at Constance Billard and St. Judes during seasons one and two. Jill Flint portrays Bex Simon, Lily's art dealer and Rufus' occasional romantic interest, also featured in seasons one and two. Susan Misner plays Alison Humphrey, Rufus' ex-wife and mother of Dan and Jenny, appearing in season one. Mädchen Amick is Duchess Catherine Beaton in season two; she has a brief relationship with Nate. Her stepson Lord Marcus Beaton (Patrick Heusinger) becomes involved with Blair; after Blair uncovers his affair with Catherine, she blackmails them into exile. Tamara Feldman portrays Poppy Lifton, a friend of Serena's appearing in seasons two and six; her boyfriend Gabriel Edwards (Armie Hammer) exploits Serena to embezzle funds from Lily. John Patrick Amedori plays Aaron Rose, an artist who briefly dates Serena in season two. Willa Holland appears as Agnes Andrews, a model who partners with Jenny before becoming rivals. Kevin Stapleton acts as Andrew Tyler, a detective employed by Bart and Chuck during seasons two and four. Aaron Schwartz is Vanya, Lily's apartment doorman who marries Dorota; they have children in later seasons. Laura Breckenridge plays Rachel Carr, Dan's instructor and love interest in season two.

Joanna Garcia features as Bree Buckley during early episodes of season three; her family's feud with Nate leads to their breakup following an incident at a wedding. Hilary Duff stars as Olivia Burke, an actress who briefly dates Dan in season three before realizing his affections lie elsewhere. Deanna Russo plays K.C. Cunningham, Olivia's publicist and former employer of Serena across seasons three and four. Laura Harring portrays Elizabeth Fisher, Chuck’s mother who reveals her abandonment of him and ties to his company during season three. Sherri Saum appears as Holland Kemble, hired by William van der Woodsen to interfere with Rufus and Lily’s relationship in season three. Luke Kleintank acts as Elliot Leichter, Eric’s bisexual partner during seasons three and four. Alice Callahan portrays Jessica, one of Blair’s followers at Columbia University spanning seasons three through five.

Clémence Poésy appears as Eva Coupeau early in season four; she rescues Chuck’s life and influences his philanthropic transformation before their breakup caused by Blair’s interference. Jayne Atkinson plays Dean Reuther of Columbia University in season four. Samuel Page portrays Colin Forrester, Juliet's cousin and Serena’s college professor with whom she briefly dates. Sheila Kelley is Carol Rhodes, Lily’s sister who arrives alongside Ivy posing as her daughter to access a trust fund during seasons four and five. Brian J. Smith plays Max Harding, Ivy’s ex-boyfriend who blackmails her after uncovering her deception in season five. Michael Michele appears as Jane, a film producer who hires Serena before their professional split shortly after. Marina Squerciati portrays Alessandra Steele, Dan’s book publicist during season five.

In season five, Roxane Mesquida takes on the role of Béatrice Grimaldi, Louis’ sister opposing his engagement to Blair; Marc Menard plays Father Cavalia, a Monaco priest connected to Blair’s fiancé Louis. Amanda Perez appears as Tina, Nate’s assistant at The Spectator.

Cameo appearances

• The Pierces ("Hi, Society")
• Lisa Loeb ("Woman on the Verge", "New York, I Love You XOXO")
• Sylvia Weinstock ("Woman on the Verge", "Rhodes to Perdition")
• Ebony J Lewis ("Much 'I Do' About Nothing")
• Tinsley Mortimer ("Summer Kind of Wonderful", "The Serena Also Rises")
• Cristina Greeven Cuomo ("The Serena Also Rises")
• Michael Kors ("The Serena Also Rises")
• Christian Coulson ("Touch of Eva")
• Honor Brodie ("Chuck in Real Life")
• Ariel Foxman ("Chuck in Real Life")
• Cyndi Lauper ("Bonfire of the Vanity")
• Nastia Liukin ("It's a Wonderful Lie")
• Jennifer Damiano ("It's a Wonderful Lie")
• Charles Isherwood ("The Age of Dissonance")
• Patrick McMullan ("Remains of the J")
• Ashley Hinshaw, Nacho Figueras, Alexandra Richards ("Reversals of Fortune")
• Sean MacPherson ("The Lost Boy")
• Tory Burch, Tyra Banks, Georgina Chapman ("Dan de Fleurette")
• Kim Gordon ("Rufus Getting Married")
• Jimmy Fallon ("The Grandfather: Part II")
• Plastiscines ("They Shoot Humphreys, Don't They?")
• Lady Gaga ("The Last Days of Disco Stick")
• Alexandra Carl ("The Hurt Locket")
• Deadmau5 ("The Empire Strikes Jack")
• Lou Doillon, Karlie Kloss, Willy Wong, Danielle Billinkoff, Meredith Melling Burke ("Belles de Jour")
• Hamish Bowles, Charlotte Ronson, Diane von Fürstenberg, Alessandra Ambrosio ("The Undergraduates")
• Kick Kennedy ("Touch of Eva")
• Tim Gunn, Jared Kushner, Isaac Mizrahi, Ivanka Trump ("Easy J")
• Cynthia Rowley, Joe Zee, Rachel Zoe, Robyn ("War at the Roses")
• Darci Kistler, Peter Martins, Gillian Murphy, Ethan Stiefel ("Juliet Doesn't Live Here Anymore")
• John DeLucie ("The Witches of Bushwick")
• Minnie Mortimer ("The Townie")
• Stefano Tonchi ("Damien Darko")
• Robert Ackroyd, Florence and the Machine ("Panic Roommate")
• Cecily von Ziegesar, David O. Russell ("The Wrong Goodbye")
• Zoë Bell, Jenny Lewis, Johnathan Rice ("Yes, Then Zero")
• Sloane Crosley ("Memoirs of an Invisible Dan")
• Elizabeth Quinn Brown ("Rhodes to Perdition")
• Matthew Lynch ("Riding in Town Cars with Boys")
• Vera Wang ("The End of the Affair")
• Dick Cavett ("Con-Heir")
• Kristen Bell, Rachel Bilson, Michael Bloomberg ("New York, I Love You XOXO")
• Jonathan Karp ("Simon and Schuster- Dan's publisher")