Is there an outfit you’ve loved wearing on set?
In episode two, which you’ll see, I have this, like, black long, shiny dress on. There’s a little cutout at the front. It’s so cute.
Is your own style similar to Audrey’s?
It’s really different. I love being comfy, but if I’m actually going to live life, which I haven’t really since the pandemic, I opt for vintage mixed with off-the-rack. I’ve been working with Gucci lately, and they have a very old-school ’70s vibe right now, which I’ve been into.
What have been some of your favorite moments on set?
One time me and the girls, one by one, ended up randomly going into Savannah Lee Smith’s dressing room. I don’t know what happened, but we sat down, and Savannah was eating cereal in the middle of the day in complete darkness. She was eating cereal and watching YouTube on the TV, so we all just started watching this video about different types of vaginas. And then they came in to get us, and the production assistants were like, “Okayyyyy.”
If there was a superlative your costars could give you, what would it be?
Most empathetic.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned through working on Gossip Girl?
I’ve learned how to work through really hard times. Obviously, so has everyone this past year. For as long as I’ve been doing this, the film industry has always been semi the same, right? And then COVID hit, and everyone’s so distant from each other because of social guidelines. Also, there’s lots of people online who say bad things, and learning how to—especially on this show, because it’s such a hit—say “fuck off.” Obviously, listen to the fans, but some people are just assholes, and you have to take what they say with a grain of salt. Especially with reboots and continuations.
You mentioned fame was never your goal, but this show will definitely give you a larger platform. Is there a cause or issue you want to bring attention to?
I’m keen on trying to support poetry and writing and creativity for kids. I really love the idea of art therapy. All the information I’ve heard about public schools’ trying to cut down on art programs has made me so angry. For so many kids, it’s what makes them who they are. If I didn't have the arts accessible to me as a kid, I would not be who I am.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
