Penn Badgley Gives a Hot Take on His “Gossip Girl” Sideburns — and Swears They Were All Natural

Penn Badgley Reflects on His Iconic Gossip Girl Sideburns

Penn Badgley, known for his role as Dan Humphrey on the popular TV series “Gossip Girl,” recently shared some insights into his memorable sideburns from the show. In a candid discussion on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast with host Alex Cooper, Badgley revealed that the distinctive facial hair was all his own and not a prop, contrary to popular belief.

During the six seasons of “Gossip Girl,” Badgley’s sideburns became somewhat of a trademark for his character. The now 38-year-old actor admitted that if he had the opportunity to see himself with those sideburns in real life, he would have reconsidered sporting them. Despite this, Badgley reminisced on how the sideburns were an intentional choice to make him appear older and keep up with the fashion trends of the early 2000s.

Reflecting on his desire for a more mature look, Badgley explained that he always wanted to have facial hair to add some age to his youthful appearance. He mentioned that the aesthetic of the sideburns was something he had envisioned for himself, even gesturing to illustrate his point during the podcast. However, looking back, Badgley joked about the less-than-ideal outcome, quipping, “I mean, who allowed that? So many people allowed that.”

Aside from discussing his on-screen appearance, Badgley also delved into his personal life, opening up about his past relationships and his current marriage to Domino Kirke. The actor shared that he had several long-term relationships in his 20s before finding lasting love with Kirke. Describing their connection as immediate and profound, Badgley expressed his happiness in starting a family with his wife and expecting twins.

Badgley’s portrayal of Dan Humphrey alongside Blake Lively, who played Serena van der Woodsen, sparked on-screen chemistry that translated into real-life friendship. The actor mentioned that he valued the deep connections he formed with his castmates during his time on “Gossip Girl” and highlighted the significance of genuine intimacy in his relationships.

In addition to his personal life, Badgley’s career has seen significant growth, with roles in popular series like “You.” Reflecting on his journey as an actor, he acknowledged the impact of his roles on his development as a performer, particularly in the character of Joe Goldberg on “You.”

As fans reminisce about Badgley’s iconic sideburns from his “Gossip Girl” days, the actor continues to evolve both personally and professionally. With a blend of nostalgia and newfound insights, Penn Badgley’s reflections offer a glimpse into his past roles, relationships, and aspirations for the future.