Influencer Reveals “Gossip Girl” Was Filmed at His Family’s N.Y.C. Apartment, Shares What ‘Surprised’ Him Most (Exclusive)

Influencer Recalls ‘Gossip Girl’ Being Filmed at Family’s N.Y.C. Home

Ryan Roth, a popular influencer, is widely known for his heartwarming viral videos featuring his 102-year-old grandmother. However, in a surprising turn of events in November 2025, the 27-year-old influencer took a break from his usual content to share a unique personal anecdote with his followers. Roth revealed through a TikTok video that the Upper East Side apartment in New York City, where he spent his childhood, was once used as a filming location for the iconic TV series, Gossip Girl.

Recalling the memorable experience exclusively to PEOPLE, Roth expressed his awe at the opportunity, stating, “I don’t think I fully understood the gravity of how cool it was that Gossip Girl was being filmed in my parents’ house.” At the time, the show was still in its early stages but had already garnered immense popularity. Roth reminisced about the excitement surrounding the filming, even though he was only in the first season of the series.

Back in 2008, Roth’s family apartment was depicted as the residence of Asher Hornsby, Jenny Humphrey’s socialite boyfriend, in episode 16 of the show’s first season. Reflecting on the filming process, Roth vividly described how the crew transformed their home to fit the scene, including moving artwork for copyright reasons and replacing photographs in frames. Despite the extensive preparations, the actual filming within the apartment lasted only a day, resulting in just a few minutes of footage on screen.

As a 10-year-old observing the filming, Roth was fascinated by the behind-the-scenes action and the intricacies of television production. He highlighted his eagerness to participate as an extra in a party scene filmed in the apartment but was deemed too young for the role. Despite this, Roth cherished the opportunity to meet the cast members, particularly noting the kindness of actors like Leighton Meester, Taylor Momsen, and Connor Paolo during the filming process.

Reflecting on the experience a decade later, Roth expressed a sense of nostalgia when revisiting the episode and reminiscing about the fans gathered outside their building during filming. The influencer confessed that he now appreciates the significance of witnessing such an iconic show being produced in his childhood home. Roth also shared a family connection to the show, with his father, Peter Thomas Roth, featuring actress Kelly Rutherford, who played Lily van der Woodsen, as the face of his skincare brand in 2014.

Looking back on the rare opportunity, Roth expressed gratitude for the unforgettable experience and wished he could have fully grasped the significance of the moment as a child. A decade later, he still holds a deep appreciation for Gossip Girl, considering it one of the best shows for someone raised in New York City. Roth’s recollection of the day Gossip Girl graced his family’s residence serves as a testament to the lasting impact of the iconic series on both fans and those fortunate enough to be part of its world.