Leighton Marissa Meester (born April 9, 1986)is an American actress and singer. Meester first garnered attention for playing Blair Waldorf in the CW television series Gossip Girl. She most recently appeared in the 2010 country drama film Country Strong, the 2011 thriller The Roommate, and the 2011 romantic-comedy Monte Carlo.
Has an older brother, Douglas Meester.
Her surname “Meester” is Dutch for “master” or “teacher”.
She has worked with famous photographer Sofia Coppola.
She enjoys singing and even sang in the movie Drive Thru (2007).
She is naturally blonde but dyed her hair brown for the role of “Blair Waldorf” for her TV series “Gossip Girl” (2007).
Named one of People Magazines’ 100 Most Beautiful in 2008.
Ranked #48 on the Maxim magazine Hot 100 of 2008 list.
Has a younger brother named Lex Meester.
Attended Beverly Hills High School in Beverly Hills, California.
Is bringing out an electric pop album sometime in 2009.
She also speaks fluent French.
Enjoys creative writing.
Ranked #12 on Maxim Magazine’s Hot 100 of 2009 list.
Ranked #1 on FHM Online’s Fall 2008 TV’s Hottest Stars.
Was ranked #17 on Maxim Magazine’s Hot 100 of 2010 list.
Grew up in Marco Island, Florida
Her mother is of Spanish descent.
Her mother served a federal prison sentence for her involvement in a drug ring that smuggled marijuana from Jamaica to the United States. She was able to give birth to Leighton in a hospital and nursed her for three months in a halfway house, before returning to prison to complete her sentence. At this time Leighton’s grandmother cared for her.
Moved to Los Angeles, California at 14. She attended Hollywood High School and Beverly Hills High School. She then transferred to a small private school and graduated a year early.
Was in a relationship with her former “Gossip Girl” (2007) co-star Sebastian Stan from 2008-2010.
Ranked as having one of the most beautiful famous faces by “The Annual Independent Critics List of the 100 Most Beautiful Famous Faces From Around the World.” She was ranked #4 in 2010, #14 in 2009, and #21 in 2008.
