Penn Badgley Nearly Left Acting at 20 Due to Disenchantment with Hollywood

Penn Badgley, known for his roles in 'Gossip Girl' and 'You,' openly considered abandoning his acting career when he was just 20 years old. Having initiated his journey in Hollywood at the tender age of 12, by the time he reached 20, he felt wearied and dispirited.

During an interview on the 'Call Her Daddy' podcast, Badgley explained that his professional acting career started in childhood and allowed him to achieve financial independence by 15. When approached for the role of Dan Humphrey in 'Gossip Girl,' he was initially reluctant to return to television.

Badgley reflected, "By my twenties, the sheen of Hollywood had worn off, leaving me exhausted. It's quite something when your entire life by that age has revolved around the entertainment industry."

He felt, "at 20, there was a fatigue in me that's not common for someone my age," because his career had spanned years from such a young age.

He also discussed his drive to support his parents, noting that even if he wasn't the primary provider, he was always keen on contributing to their well-being.

Turning Point in Career

The entertainment world stands out as one of the few fields where children can initiate professional careers early on. Badgley, initially a star on 'The Young and The Restless,' contemplated a pivot to music but resolved to accept the 'Gossip Girl' offer for monetary reasons.

Badgley admitted, "I was on the brink of financial hardship, yet eager to navigate through it. Despite enjoying my lifestyle, the road ahead was unclear, and moving back with my family wasn’t an option. The pressure was significant."

'Gossip Girl' proved a game-changer, quickly becoming an iconic teen drama of its era, propelling Badgley along with his co-stars to stardom.

Evolving as an Actor

Since his breakthrough, Badgley expanded his portfolio, taking on various roles across movies and shows, most notably 'You,' a major Netflix series that is concluding its final season.

Now at 38, Badgley conveyed on the podcast, a sense of maturity in his craft, stating he feels he's "coming into his own as an actor."