Blake Lively Honors 18 Years of 'Gossip Girl,' Remembers Late Co-Star Michelle Trachtenberg

Blake Lively recently commemorated the 18th anniversary of the hit teen drama "Gossip Girl," describing the show as her "college" and a transformative period spanning six years of her life. She shared rare behind-the-scenes photos with co-stars, including Leighton Meester, Penn Badgley, Ed Westwick, and the late Michelle Trachtenberg, who played Georgina Sparks and tragically passed away in February 2025 due to complications from diabetes. The photos captured candid moments on set, highlighting the camaraderie and memorable experiences during filming in New York City, Silvercup Studios, and occasionally Paris. "Gossip Girl," which aired from 2007 to 2012, followed the lives of Manhattan's elite teens and became iconic for its drama and fashion, launching its young cast to stardom. Despite the show's original run ending, its cultural impact endures, with a 2021 HBO Max reboot introducing a new generation while honoring the original's legacy. Lively, reflecting on the show's influence, emphasized how it was more than just a job—serving as her education, social life, and formative experience in the entertainment industry.