Penn Badgley

Penn: (On playing the outsider in Gossip Girl) What's great about Dan, on one hand, is that he's the most relatable, because he's the "everyguy." But he's also sort of on a moral high ground, which, not that it can get boring but it's more fun to explore the darker side of a character. I really like the scenes where I'm able to work with his temper a little bit and do something a little more exciting.

Penn: (Advice he wished he was given growing up) I wish I had known that vulnerability is universal for everyone, regardless of how cool or not cool they are. You have such a heightened awareness of yourself, so even small things seem life-changing- a bad day turns into, Oh my gosh, my life is over. If I were still a teen, I would want to hear: "It's okay. Take a deep breath and move on."

Penn: One thing is that music is really my number one creative passion. I play piano and guitar, and I write music as well. But I'd never do it professionally. Maybe later in my life, I'll have the money to make an album on my own and do whatever I want, but until then I'll just keep it for me. I did once write a song for a girl. I think it was a really romantic gesture- and I think it worked!