Rachel Sennott has expressed her admiration for actress Leighton Meester, reflecting the widespread affection many fans have for her since the iconic role in Gossip Girl. In an exclusive interview, Sennott, creator and star of the upcoming HBO series I Love LA, shared insights into casting Meester as a significant character in the show, which premieres on November 2.
Sennott, like countless millennials and Gen Z viewers, has cherished Meester’s performances over the years and felt she was the ideal fit for her new series. “Oh my god, I’m obsessed with Leighton, have been since Gossip Girl. I think she’s just so funny and talented,” Sennott gushed, highlighting Meester’s comedic timing and talent, which A’zoin, her co-star, also praised, specifically mentioning her impressive facial expressions.
In I Love LA, Meester portrays Alyssa, a girlboss figure who supervises Sennott’s character Maia and runs a talent management company. Sennott noted the exceptional collaboration during the audition process, recalling, “I Zoomed with her because I really thought she could be amazing for the role… She’s so lovely and cool, and down to improv and play.”
A’zoin complemented Meester’s performance as well, emphasizing her ability to balance comedy with the authoritative traits of her character. “It felt really real,” A’zoin remarked on Meester’s approach to the role, acknowledging the nuanced difficulty in portraying such a character effectively.
Leighton Meester, reflecting on her time working on I Love LA, expressed gratitude towards Sennott for crafting an engaging setting that allowed her to refine her comedic skills. Meester appreciated the environment of collaboration and openness fostered through the filming process, which took over a year. “There was just a lot of freedom there, a lot of trust… it just felt comfortable,” she noted, emphasizing the positive dynamics that contributed to developing her character and enhancing the humor of each scene.
As I Love LA approaches its premiere, the anticipation surrounding the show’s cast and creative team is palpable, promising an engaging experience for new and old fans alike.