Leighton Meester, known for her iconic role as Blair Waldorf in “Gossip Girl,” is back in the spotlight with her new character Alyssa in the HBO comedy series “I Love LA.” In this role, she plays a publicist who runs a successful PR firm and is the boss of Maia, portrayed by Rachel Sennott. Meester draws from her personal experiences in Hollywood, having had her own publicist throughout her career, and shares how this influenced her portrayal of Alyssa.
On her journey through Hollywood, Meester, who began acting in 1999, reflects on the dynamics of working with a publicist. She expresses gratitude for her positively impactful relationship with her own publicist, declaring, “I’ve been very lucky to have… my publicist, I think of her as my friend.” This camaraderie has allowed her to portray Alyssa without drawing from any unfortunate experiences.
Despite her fortunate encounters, Meester is not oblivious to the industry’s intense nature. She recalls observing bizarre situations from a distance, saying, “I’ve totally seen it from afar and witnessed some weird shenanigans.” However, she finds such stories entertaining rather than distressing, showing a light-hearted perspective.
Joining Meester on “I Love LA” are a talented ensemble cast, including Odessa A’Zion, Jordan Firstman, True Whitaker, and Josh Hutcherson. The series explores the ups and downs of life and love in Los Angeles through Maia and her ambitious friends.
This year has been major for Meester, who has also starred in “The Buccaneers” and recently collaborated with her husband, Adam Brody, in the Netflix film “Nobody Wants This.” Brody described their joint project as a “date night,” highlighting their strong family bond as they navigate their careers together.
“I Love LA” airs new episodes every Sunday at 11 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max, promising a blend of humor and relatable experiences for its viewers. Meester’s light-hearted take on her character and the positive relationships she fosters in the industry contribute to a hopeful narrative for the show and its audience.