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She was born
Her real name is Leighton Marissa Meester and she was born Meester was born in Fort Worth, Texas, to Constance Lynn and Douglas Jay Meester.At the time of her birth, Meester's parents were serving time in a federal prison for their involvement in a drug ring that smuggled marijuana from Jamaica to the United States.Constance was able to give birth to Leighton in a hospital and nurse her for three months in a halfway house, before returning to prison to complete her sentence. -
Her clildhood
Her paternal grandparents cared for Meester during this period.She has maintained that her parents gave her a normal upbringing.She grew up in Marco Island,Florida, where she participated in productions at a local playhouse.Her parents separated in 1992.When she was 11 years old,Meester and her siblings moved with their mother to New York City.Meester also booked commercials for Tamagotchi and Clearasil.Meester then transferred to a small private school and graduated a year earlier than normal. -
Career beginnings
Meester made her acting debut in 1999 as a murder victim's friend, Alyssa Turner, on an episode of Law & Order.Following this, she made her film debut in Hangman's Curse (2003), based on the bestselling book by Frank Peretti. She had a series regular role in Tarzan, which aired for only eight episodes.She was cast as series regular in Surface as Savannah Barnett.In 2006, Meester appeared in two films, Flourish and Inside. -
GOSSIP GIRL
In 2007, Meester was cast in The CW's teen drama series Gossip Girl as Blair Waldorf, based on the book series of the same name by Cecily von Ziegesar. Her performance was the most critically acclaimed of the show, with Blair being cited as the series' breakout character. She also garnered media attention for her wardrobe on the show.The series ended after six seasons and 121 episodes. -
Music ventures
Apart from Gossip Girl, Meester in April 2009, she released the song "Birthday" featuring duo Awesome New Republic.Meester's first official single, "Somebody to Love", featuring R&B singer Robin Thicke ,and became available for digital download on October 14, 2009.She recorded a cover of the song "Christmas" for the compilation album A Very Special Christmas 7.Her second single, "Your Love's a Drug", was digitally released on March 30,2010.After that she writes songs since today. -
Personal life. Legal issues
In July 2011, Meester and her mother, Constance, filed lawsuits against each other over Meester's financial support of her younger brother, Alexander, who has multiple health problems.Meester's suit claimed that her mother used the money she sent for "cosmetic procedures", such as botox and hair extensions. Her mother's suit made a counterclaim alleging breach of contract and physical abuse.In June 2012, Meester won the lawsuit, with the judge rejecting the claims in her mother's counter-suit. -
Personal life. Residence and family
Meester resides in Los Angeles.In November 2013, she became engaged to actor Adam Brody, whom she met while filming The Oranges in March 2010.The couple was married in a private ceremony on February 15, 2014. -
Philanthropy
Meester has participated in several charitable campaigns.In 2008, she was a spokesperson for Sunsilk's "Life Can't Wait" campaign, which aimed at motivating women to pursue their dreams.She also collaborated with Safe Horizon in 2009 to raise awareness about domestic violence.In 2015, Meester auctioned off fashion and accessories in a charity auction on eBay.The proceeds benefited Many Hopes, a charity organization that builds schools and homes for children in Kenya. -
Chlidren
Their first child, daughter Arlo Day Brody, was born on August 4, 2015.In April 2020, it was revealed that the couple are expecting their second child. -
Single parents
Single Parents is an American sitcom television series that premiered on September 26, 2018 on ABC. It stars Taran Killam, Leighton Meester, Kimrie Lewis, Brad Garrett, Jake Choi, Marlow Barkley, Tyler Wladis, Devin Trey Campbell, Mia Allan, and Ella Allan, and follows a group of adults who must venture through single parenthood with their young kids. On October 17, 2018, the show was picked for a full season of 22 episodes, plus an additional episode bringing the order to 23 episodes. -
Philanthropy II
During her first two years working with Feeding America, she has volunteered at Los Angeles' Downtown Women's Center and assisted with relief efforts in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria in 2017.In May 2019,Meester worked together with Feeding America and Los Angeles Food Bank to help families in need. -
GOSSIP GIRL 2020
It was officially announced by the representatives of CW in the response to the question on the possible continuation of «Gossip Girl» for Season 7. Its premiere air date, awaited impatiently by the fans, hasn't still been announced since from November, 2012 it is officially ended.
