On Friday, the TV Addict had the opportunity to talk with actress Jessica Szohr, better known around these parts as Dan’s best friend Vanessa on everybody’s favorite guilty pleasure GOSSIP GIRL. The following is what Szohr [pronounced Zee-oh-ar] spilled on what the cast is really like, those Nate and Vanessa rumors and how she’s handling all the media attention surrounding the show.
How did you break into acting?
I grew up in Wisconsin, modeling and doing commercials. I never thought acting was a realistic dream. But in my senior year of High School, my parents sat me down and asked if I really wanted to go to College, or was I just doing it for them. So with their blessing, I decided to go out to Los Angeles for pilot season.
What was it like joining the show part way into the first season?
I was super nervous. I’d seen the pilot, so joining the show four episodes in [episode 104/105] was like being the new kid at school. But everyone was so welcoming and sweet.
On-screen we know that you’re Dan’s BFF [Best Friend Forever], but whom would you say you’ve become closest with off-camera? Who’s your off-screen Dan?
We’ve all become close in certain ways, but I’d definitely say off screen I’m closest with Ed [Chuck Bass]
How are you finding all the media attention surrounding the show?
It’s very interesting. You don’t realize that aside from acting, there is this whole other side. Photo shoots, interviews, it gets a little complicated. It’s not really my place to talk about everybody’s personal life. Vanessa, Dan, Nate I’m more than happy to talk about.
Any interesting fan experiences in New York?
I forget that I’m on a show people watch. If people do recognize me, I usually think they need directions to the subway! There are a couple of fans that come to the set everyday and stand around and watch. Which is a little weird. But we need the fans, so I think we all try our best when people are watching.
So what can you tell me about Vanessa and Nate, there’s been an awful lot of rumor, not to mention photos, swirling around online.
Growing up in Brooklyn Vanessa is from a completely different world. She doesn’t really understand the the Upper East Side — limos, jets, parents worth billions. She works at a normal job in a café. But with Nate, she sees a guy who’s not completely part of that world either. Nate’s not self-involved and I think Vanessa tries to reach out with him, to become friends.
Maybe more…
[Laughs] I’m not sure what I can really say. But in the season finale, Vanessa goes to her first society function and things get pretty interesting.
Do you know where the character of Vanessa will be heading in the second season?
We’re just wrapping up the season finale and we’re back in June so I don’t even think they’ve started writing the second season. But the writers are so good at what they do. I mean, they wrote THE OC. So I trust them completely.
GOSSIP GIRL fans, don’t miss the return of Vanessa tonight at 8PM on the CW. And return to theTVaddict.com next Monday for our interview with Gossip Dad Matthew Settle.
Photo Credits: The CW © 2007 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserve