Leighton Meester is a renowned American actress and singer, best known for her role as Blair Waldorf on the hit series Gossip Girl. With a career spanning television, film, and music, she has built an impressive net worth, which is estimated at $14 million.
This net worth includes her career earnings, real estate ventures, and collaborations with various fashion and beauty brands. Meester’s wealth is further bolstered by her husband, actor Adam Brody, contributing to their combined fortune.
Early Life and Background
Leighton Meester was born on April 9, 1986, in Fort Worth, Texas, to parents who had a tumultuous background. Her mother and father were involved in a drug-related case, and Meester was born while her parents were in federal prison.
After their release, the family moved to Marco Island, Florida, where she started pursuing her interest in acting.
Meester later relocated to New York City, where she attended the Professional Children’s School and began modeling at age 11.
Her early career was focused on modeling with top agencies like Wilhelmina, working for brands like Ralph Lauren, Clearasil, and Tamagotchi, before she turned her attention to acting.
Career Beginnings
Meester began her acting career with guest appearances on popular TV shows such as “Law & Order” and “24”. Her breakthrough in television came in 2007 when she landed the role of Blair Waldorf in Gossip Girl.
The series, based on Cecily von Ziegesar’s book series, ran from 2007 to 2012, and Meester’s performance was widely praised.
She earned multiple Teen Choice Awards for her portrayal of Blair, and the show became a cultural phenomenon.
Alongside her TV career, Meester starred in several films such as “Country Strong” (2010), “Monte Carlo” (2011), and “The Roommate” (2011). These roles solidified her status as a versatile actress in both television and film.
Success and Continued Success
After Gossip Girl ended, Meester continued her career with notable roles in both movies and television.
She starred in the comedy “That’s My Boy” (2012) and appeared in “The Oranges”, which received critical acclaim. Meester also made her Broadway debut in 2014 in the stage production of “Of Mice and Men”.
In 2018, she starred in “Single Parents”, a sitcom that ran for two seasons. Her performance in both comedic and dramatic roles further showcased her versatility.
Music Career
In addition to acting, Leighton Meester has pursued a music career. She released her debut album, “Heartstrings,” in 2014.
Meester’s musical style has been compared to that of singer-songwriters like Tori Amos and Joni Mitchell. She also released a few singles before and after her album, including “Somebody to Love” (2009) and “Your Love’s a Drug” (2011).
Her music career helped expand her personal brand, and she even toured in 2015 to promote her album. Her involvement in music continues to be an essential part of her career.
Personal Life
Leighton Meester’s personal life has also been in the public eye. In 2013, she became engaged to actor Adam Brody, her co-star from the film “The Oranges”. They married in 2014 and have since had two children together.
While Meester is mostly known for her work in entertainment, she has also made headlines for legal disputes with her mother.
She filed a lawsuit against her mother for misappropriating money intended for her younger brother’s health care.
The case ended in her favor, and the dispute drew attention to her personal life outside of her career.
Real Estate Investments
Meester, along with her husband Adam Brody, has invested in real estate over the years. In 2014, the couple bought a $2.4 million property in the mountains above Malibu. They later sold the house in 2020 for $2.685 million.
In 2019, the couple purchased a $6.5 million property in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles.
Unfortunately, the home was tragically destroyed in a fire in January 2025, but the couple’s real estate investments demonstrate their continued success and growing wealth.
