Gossip Girl, that peppy teen show of the kind that The CW likes to run, had a bit of a shock moment when Taylor Momsen, who played Jenny Humphrey, decided to quit the show. But why? She was a fan favorite. Was she underpaid? Did she have any creative differences? Did she want to branch out? We’re here to take a look at her motivations.
In any case, her departure from the series after season four left many wondering why did she go. Speculation ranged from her desire to explore other roles to frustration with the kind of storylines that she was given. But what really happened?
Momsen’s Role In Gossip Girl
Taylor Momsen portrayed the character of Jenny Humphrey in the show, experiencing a remarkable evolution throughout the story. It is particularly noteworthy since teenage shows usually do not explore such character development arcs.
Jenny’s journey began as an innocent freshman, but as the series progressed, she transformed into a cunning and manipulative individual, driven by her determination to reign over the prestigious Upper East Side.
This evolution not only added depth to the storyline but also showcased the versatility of Taylor Momsen’s portrayal of the character. Her ability to bring Jenny’s transformation to life captivated the audience and made her performance memorable.
Why Did Taylor Momsen Leave Gossip Girl?
Taylor, widely known for her role as Jenny Humphrey on Gossip Girl, kickstarted her acting career at a remarkably young age. However, as time went on, she came to a poignant realization – her true passion resided elsewhere, in the realm of music. She wanted to be a singer, and who can blame her? Every girl in her teen at some point has those kinds of aspirations.
Despite her undeniable success as an actress, her heart yearned for something more meaningful. In candid interviews, Momsen candidly expressed her feelings of being confined within the acting industry, a feeling that prevented her from embarking on the pursuit of her genuine dreams.
Discontent As An Actress
Momsen’s courageous decision to depart from acting struck a resounding chord with legions of young individuals facing similar choices. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that it is never too late to alter one’s course and ardently chase after the aspirations that truly resonate within.
It serves as an inspiration to us all, affirming that the pursuit of one’s dreams is a journey worth undertaking, regardless of perceived obstacles.
Career Shift
When Taylor left Gossip Girl, that left a gaping hole in the plot of the television series, but what does it imply for the actress itself? Well, she had to completely dedicate herself to her true passion.
Taylor went on to form her band called “The Pretty Reckless,” a rock band that took the scene by storm. They’ve dropped several albums and managed to get a few fans and fill out a few venues when they go on tour.
Significance of Taylor Momsen’s Departure
Taylor Momsen’s departure had a significant impact on Gossip Girl’s storyline and viewership. Fans were undoubtedly disappointed when Jenny Humphrey’s story came to an abrupt halt.
However, the show’s writers capitalized on this by introducing fresh plotlines and characters to keep the audience engaged. This change added new layers of intrigue to the series while giving the remaining cast members room to shine.
Meanwhile, Momsen’s choice to pursue her artistic passions outside of acting enriched her career and brought her greater satisfaction. Today, she enjoys a noteworthy music career that might not have been possible if she had stayed on the show.
In conclusion, Taylor Momsen’s choice to leave Gossip Girl at the peak of its popularity was a risky move that shed light on the importance of staying true to oneself and pursuing personal passions. The ripple effect of her departure not only impacted the show’s storyline and viewership but also allowed her to embark on a new journey as a rock musician.
Also Read: Why is Gossip Girl Cancelled? The CW Teen Show From the 2010s
