Taylor Momsen & Ashley Benson: PLL & Gossip Girl Secrets Revealed!
Is it possible for a child actor to shed their past and reinvent themselves, or are they forever bound by their early roles? Taylor Momsen, a name synonymous with Jenny Humphrey from "Gossip Girl" and the young Cindy Lou Who from "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," has demonstrably, and dramatically, proven the former.
The world first met Taylor Momsen not on the hallowed halls of Constance Billard School for Girls, but as a tiny, cherubic-faced child actress. Her early roles, like the aforementioned Cindy Lou Who and Alexandra Anami in "Spy Kids 2," were a far cry from the rebellious, edgy persona she would later cultivate. These roles, while successful in their own right, served as a prelude to the complex character of Jenny Humphrey, a role that would catapult her to teen icon status, albeit one she'd ultimately outgrow.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Taylor Michel Momsen |
| Born | July 26, 1993 (Age 30) |
| Birthplace | St. Louis, Missouri, USA |
| Occupation | Actress, Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Model, Director |
| Known For | Jenny Humphrey in "Gossip Girl," Cindy Lou Who in "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," and frontwoman of The Pretty Reckless |
| Years Active | 1998Present |
| Musical Career | Frontwoman of The Pretty Reckless (formed 2009) |
| Albums Released (with The Pretty Reckless) |
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| Notable Roles |
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| Associated Acts | The Pretty Reckless |
| Reference | Wikipedia |
The transition from child star to teen idol was not without its complexities. Momsen's time on "Gossip Girl" provided her with immense exposure, and the character of Jenny Humphrey offered a vehicle for exploring themes of ambition, popularity, and the perils of growing up in a cutthroat environment. Yet, it was during this period that Momsen's desire to forge her own path began to crystalize. While appearing in 88 episodes of the series, a significant portion of her life between 2007 and 2012, the pull of music became undeniable. Her journey of discovery was far from over, as she would soon prove.
The allure of the stage and the music industry was evident. As the world of "Gossip Girl" began to wane for her, it was clear that music would soon be taking centre stage, and she would be leading the rock band, The Pretty Reckless. This shift was not a mere whim; it was a complete transformation, a rejection of the perceived constraints of her previous career, and an embracing of raw self-expression. This was no longer about playing the role of a perfect teen; it was about shredding the script entirely.
Her persona, the clothes, and the makeup became an evolution, with the desire to create a more personal image. The heavy looks of makeup she wore in the early seasons of "Gossip Girl" were, in her own words, "a little wild," showcasing a journey of exploration and refinement. It was an evolution not just of appearance, but of persona, a deliberate move away from the carefully constructed image of a teen actress towards something far more authentic.
While the focus shifted, the fans remained loyal. Pretty Little Liars, a show also known for its dedicated fanbase, shared this similarity with "Gossip Girl." The interest in the show was there, and that was a great achievement. Erin, from Pretty Little Liars fan community, says she's ready to embrace them. These fans are invested not just in the storylines and characters but also in the actors who bring them to life. Both shows, at their core, thrive on the mystery, drama, and, above all else, the unwavering devotion of their fans.
The core mystery of "Pretty Little Liars" and the secrets of Rosewood mirror the core values of its counterpart, "Gossip Girl." Both series delve into the darker aspects of adolescence and the secrets, lies, and betrayals that can fester within even the most seemingly perfect of worlds. The central question for "Pretty Little Liars" fans is: do Ashley Benson and Taylor Momsen look alike? The discussion continues, as fans analyze photos, share comments, and vote on the topic. The obsession with the comparison is a testament to how the show transcends the screen and permeates into the lives of its fans.
The focus is on the individual characters. For instance, the focus is on Hanna Marin & Caleb Rivers. The concept of the "BFF" is another point of comparison between these two shows, as in "Pretty Little Liars" and "Gossip Girl" as well. However, the story is about four friends whose darkest secrets are about to unravel, with the disappearance of the queen bee, Alison, leading to a year of turmoil and the girls being plagued by mysterious messages. The parallels, while not always explicit, are undeniably present.
The exploration of the characters, their relationships, and the secrets that bind them together is a key element of "Pretty Little Liars." This focus on character development is further highlighted by the fact that, in 2010, Taylor Momsen was 17 years old. The character dynamics and personal interactions contribute to the overall story and immerse the audience in the narrative.
The early roles shaped her, but "Gossip Girl" was where Momsen truly began to make her mark. But it was in this very series, and in the wake of her rising music career, that her acting career began to pivot, and her character started taking more time away from the screen. Momsen sought to create a more impactful identity. The shift in her persona, her refusal to wear pants so she can shock the world with her garish bits, was a part of a journey of self-discovery. The "mystery" in the show was also something that needed to be resolved as the story went on.
There are few regrets. Ashley's makeup looks became a little wild. And just like in "Pretty Little Liars," the show is designed to keep the audience guessing. Taylor Momsen's role was main cast.
The echoes of "Gossip Girl" can be found in contemporary shows like "Dynasty" and "The Perfectionists," and their similarities. The way in which fans connect and analyze the shows, characters, and actors is very similar. Each solution reveals even more questions. Ultimately, it is about the relationships between the characters. And now, the music took priority for Taylor Momsen.
Momsens story is not just about escaping the confines of a particular role or series; it is about the pursuit of authenticity, the courage to shed expectations, and the unwavering dedication to one's artistic vision. After leaving "Gossip Girl," she embraced the musical path, and since 2009 she has been leading The Pretty Reckless. And that is where she would stay.
The journey is far from over. Taylor Momsen has become an example of resilience and self-invention. From "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and "Spy Kids 2" to Jenny Humphrey and beyond, she has continued to reinvent herself. The journey from child actress to rock star is, in a way, a uniquely American story, a testament to the power of reinvention and the pursuit of artistic fulfillment.
The similarities in the fanbases and the focus on the drama make these shows a common point of discussion. The discussion of whether Ashley Benson and Taylor Momsen resemble each other or not on the r/prettylittleliars subreddit.
