Sebastian Stan may have just hinted at his past relationship with Leighton Meester in a new interview, sparking nostalgia for Gossip Girl fans everywhere. The 41-year-old actor, known for his roles in Captain America and Pam & Tommy, opened up about his experience on the iconic CW series and seemingly reflected on his first serious romance during that time.
In case you missed it, Sebastian and Leighton dated from 2008 to 2010 after meeting on the set of Gossip Girl. While Leighton played the unforgettable Blair Waldorf as a series regular, Sebastian made appearances as Carter Baizen, popping in for a total of 11 episodes between 2007 and 2010. Their on-screen chemistry seemed to translate into real life, as the pair became one of the most talked-about young Hollywood couples of the time.
In his recent interview with Variety, Sebastian opened up about what life was like during his time on Gossip Girl and dropped a nostalgic hint about being in love. “It was the first time I was in serious love with somebody,” he revealed. “Walking around the city, seeing these same buildings and streets — life seemed simpler.” Though he didn’t directly name Leighton, the timeline and context seem to point to her as the love he was referring to, sending fans into a frenzy over the sweet memory.
Despite not speaking much about their relationship over the years, this isn’t the first time Sebastian has spoken highly of Leighton. Back in 2009, during their relationship, he gushed about her in an interview, calling her one of the most remarkable people he had ever met. “She’s the most interesting, sophisticated, talented, and an extremely funny person that I know. She’s really hilarious,” he told People at the time.
Although their romance ended over a decade ago, Sebastian’s recent comments have left fans wondering if Leighton was indeed the muse behind his first real love. After all, the streets of New York, where Gossip Girl was filmed, hold a special place for both of them. The series captured not just the drama of Manhattan’s elite but also some real-life relationships that formed along the way.
Regardless of whether he was talking about Leighton specifically, it’s clear that the relationship left a lasting impact on the actor, shaping his early years in the spotlight.
Though both stars have since moved on—Leighton is now happily married to The O.C. actor Adam Brody—this little glimpse into the past serves as a reminder of the simpler days of Gossip Girl and the real-life love stories it inspired. Fans of the series and the couple can only look back fondly on that time, wondering what could have been.
