PENN BADGLEY
as DAN HUMPHREY

Penn Badgley currently stars as Dan Humphrey in The CW's hit drama "Gossip Girl," from Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage ("The O.C."), based on the tremendously popular book series about privileged teenagers in New York City.

Badgley will next be seen on the big screen in the dramatic thriller "The Stepfather" opposite Dylan Walsh ("Nip/Tuck") and Sela Ward ("House"), in theatres this October. He recently completed production on "Easy A," in which he stars alongside Stanley Tucci, Emma Stone and Amanda Bynes.

Last fall, Badgley took a villainous turn in the rugby-themed "Forever Strong." He also appeared in "John Tucker Must Die," and has starred in several television series, including the short-lived "Do Over"; Badgley's first starring role, which came when he was 15, and garnered critical acclaim.

Born in Baltimore, Badgley split his formative years between Midlothian, Virginia, and Seattle, Washington. It was in Seattle that, through his love of music, he stumbled upon a local playhouse and became involved in musical theatre, where his passion for acting grew. Badgley relocated to Los Angeles and built up his resume while attending Santa Monica College. He had planned to transfer to USC, where he was accepted at 17, but life and work intervened.

Badgley currently resides in New York. He enjoys writing music and playing soccer in his spare time.