Leighton Marissa Meester was born in Fort Worth, Texas, to Constance Lynn (Haas) and Douglas Jay Meester. Despite her Texas birth, Meester spent her early years in Marco Island, Florida, where she became deeply involved with the local playhouse and made her stage debut in a production of "The Wizard of Oz". This marked the beginning of her illustrious career in the performing arts.
As she grew older, Meester relocated to New York with her mother at the age of 11, where she quickly transitioned into the world of modeling and appeared in numerous TV commercials. A few years later, at the tender age of 14, she and her mother made the move to Los Angeles, where Meester began to secure TV work, making her professional debut in the 1999 film "Disciple".
Following this initial breakthrough, Meester's career continued to flourish, with a steady stream of TV work and appearances. Her big break came in 2007 when she landed the iconic role of Blair Waldorf in the hit TV series "Gossip Girl", which catapulted her to fame and recognition. This success led to a plethora of TV and movie roles, further solidifying her status as a talented and versatile actress.
In 2009, Meester ventured into the music industry, releasing her debut single "Somebody to Love", marking the beginning of her recording career. With her extensive experience in the entertainment industry, Meester has proven herself to be a talented and multifaceted performer, effortlessly transitioning between television, film, and music.
