Chace Crawford, widely recognized for his portrayal of Kevin Moskowitz in the hit series The Boys, has recently opened up about his early career challenges, particularly following his notable role as Nate Archibald in <em>Gossip Girl</em>. While Crawford had some experience in the industry before landing this iconic role, it was his performance in the CW show that truly catapulted his career into the spotlight. As Nate, he was depicted as Serena’s ex-boyfriend and one of the most desirable characters in Gossip Girl. Throughout the series, viewers were captivated by his charming and notorious womanizing character, which became a defining aspect of the show.

However, despite the immense popularity of Gossip Girl, Crawford’s rise to fame did not lead to the opportunities he had anticipated. During a recent episode of the Good Guys podcast (as reported by Variety), Crawford candidly shared his feelings about how his fame as Nate Archibald influenced his career trajectory nearly 13 years after the show’s conclusion:

“I felt like I was in the wilderness for years after [Gossip Girl], because as big of a show as it was, coming off of it as a still young guy, [I felt like], ‘Oh, that’s not cool anymore’.”

Though the cast of Gossip Girl portrayed characters much older than themselves, Crawford was just 21 when he first appeared on television. While Nate Archibald was a multifaceted character, his primary appeal to the teenage audience stemmed from his stereotypical attractiveness. Ultimately, Crawford’s acting talent was often overshadowed by his looks, a reality he acknowledged in his discussion with Good Guys podcast hosts Josh Peck and Ben Soffer. Below is his full commentary:

“I’m in this jail of the CW pretty boy who has no range… It was not lost on me, how difficult after those four years of some false starts on some TV shows, it could be difficult to find another thing. I was really, really appreciative when this happened … after being on something like Gossip Girl.”

The Negative Impact of Typecasting Following Gossip Girl

The series finale of Gossip Girl aired in 2012, but prior to his breakout role in The Boys, Crawford’s acting portfolio appeared quite limited, and he encountered several setbacks. For instance, he starred as the lead in the ABC soap opera Blood & Oil, which unfortunately was canceled after just 10 episodes. In the wake of Gossip Girl, the actor took on several minor roles in various films and television shows, including Rules Don’t Apply and Glee, and he even played lead roles in a few independent films like Mountain Men and Undrafted. Regrettably, Crawford struggled to regain a foothold in mainstream television.

Crawford’s insights are not surprising, as many male actors from various productions have faced similar challenges when their most recognizable attribute in their respective shows has been their physical appearance. When an actor becomes synonymous with a “pretty boy” persona, it can be incredibly challenging to escape that label. However, it’s now clear that Crawford possesses a wide range of acting abilities far beyond merely being a handsome romantic lead. At the time, though, he was predominantly recognized for his role in Gossip Girl, which understandably limited the opportunities casting directors presented him.

Our Perspective on Chace Crawford’s “CW Pretty Boy” Label

Typecasting’s Frustrating Journey Ultimately Paved the Way to The Boys

It’s disheartening to learn that Crawford’s career faced obstacles following Gossip Girl due to being typecast. At a mere 21 years old, it was not his fault that he had a sparse acting resume or that production companies pigeonholed him into the role of Nate Archibald.

Fortunately, his perseverance paid off when he was cast in The Boys. It’s encouraging to see that Crawford has found success in his role as The Deep in The Boys, as he enthusiastically shared with Josh Peck and Ben Soffer:

“I was so happy to have another job that I was excited about and that the character was so different from anything that I had done before.”

Crawford’s palpable excitement for The Boys season 5 is a joy to witness. However, given that this is the final season, there are hopes that the former Gossip Girl star will not struggle to secure new roles in the entertainment industry in the future.

Source: The Good Guys podcast, Variety

• 

  The Enduring Legacy of Gossip Girl
  

  

  7/10

  Release Date

  
  2007 – 2012-00-00
  

  Showrunner

  
  Joshua Safran
  

  Writers

  
  Joshua Safran
  

  • 

  • 

    Leighton Meester

    Blair Waldorf

• 

  Birthdate

  
  July 18, 1985
  

  Birthplace

  
  Lubbock, Texas, United States
  

  Height

  
  5 feet 11 inches
  

  Notable Projects

  
  The Boys, What to Expect When You’re Expecting, Gossip Girl
  

  Professions

  
  Actor, Model
  

  Explore the latest updates and filmography of Chace Crawford, renowned for his performances in Gossip Girl and The Boys.

• 

  The Boys: A Cultural Phenomenon
  

  

  7/10

  Release Date

  
  July 25, 2019
  

  Showrunner

  
  Eric Kripke
  

  Writers

  
  Eric Kripke
  

  Franchise(s)

  
  The Boys