Leighton Meester's portrayal of Blair Waldorf in Gossip Girl has forever cemented her place in television history.
However, unlike her character, the star's real-life childhood was far from the glitz and glamour of the Upper East Side.
Leighton's parents, Constance and Douglas Meester, were both involved in a drug ring that landed them in federal prison.
During this time, Constance was pregnant with Leighton, leading to speculation that the actress was born behind bars.
In 2011, Leighton took legal action against her mother, who had also been serving as her manager.
This situation bore similarities to when Beyoncé announced her decision to part ways with her father, Mathew Knowles, due to financial issues.
Let's delve into the truth behind Leighton's complex relationship with her parents and how it shaped her journey towards success.
How Did Leighton Meester Rise to Fame?
At the age of fourteen, Leighton relocated from New York to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams.
In 2003, she made her Hollywood debut in Hangman's Curse.
Four years later, she secured her breakthrough role as Blair Waldorf in Gossip Girl, initially auditioning for Blake Lively's character, Serena van der Woodsen.
The hit TV series opened doors for Leighton, allowing her to explore music and Broadway.
After Gossip Girl concluded in 2012, she starred in films such as The Judge, Killer Movie, and Monte Carlo.
Most recently, she appeared in the Netflix thriller The Weekend Away and landed a recurring role as Meredith in How I Met Your Father, starring Hillary Duff.
Prior to her recent projects, Leighton took a hiatus from the spotlight to focus on her family.
Married to Adam Brody, she candidly discussed the challenges of balancing work and motherhood.
“Working is the ultimate guilt,” she shared with Entertainment Tonight.
“This world, our society, everything—it doesn't really give us much space to feel complete in either aspect.
We can't feel good about going to work or leaving our kids or being with them.
It doesn't seem to get better.
I used to think it might, but it doesn't.”
Was Leighton Meester Truly Born In Prison?
In 1983, Leighton's mother, Constance, was arrested for smuggling marijuana shipments from Jamaica.
Alongside Constance, her sister, father, and Leighton's father, Douglas, were all involved in the illegal operations.
Following their arrests, Constance's sister managed to escape from prison, becoming the first woman to be included on the U.S.
Marshals 15 Most Wanted List.
Contrary to popular belief, Leighton clarified in multiple interviews that she was born in a hospital in 1986, not in prison.
After her birth, her mother served sixteen months in federal prison, while Leighton spent three months in a halfway house.
She then lived with her grandmother until Constance's release, after which Constance and Douglas divorced.
Reflecting on her childhood in 2012, Leighton revealed to Marie Claire that it was not as tumultuous as the media portrayed it.
“My family has an incredible history.
Probably the most extraordinary I've ever heard of,” she acknowledged.
“Looking back now, I see it in a positive light.
It wasn't without its challenges, but I played outside, went to the beach.
There were moments of happiness and fun.”
