Penn Badgley, known for his roles in Gossip Girl and Netflix’s You, has candidly shared his thoughts on the struggles that come with fame. The 38-year-old actor rose to fame at just 20 years old when Gossip Girl first aired in 2007, and since then, his popularity has only grown, especially with his role as Joe Goldberg in the hit Netflix thriller You.
Despite his success, Badgley admits that fame is something he doesn’t fully embrace. In a recent interview, he described being in the public eye as “unnatural” and discussed the emotional toll that comes with constant recognition. “Fame is extremely unnatural, just the way that people want to relate to you,” Badgley explained, emphasizing that fame is often linked to “nefarious dimensions” that people are rarely aware of.
In a conversation with The Guardian, Badgley went deeper into the complexities of fame, saying, “In order to even appreciate or utilize the privileges that come with it, one has to really grapple with the ways in which it’s completely disabled parts of you or your life, or your relationship to others and society.” For him, the extreme privileges and sacrifices that come with fame are both “obscene,” and something that requires careful consideration. “You have to take them both,” he added.
While fame has opened many doors for Badgley, he admits that it’s come with challenges, particularly when it comes to his personal life and relationships. Navigating the pressures and expectations placed on public figures can be overwhelming, and the actor seems to struggle with how fame affects his connection to others.
On the work front, Badgley is preparing for his highly anticipated return as Joe Goldberg in the final season of You, which will premiere on April 24. Fans are eager to see how the complex character of Joe will evolve in the series’ concluding chapter, and Badgley’s honest reflections on fame add another layer of depth to his portrayal of the character.
As Badgley continues to navigate the highs and lows of fame, his openness about its impact on his life offers a rare and refreshing perspective on the realities of being in the spotlight.
