Penn Badgley on playing a serial killer, responsible parenting and why he's gone off sex scenes
Mar 21, 2023
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Actor Penn Badgley reflects on his childhood in LA, discusses the impact of adults playing teenagers, and the need to reassess sex scenes on TV. He talks about the challenges faced by child actors, the influence of social media, life after Gossip Girl, and the responsibility of actors in handling dark roles.
Child actors need supportive but cautious parents in the industry, facing unique pressures and sacrifices.
Actors like Penn Badgley stress on the importance of respectful portrayal and boundaries for intimate scenes.
Deep dives
The Influence of Childhood in Acting
Penn Badgley discusses the challenges and complexities of being a child actor, emphasizing the need for supportive but cautious parents in the industry. He reflects on the impact of starting out young in acting, highlighting the unique experiences and pressures that child actors face. According to Badgley, parents often make significant sacrifices and decisions when introducing their children to the entertainment industry, leading to potential disruptions in their academic paths and personal lives.
Navigating the Effects of Playing Intense Characters
Penn Badgley shares insights into handling the aftermath of playing demanding roles like a serial killer, focusing on the physical and emotional toll of embodying such characters. While acknowledging the intensity and challenges, Badgley underlines that he approaches his roles more analytically than methodologically, separating his own identity from the characters he portrays. He maintains a critical view on the storytelling purpose and impact of these roles, advocating for a thoughtful approach to depicting sensitive content on screen.
Addressing Boundaries in On-Screen Nudity
Penn Badgley expresses his personal boundaries regarding on-screen nudity and intimate scenes, highlighting the importance of respectful portrayal in storytelling. He advocates for a nuanced reflection on the increasing graphic nature of content in the industry, stressing the need for dialogues around consent and agency for actors. Badgley acknowledges the power dynamics in the industry, emphasizing the significance of respecting performers' choices and promoting thoughtful representations of intimacy on screen.
This week’s guest is the actor, Penn Badgley, who rose to fame playing Dan Humphrey in the American teen drama– Gossip Girl – and is currently starring in Netflix’s hit series, You. In this episode, Penn talks to be about being a child-actor in LA, about the impact adults playing teenagers has on young viewers and why the TV industry needs to reassess its portrayal of sex scenes.