Penn Badgley, famed for his roles in Gossip Girl and You, dives deep into the finale of You and its cultural implications. He reflects on his childhood as a child actor and the solitude of his West Coast upbringing. Badgley shares transformative experiences from his 2012 trip to South America and how it shaped his spiritual journey with the Baha'i Faith, ultimately leading to his partner, Domino. The conversation touches on masculinity through the lens of his character, Joe Goldberg, revealing thought-provoking insights about identity and the modern male experience.
Penn Badgley's journey from 'Gossip Girl' to 'You' exemplifies the struggle of redefining identity amidst the constraints of fame.
The character of Joe Goldberg in 'You' reflects contemporary societal fascinations with moral ambiguity and the ethics of entertainment.
Badgley's exploration of masculinity highlights the importance of nurturing emotional awareness in future generations amidst cultural narratives.
Deep dives
Navigating Fame and Identity
Fame can profoundly impact an actor's identity, as exemplified by Penn Badgley's experiences throughout his career. He became widely recognized for his role as Dan Humphrey on 'Gossip Girl,' a character that shaped public perception of him. The challenge of existing in the shadows of such a well-defined character led Badgley to take time away from the spotlight, exploring personal interests like music and independent films to redefine his identity. This necessary separation allowed him to distance himself from public expectations and laid the groundwork for his later role in 'You,' presenting a stark contrast in character type.
Exploring Complex Characters in 'You'
In his role as Joe Goldberg in 'You', Badgley tackled the complexities of portraying a character who embodies obsessive and destructive tendencies. The character's depth prompted discussions about societal fascination with morally ambiguous personas, revealing unsettling truths about viewer behavior. Throughout the show's progression, Badgley reflected on what Joe Goldberg represents in contemporary culture and why such characters resonate with audiences. This exploration illuminated the delicate balance between entertainment and ethics, especially as Joe’s journey concluded in an environment far different from when the show began.
The Challenge of Ending a Show
Wrapping up a long-running series often poses creative challenges, and Badgley acknowledged the difficulty of bringing 'You' to a satisfying conclusion. He characterized the final season as a return to the show's original form, contrasting with earlier deviations that shifted the narrative focus. Fans experienced a blend of nostalgia and complexity, showing how essential it is to reconcile storytelling arcs as a series comes to a close. The process demanded deep reflection on the character's evolution and the implications of Joe's actions, ultimately leaving viewers with significant, thought-provoking questions.
Spiritual Growth and Personal Transformation
Badgley's journey toward embracing the Baha'i faith highlights the interplay between personal and societal transformation. He discussed how this spiritual path informed his views on political engagement and the necessity of unity in a polarized world. By prioritizing non-involvement in party politics while remaining alert to societal needs, Badgley exemplifies a quest for balance that many individuals aspire to achieve. This perspective prompted him to evaluate how characters like Joe reinvigorate conversations about the nature of humanity and moral responsibility.
Reflections on Masculinity and Parenthood
As Badgley prepares to raise his own sons, he grapples with the complexities of masculinity discussed throughout 'You.' He voiced concerns that culture has often failed to promote healthy masculinity, leading to cycles of behavior seen in characters like Joe. Understanding how trauma and upbringing shape male identity becomes crucial as he instills values of sensitivity and emotional awareness in his children. This reflection extends beyond his personal life, touching upon broader societal issues of masculinity within the narratives we create and consume.
Television, perhaps more than movies, has a way of etching its stars in stone. And few actors seem to be able to break the mold more than once. Which is what makes Penn Badgley’s career—first on Gossip Girl then You—special.
We sit this week around the fifth and final season ofYou(7:00) to unpack its shocking series finale [spoiler] (9:13) and the political climate in which the show is coming to a close (12:10). Then, Penn opens up about the solitude of his west coast upbringing (19:50), his years as a child actor (23:19), and his beloved portrayal of Dan Humphrey on Gossip Girl (33:12).
On the back-half, Badgley’s transformative trip to South America in 2012 (39:46), his spiritual journey into the Bahá'í Faith (42:38), and how these experiences led him to his wife, Domino (44:30). To close, he describes the intense physical experience of filming the You finale [spoiler](51:36), what the ‘fantasy of Joe Goldberg’ reveals about masculinity today (55:55), and a fitting Dave Eggers passage from the prologue of The Executioner’s Song (1:03:22).
