Ed Westwick
He defined early-2000s television decadence as the ruthless, scheming Chuck Bass, a role that made him an instant antihero icon.
Born 1987 (age 39)·English actor and musician·Birthday: June 27·Millennials
Biography
Ed Westwick didn't just play Chuck Bass; he infused the 'Gossip Girl' character with a specific, smirking magnetism that turned a potentially villainous trust fund kid into a cultural phenomenon. With a raised eyebrow and a velvet-blazer swagger, Westwick made amorality compelling, anchoring the show's opulent melodrama for six seasons. His journey began in England with small film roles, including a blink-and-you'll-miss-it part in 'Children of Men,' before the life-changing call to Manhattan's Upper East Side. While Chuck Bass remains his signature, Westwick has consistently worked to explore other facets, from rock musician to period drama actor in 'Romeo & Juliet' and 'W.' His career trajectory speaks to the power—and the weight—of creating a character so vivid it becomes synonymous with an entire era of television.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Ed was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Ed Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Ed's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed the iconic role of Chuck Bass on all six seasons of the hit series 'Gossip Girl'.
- Starred as Vincent Swan in the BBC/Netflix comedy-drama series 'White Gold'.
- Made his feature film debut in Alfonso Cuarón's critically acclaimed 'Children of Men'.
- Played a supporting role in Clint Eastwood's biographical drama 'J. Edgar'.
Did You Know?
He is the lead singer and guitarist for the band 'The Filthy Youth'.
He was originally cast in the role of Christian Grey for 'Fifty Shades of Grey' in a early film adaptation that was never produced.
He is a supporter of the English football club Chelsea FC.
He studied at the National Youth Music Theatre in the UK.
“XOXO”
