Why did Taylor Momsen leave Gossip Girl?

Taylor Momsen left Gossip Girl to focus on her music career with her band, The Pretty Reckless, and found acting was 'killing' her.

Did Taylor Momsen tell her Gossip Girl co-stars she was leaving?

No, Taylor Momsen stated she did not tell her cast mates and instead performed an 'Irish dip' exit.

What is Taylor Momsen doing now?

Taylor Momsen is now the successful frontwoman of the rock band The Pretty Reckless, having released four albums.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Jenny Humphrey Quits Gossip Girl for Rock Stardom

Jenny Humphrey Quits Gossip Girl for Rock Stardom

28 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Taylor Momsen left Gossip Girl to pursue her rock band, The Pretty Reckless.
She "Irish dipped" from the show without telling castmates.
Momsen found acting 'killing' and sought another path in life.

Jenny Humphrey Quits Gossip Girl for Rock Stardom

Taylor Momsen, known for her role as Jenny Humphrey in "Gossip Girl," has disclosed the reasons behind her sudden departure from the popular series during its fourth season. Momsen, now 32, explained that she made the decision to leave the acting world behind to fully embrace her burgeoning music career with her rock band, The Pretty Reckless. She formed the band in 2009 while "Gossip Girl" was still airing.

Momsen revealed on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast that her exit was rather unconventional. She described it as an "Irish dip," meaning she left without formally announcing her departure to her castmates. While she later returned for the series finale in 2012, her initial exit was abrupt. Momsen also shared that she had a contract with Warner Bros. that made leaving a "long battle," and that acting was "killing" her.

Having started her acting career as a child, notably as Cindy Lou Who in "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," Momsen experienced significant backlash for the role. In contrast, her music career with The Pretty Reckless has seen considerable success, with four albums, multiple tours, and several awards. Her decision to pursue music effectively marked the end of her character Jenny Humphrey on "Gossip Girl."