Sebastian Stan Reminisces on His Gossip Girl Carter Baizen Days

Ahead of his film The Apprentice, releasing in theaters next month, Sebastian Stan graced the cover of Variety and discussed the future, present, and past—including his stint as Carter Baizen on The CW’s Gossip Girl. 

In an edition of “Does _____ Know Their Most Famous Lines?” The actor read lines from the first episode of season three, “Reversals of Fortune.” In the scene, Baizen tells Serena Van der Woodsen, “I know what you’re doing. You can’t avoid this forever.”

Although the actor guessed the scene correctly, he ultimately wished he shared the scene with Blair Waldorf, portrayed by Leighton Meester, whom Stan dated from 2008 to 2010. He hinted that the actress was his first serious love. “It was the first time I was in serious love with somebody… Walking around the city, seeing these same buildings and streets—life seemed simpler,” he told the outlet. 

He explained how the role of the rebellious trust-fund baby is still prominent today, as he’ll stand in line at coffee shops and hear someone whisper, “Carter Baizen.” “I’ll have to slowly turn around; usually amazed people still remember the character,” he laughed.

Although not a series regular, Stan was a fan-favorite addition to the series and he recognizes that himself. “I always felt like I was the sixth man in that show. You know, like in the NBA, the sixth man is a very key role but he’s never in the starting five,” he stated.

Regardless of not being a starter, his character was tangled up in the world of the “Non-judging Breakfast Club,” and his impact is heavily felt. 

“It was amazing for me to watch what happened to that show and good friends of mine who I’m still close with from that show and how popular it got, and sometimes I wish I was part of the starting five. Other times, I was like, ‘Well,’” the actor mentioned.  

Clearly, still grateful for the experience, Stan discussed how returning to the city takes him back to that time and makes him emotional looking back on how quickly time flies, which truly couldn’t come at a more appropriate time given today is the 17-year anniversary of the beloved series. 

Even though next month we’ll see Stan step into the role of former president Donald Trump. It is clear the legacy of Carter Baizen will live on in TV history. Gossip Girl is available for streaming on MAX.