Penn Badgley.(informer: MAN ON FIRE)(Interview)

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

* Until recently, Penn Badgley flew under the radar, appearing on the television series The Bedford Diaries and in the big-screen flick John Tucker Must Die. But that all changed when he scored the role of sweet, sexy, and smart prep-school student Dan Humphrey on the CW hit Gossip Girl. And though Penn says he stays humble by reminding himself that it's his character fans are attracted to, in real life he's just as crush-worthy (maybe more so!) as his TV 'alter ego.

Are you like Dan at all?

There's a little bit of him in me. Three years ago, when I was Dan's age, I was much more like him. I'm a lot more confident now, and I have gotten rid of the little insecurities. When I play music for someone, I turn into Dan. I get all mumbly and vulnerable.

You play guitar, fight?

Yeah, for the past seven years. I would love [to be in a band]. I just started playing the piano too. I've written a couple of songs.

What do you want to do when you're not working?