Margaret Colin says she ‘lucked out’ working with 'Gossip Girl' daughter Leighton Meester

Margaret Colin is looking back on her time in Gossip Girl with gratitude, especially when it comes to her on-screen daughter, Leighton Meester.

In a recent interview, Colin, who played the sharp-tongued fashion designer Eleanor Waldorf, shared heartfelt praise for Meester, who portrayed Blair Waldorf throughout the show’s six-season run. 

Reflecting on their working relationship, Colin described Meester as a “delightful young woman” and expressed how fortunate she felt to collaborate so closely with her.

“I lucked out,” Colin said, noting that their dynamic evolved from tense and dramatic to layered and emotionally resonant, helping create one of the series’ most memorable mother-daughter relationships.

Beyond Meester, Colin also spoke warmly about other cast members, including Blake Lively, recalling her kindness on set. 

According to People, she additionally shared lighthearted memories of working with Wallace Shawn, joking about their height difference during filming.

Colin’s reflections came as she attended the opening of her latest stage project, continuing a decades-long career spanning television, film, and theatre. 

Now in her late 60s, the actress remains active in the industry while cherishing her past roles.