Chace Crawford, known for his role as Nate Archibald in the early 2000s hit series 'Gossip Girl,' has opened up about the challenges he faced in his acting career following the show's success.
Crawford, who became an international heartthrob during his time on 'Gossip Girl,' found himself typecast, struggling to secure roles that showcased his versatility. This led to a period where he felt limited by the perception of him as the 'CW pretty boy.'
In a recent interview on the Good Guys podcast, Crawford, now 39, reflected on this period, stating, "I felt like I was in the wilderness for years after Gossip Girl." He acknowledged the difficulty of shedding the teen idol image and the limitations it imposed on his career choices.
The actor revealed that he felt confined by the roles offered to him, with many executives unable to envision him in more complex or gritty characters. He admitted he was perhaps too hard on himself during this time.
Crawford's career took a turn when he auditioned for the role of The Deep in the dark comedy series 'The Boys.' He immediately connected with the character and the show's unique premise.
He described his reaction to the audition as excitement, stating, "That sounds wild," and upon reading the pilot, "Oh, this is f****ing great. This is so out there and original and weird." Crawford felt confident in his ability to portray The Deep, stating, "I know that guy. You know, I know a hundred of those guys, basically."
Crawford concluded, "It was great. I was so happy to have another job that I was excited about and that the character was so different from anything that I had done before." This marked a significant shift in his career, allowing him to showcase his range and move beyond the constraints of his earlier success.