* Armie Hammer's character in Gossip Girl, Gabriel Edwards, had a brief romance with Serena van der Woodsen, played by Blake Lively.
* Hammer's abrupt exit from the show raised several eyebrows
* Rumors speculate the actor's storyline in Gossip Girl was inspired by actress Anne Hathaway's real-life love affair gone wrong.
Armie Hammer's Brief stint in Gossip Girl
Before his acting career encountered scandals and legal challenges, Armie Hammer had quite a name in the industry. One of his memorable roles was on the iconic TV show Gossip Girl, where he played the character of Gabriel Edwards. He made his first appearance on episode 20 of the second season, intriguingly titled ‘Remains of the J.' Edwards, his girlfriend Poppy Lifton, and Serena van der Woodsen, played by Blake Lively, leave for Spain together. Surprisingly, Hammer's character appeared for only four episodes, after which his connection with the show ended.
The Unwind of Edwards and Woodson's Love Affair
After a solo return from Spain, Serena seeks legal advice for an annulment from Cyrus Rose. She narrates how Edwards and Poppy had a significant fight, leading to her and Edwards getting together. This romantic entanglement falls apart when it is discovered that Edwards was cheating on Serena with Poppy and was part of an investment scam. Serena, realizing she had been manipulated all along, breaks off their relationship. Hammer's character thus bids goodbye to the viewers in the 23rd episode of the season, titled ‘The Wrath of Con.'
The Anne Hathaway Connection
Interestingly, this story arc of Serena and Edwards was reportedly based on the real-life love story of Anne Hathaway and her then-boyfriend, Raffaello Follieri. The pair were introduced through a friend in 2004, and they sparked an instant connection, partly because of their shared passion for charitable work. However, the relationship abruptly ended when Follieri was convicted on charges of wire fraud and money laundering in 2008.
The Truth behind Hammer's Exit from Gossip Girl
Despite appearing for only a few episodes, Hammer was originally supposed to be a regular on Gossip Girl. In a 2017 interview with Andy Cohen on ‘Watch What Happens Live,' Hammer indicated the intense filming schedule as one of the reasons for his departure. His comment sparked rumors that perhaps Lively was the one who orchestrated his firing from the show.
The Rumors and Controversies
Following the Actor's unexpected exit, Elle Magazine reported Hammer referred to his co-star Lively as “an insufferable b**ch,” during the filming of a scene, resulting in his immediate termination from the show. However, these rumors remain unconfirmed, adding a layer of mystery to Hammer's brief stint on Gossip Girl.
Whether these rumors are true or not, the fact remains that Armie Hammer's time on Gossip Girl was eventful and memorable. Tracing back these controversial events offers a fascinating perspective on the behind-the-scenes dynamics of our favorite shows. To relive this chaotic love affair, fans can stream Gossip Girl on Max.
