Actor Penn Badli, who is currently promoting the fifth and final season of Netflix’s hit series ‘U’, recently opened up about his previous romance with ‘Gossip Girl’ co-star Black Liveli and a permanent effect of painting a character on screen over the years.

In a clear conversation with Alex Cooper called his daddyPenn – Dan Humphri is known for playing the role of ‘Gossip Girl’ – talked about the challenges of separating the work from reality during the height of the show’s success. “This is a great question, because it was a struggle,” he accepted. “When you do a television show, you are constantly doing it, especially with the nature of that show and celebrity culture at that time.”

Penn recalled how many times he was interviewed and asked about his relationship with Blake Liveli, making it difficult to maintain personal boundaries. While reflecting his dating life, he shared, “I really stayed only on a date in my life. It was either complete-dating or completely away from radar.”

Penn and Black dated 2007 to 2010, while ‘Gossip Girl’ broadcast from 2007 to 2012.

He also opened about the emotional toll of being identified so closely with his character. “Even though anyone is really asking you, but you feel that you have to constantly prove yourself in some way. Otherwise, what are you doing?” He said. “When you have played a character for that long time, people start seeing you as that person. They call you on the road by that name. And at work, you are expected from that character every day.”

Penn revealed that he became financially independent at the age of 15, but was a lack of emotional maturity to fully process the pressure of fame. He said, “What do people think Dan felt what he thinks of me – and it really bothers me,” he accepted.

On 24 April, ‘U’ season 5 premiered on Netflix.