W Magazine

Chuck Bass, played by Ed Westwick, is an iconic and complex figure on the television series Gossip Girl. From his introduction, Chuck embodies the Upper East Side bad boy stereotype, with his confident attitude, stylish clothes, and irresistible charm. Chuck's trajectory over the six seasons is marked by notable evolution. Initially portrayed as the carefree heir to the Bass fortune, Chuck goes through a journey of self-discovery and redemption. His troubled relationship with Blair Waldorf is a central element of the plot, highlighting his vulnerability and ability to love deeply. The character is known for his catchphrases, distinctive style and an intriguing mix of arrogance and fragility. The revelation of his tumultuous past and relationship with his father, Bart Bass, adds layers to his personality, showing that behind the playboy facade there is a complex man in search of acceptance and love. In addition to his emotional journey, Chuck is a prominent figure in the Upper East Side business and social scene. His involvement in business ventures and his status as owner of the Empire Hotel set him apart as one of the most powerful and influential of New York's elite. Throughout the series, Chuck Bass' growth and transformation are evident. He goes from a character who initially seems irreparably damaged to someone who seeks redemption and builds meaningful relationships. The empathy generated by the ups and downs of his journey makes Chuck Bass a memorable and complex figure, contributing significantly to Gossip Girl's enduring appeal.

You know you love me. XOXO, Gossip Girl

SEASON

Charles Bartholomeu Bass, or Chuck Bass, is a teenager, the only son of billionaire Bartholomew Bass, owner of the luxurious New York Palace Hotel, located on the Upper East Side, one of the most chic places in Manhattan. His mother Elisabeth Fisher Bass died giving birth to him (that's what Chuck thinks), so Chuck blames himself and believes that his father also blames him, for the lack of attention and recurring disagreements between them. Chuck's character is completely affected by his family problems and as a result he becomes a spoiled, selfish, arrogant, spiteful and cruel boy. The series chronicles the Upper East Side elite: he and his friends Nate Archibald, Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodsen. In the first season, after Blair breaks up with Nate, she has relationships with Chuck.

Still in the second season, Chuck loses his father Bartolomeu in a car accident, and blames his stepmother because he believes she has an affair with the boyfriend of his youth (Ruffles). Blair reveals to Chuck that she loves him but he rejects her. In the episode "Remains of the J", he stays with Vanessa to envy Blair and Nate, who are back together. In the last episode of the second season, Chuck reveals to Blair that he loves her, after much discussion and confusion. The final scene is accompanied by the song Season of love by the American group Shiny Toy Guns. Chuck surprises Blair in the lobby of her building, where he delivers gifts and finally says "I love you too". Finally, the most complicated couple in the series makes up, and the season ends with the two kissing. Chuck and Blair form the most beloved couple in the series, overshadowing other characters, such as Dan and Serena. Blair and Chuck are so acclaimed that they have several fan clubs, as well as hundreds of communities on dating sites dedicated to the couple. They are known by the nickname Chair (Chuck + Blair) around the world.

In the third season, Chuck loses the lifestyle he had, where he was only interested in money, women and sex. He's dating Blair, so he spends most of his time taking care of her and the business his father left behind. Trying not to live in Bart Bass' shadow, Chuck buys The Empire Hotel and tries to do business his own way. This season, Chuck discovers that his mother is still alive and tries to form bonds, but is disappointed to discover that she is cohabiting with his paternal uncle and enemy Jack Bass. In his recurring games with Blair, the relationship begins to be in danger due to the lack of trust between them. After completely betraying Blair's trust, who would do anything for him, exchanging her for his beloved Hotel, the relationship ends. Chuck does everything he can to win Blair back, but when he loses hope he gets involved with Jenny Humphrey. When Blair is ready to forgive him, she discovers what happened and ends the relationship once and for all. Hoping to save the engagement ring he would give to Blair in a robbery, Chuck is shot in the last episode of the season.

In Prague, Eva rescues Chuck when she sees him shot and takes care of him until he recovers, when he improves he decides that he will start a new life away from the Upper East Side, so he lies his name: Henry Prince. Serena and Blair, who are spending their vacation in Paris, find him and convince him to return to New York. Chuck returns, but takes Eva with him. Blair does everything she can to separate them, and Eva leaves. He wants to get revenge on Blair but in this game of love and hate the two resume their sexual life. When they decide to stay together they realize it's not ideal, but Chuck promises to wait. Chuck had a relationship with Raina Thorpe, daughter of Russell Thorpe, the man who wants to buy Bass Industries, divide it up and put it up for auction. At first, Chuck stays with her just to influence her to stop his father from making this purchase. Soon after, Chuck starts to really like her. But they don't work out because Raina doesn't agree with certain of Chuck's actions. Raina begins a relationship with Chuck's best friend, Nate. This relationship between Chuck and Raina encouraged Blair and Dan to become closer. Dan and Blair kiss, while Chuck was going after Blair.

In season five, Chuck loses Blair to Louis. Blair and Chuck relapse, but Blair ends up pregnant with Louis. Chuck does everything to have Blair again, and when they are about to be together, they suffer an accident, in which Chuck is on the verge of death and Blair loses the baby. Blair makes an oath that she will marry Louis if Chuck survives, and he does. During this time, Blair gets even closer to Dan. Blair almost doesn't marry Louis, as she was caught declaring herself to Chuck on her wedding day. However, he takes her back and the marriage continues. After Blair discovers that the prince is not what she thought, Blair ends up getting involved with Dan, and comes between him and Chuck Bass. However, at the end of the season, she chooses Chuck.

In the sixth season they make a pact to be successful, before getting together. Which ends up happening due to the death of Chuck's father in the penultimate episode. In the last episode, due to the escape from the police, Chuck and Blair get married, to the delight of the couple's fans. After five years they have a son named Henry, who is the first Waldorf/Bass heir.

Ed Westwick

Hunter Schafer in Thom Browne.

Edward Jack Peter Westwick (born 27 June 1987) is a British actor and musician. His best-known character is Chuck Bass from the television series Gossip Girl (2007–12). Westwick made her film debut in the romantic drama Breaking and Entering (2006). Westwick was born and raised in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. He is the third child of Carole, an educational psychologist, and Peter Westwick, a university professor. He is the youngest of three brothers. At age six, he took music lessons and went to the Top Hat Stage & Screen School. He attended Barclay Secondary School and then North Hertfordshire College, where he achieved high grades in business, law and communications. He later trained at the National Youth Theater in London.