Jessica Szohr

In this classic tale of model-turned-actor, Jessica Szohr capitalized on her unique beauty by making a seamless transition from teen print model to celebrated fixture on television. After Szohr made the rounds with a handful of television guest star roles and bit parts in little seen low-budget films, she gained steady notice on the short-lived dramedy "What About Brian" (ABC, 2006-07). Capitalizing on that minor success, Szohr next blew up big as Vanessa Abrams, the stunning and unpredictable aspiring filmmaker ensconced in the highly dramatic lives of privileged teenagers on Manhattan's Upper East Side world of "Gossip Girl" (The CW, 2007-13). Art and reality blended for the young actress, as her off-screen relation with one of the show's star, Ed Westwick, became constant fodder for tabloids. Luckily for Szohr, her three seasons on the catty drama prepared her for stardom and sharpened her razor-like delivery, making her truly an actress on the rise.