5 Shocking Secrets Sebastian Stan Revealed About His 'Gossip Girl' Days As Carter Baizen

Sebastian Stan’s transformation from the rebellious, gambling trust-fund baby Carter Baizen on the iconic CW teen drama Gossip Girl to the globally recognized Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) star Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier is one of Hollywood’s most fascinating career arcs. As of December 17, 2025, a wave of recent and retrospective interviews has brought Stan’s early days on the Upper East Side back into the spotlight, revealing surprising behind-the-scenes details that even the most dedicated fans didn't know.

These fresh comments, made during recent press tours and red carpet appearances—including a notable reunion at the 2025 Golden Globes—offer a unique look at the foundation of his career. From being a newcomer told to "tone it down" to hints about a rumored on-set romance, Stan's reflections on playing Carter Baizen confirm the character's lasting cultural impact and provide a crucial link between the world of high-society teen drama and blockbuster superhero franchises.

Sebastian Stan: Complete Biography and Career Profile

Sebastian Stan is a Romanian-born American actor who has established himself as a versatile and compelling performer across film and television. His early career laid the groundwork for his eventual global stardom, proving his ability to embody complex characters, from a charming bad boy to a brainwashed assassin.

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• Full Name: Sebastian Stan
• Date of Birth: August 13, 1982
• Place of Birth: Constanța, Romania
• Nationality: Romanian-American
• Education: Graduated from Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts in 2005.
• Early Career Highlights: Early roles included a minor part in Law & Order and the film The Covenant (2006).
• Breakthrough TV Role: Carter Baizen on Gossip Girl (2007–2010).
• Major TV Roles: Jefferson/The Mad Hatter in Once Upon a Time (2012), T.J. Hammond in Political Animals (2012), and Tommy Lee in the miniseries Pam & Tommy (2022).
• Iconic Film Role: James Buchanan “Bucky” Barnes / The Winter Soldier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), beginning with Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) and continuing through films like Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) and Avengers: Endgame (2019), as well as the Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021).
• Recent Notable Work: Starring roles in films like Fresh (2022) and A Different Man (2024).
• Awards & Recognition: His work has earned him nominations for a Golden Globe and a Primetime Emmy Award. He was also honored at the American Independent Film Festival in 2018.

The Carter Baizen Effect: Why the 'Rebellious Trust-Fund Baby' Still Resonates

Sebastian Stan appeared in 11 episodes of Gossip Girl between 2007 and 2010, yet the character of Carter Baizen remains one of the show’s most memorable recurring figures. Carter was introduced as a charismatic, yet deeply troubled, member of the Upper East Side elite. He was the quintessential bad boy who had forfeited his trust fund to chase a life of adventure and gambling debt, often clashing with mainstays like Chuck Bass and serving as a key love interest for Serena van der Woodsen.

The character’s appeal stems from his duality. He was a cautionary tale of privilege gone wrong, yet he possessed a genuine charm and a compelling redemption arc, particularly in his relationship with Serena. Stan's performance imbued Carter with a subtle intensity that set him apart from the other teen drama stars. Even years later, the character’s legacy endures. Stan himself has recounted that he still hears people whisper "Carter" when he's out in public, a testament to the role's lasting prominence.

Carter Baizen served as a crucial stepping stone in Stan's career, providing him with a platform to showcase his emotional range before his eventual transition to the MCU. For many millennials, Stan’s initial pop culture impact was firmly rooted in the world of Gossip Girl, long before he picked up Captain America's shield as Bucky Barnes.

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Behind-the-Scenes Revelations: From 'Tone It Down' to a Golden Globes Reunion

Recent interviews have provided a treasure trove of new information about Stan’s experience on the set of the hit CW series. These candid reflections highlight the difference between his early acting style and the polished performances he delivers today as a global superstar.

1. Being Told to "Tone It Down"

In a surprising revelation, Stan disclosed that he was instructed to "tone it down" on the set of Gossip Girl. As a young actor fresh out of Rutgers University, he approached the role of Carter Baizen with a high level of dramatic intensity, perhaps over-acting for the style of a fast-paced teen drama. This anecdote is a fascinating look at the early calibration of a major actor’s craft, learning to adjust his performance to the specific tone and requirements of the show.

2. The "Serious Love" On-Set Rumor

One of the most buzz-worthy revelations came from a recent Variety interview where Stan looked back fondly on his time filming in New York City. He cryptically mentioned that he was "in serious love" for the first time while working on the show. While he did not name the person, fans immediately speculated about his former co-star and on-screen love interest, Leighton Meester, who played Blair Waldorf. Stan and Meester dated briefly in real life after the show, making the connection an instant fan theory that reignited interest in their relationship.

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3. The 'No Belts' Wardrobe Debate

Stan also shared a humorous, yet telling, detail about the show’s famous fashion. He claimed that there were "no belts" on the set of Gossip Girl, a comment that sparked a minor debate among fashion critics and fans. While a seemingly small detail, it speaks volumes about the meticulous, often stylized, wardrobe choices that defined the Upper East Side aesthetic, prioritizing a sleek, seamless look over practical accessories. This attention to high-fashion detail was a signature element of the show’s success, influencing fashion trends worldwide.

4. A Heartfelt Wish to Change Carter's Story

Despite his massive success as the Winter Soldier, Stan recently expressed a heartfelt wish regarding his Gossip Girl past. He admitted that he wished he could go back and change the course of Carter Baizen's story, perhaps giving the character a different, more conclusive ending. This sentiment shows a genuine affection for the character and the world of the show, suggesting that the role holds a special place in his career history.

5. The 2025 Golden Globes Reunion

In a moment that sent the internet into a frenzy, Sebastian Stan and his rumored former "serious love" co-star were reunited at the 2025 Golden Globes. This public interaction, years after the show concluded, served as a powerful reminder of the deep connections forged on the set of the original Gossip Girl. These kinds of high-profile reunions keep the show’s legacy alive and feed the nostalgia of the fan base, proving that the bond between the cast members remains strong, even as their careers have taken them to different cinematic universes.

From Upper East Side to the MCU: The Stan Transition

The trajectory from a recurring role on a teen drama to a central figure in the MCU is not common, and Sebastian Stan’s successful transition is a testament to his talent and strategic career choices. His time as Carter Baizen provided him with essential experience in navigating a high-profile set, dealing with public attention, and building rapport with a dedicated fan base.

The intensity and complexity he brought to Carter Baizen—a character constantly walking the line between charming rogue and troubled young man—mirrored the emotional depth he would later bring to Bucky Barnes. Bucky, or the Winter Soldier, is a character grappling with trauma, identity, and a dark past, requiring a nuanced performance that Stan was well-equipped to deliver thanks to his foundational roles. The discipline and emotional range honed during his early television work were crucial in securing and sustaining his place in one of the world's biggest movie franchises.

Stan’s continued willingness to discuss his Gossip Girl days, even as a major Marvel star, demonstrates a respect for his origins. It also satisfies the curiosity of fans who enjoy drawing parallels between the two drastically different worlds he has inhabited: the glamorous, scandal-ridden streets of New York City and the high-stakes, action-packed universe of superheroes.