The Untold Truth: 7 Shocking Facts About Eric Van Der Woodsen And His Life After The Upper East Side

Eric van der Woodsen, the younger brother of the infamous Serena van der Woodsen, was one of the most complex and quietly compelling characters in the original *Gossip Girl* series. For years, fans have wondered what truly became of the compassionate and often overlooked van der Woodsen sibling after he left the Upper East Side for Sarah Lawrence College in Season 4.

As of late December 2025, new information has emerged from the *Gossip Girl* universe, finally providing a definitive, and surprising, update on Eric's adult life. This deep dive explores his tumultuous journey, the key relationships that defined him, and the fresh details that confirm his happy ending, solidifying his status as a quiet hero of the show.

Eric van der Woodsen: Biography and Profile

Eric van der Woodsen is a fictional character in the *Gossip Girl* book series and the television adaptation, where he is portrayed by actor Connor Paolo. His storyline is dramatically different between the two mediums, with the TV show giving him a much deeper and more significant arc.

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• Full Name: Eric van der Woodsen
• Portrayed By: Connor Paolo
• Family: Serena van der Woodsen (Older Sister), Lily van der Woodsen (Mother), William van der Woodsen (Father), Chuck Bass (Step-Brother, via Lily/Bart Bass marriage), Dan Humphrey (Step-Brother, via Lily/Rufus Humphrey marriage), Scott Rosson (Half-Brother)
• Key Relationships: Jonathan Whitney (Long-term Boyfriend/Husband), Asher Hornsby (First male relationship)
• Affiliations: Upper East Side Elite, Ostroff Center (Former Patient), Constance Billard School for Girls / St. Jude's School for Boys (Attended), Sarah Lawrence College (Attended)
• First Appearance: "Pilot" (Season 1, Episode 1)
• Final Main Appearance: "The Wrong Goodbye" (Season 4, Episode 22)
• Status: Openly Gay

The Turbulent Character Arc: From Ostroff Center to Independence

Eric's introduction to the *Gossip Girl* narrative was one of the show's most dramatic and important moments. Unlike the typical glamour and scandal of the Upper East Side, Eric's storyline brought a necessary layer of emotional depth and realism to the series. His journey is marked by three critical phases: his mental health crisis, his coming-out story, and his eventual escape from the family drama.

1. The Initial Crisis and The Ostroff Center

The entire premise of the show's first episode, and Serena's return to New York, centers around Eric's well-being. At the start of the series, Eric is a patient at the prestigious Ostroff Center after a suicide attempt by slitting his wrists. This dark beginning immediately set Eric apart from his peers, portraying him not as a frivolous socialite but as a vulnerable young man struggling with immense internal pressure. His time at the center highlights the superficiality and toxicity of the van der Woodsen family's public image, as Lily van der Woodsen attempts to keep his condition a secret to protect their social standing.

2. The Coming Out Storyline and Key Friendships

One of Eric's most defining storylines was his journey to openly accepting and expressing his sexuality. Initially, he had a secret and short-lived relationship with Asher Hornsby, who was deeply closeted and eventually used Eric to protect his own heteronormative image. This traumatic experience was a catalyst for Eric to fully embrace his identity. He later began a sincere relationship with Jonathan Whitney, who became his primary love interest. Eric's coming out was handled with relative acceptance by his sister Serena and friend Chuck Bass, though it was a source of drama with his mother, Lily, who struggled to accept the truth.

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Eric also formed an unlikely and often intense friendship with Jenny Humphrey. Their bond, which started when they were both outsiders, was a significant part of their respective arcs, though it often devolved into a frenemy dynamic as Jenny grew more ambitious and manipulative.

3. Leaving the Upper East Side for Sarah Lawrence

Eric's gradual withdrawal from the central Upper East Side drama was a sign of his growing maturity and desire for a healthier life. In Season 4, Eric decides to leave the chaos of Manhattan and his family's constant scandals to attend Sarah Lawrence College. This move, which he makes alongside his friend Vanessa Abrams, signifies a powerful break from the destructive cycle of his family. His departure was quiet, reflecting his character—a choice to prioritize his mental health and education over the toxic glamour of his birthplace.

The Latest Update: Eric's Surprising Adult Life Revealed

For nearly a decade, Eric van der Woodsen’s fate was left to fan speculation, with his last appearance being a brief cameo in the original series finale. However, the *Gossip Girl* reboot, which aired its finale in 2023, provided a definitive and heartwarming update on his life, much to the delight of long-time fans.

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1. The Confirmation of His Happy Ending

In the series finale of the *Gossip Girl* reboot, a key line of dialogue confirmed Eric’s adult life. It was revealed that Eric van der Woodsen is now married to his long-term boyfriend from the original series, Jonathan Whitney. This revelation was delivered by the character Matt Doyle, who played Jonathan Whitney, making the update official canon.

This detail is crucial because it provides the closure his character deserved, confirming that Eric successfully built a stable, loving life away from the scandals of the van der Woodsens. It's a powerful and positive conclusion for a character whose journey began with a suicide attempt and a struggle for acceptance.

2. Connor Paolo's Life and Recent Projects

The actor who brought Eric to life, Connor Paolo, has also continued to have a successful career, providing a fresh connection to the character for fans. While he did not appear in the *Gossip Girl* reboot, Paolo has been busy with new projects. In a very recent update, the actor has been promoting his latest work, a grounded sci-fi film titled *STAR PEOPLE*, which is set for release in 2025. This highlights that while the character of Eric has found his peace, the actor remains active in the industry.

Why Eric van der Woodsen Remains a Fan Favorite

Despite being a supporting character, Eric van der Woodsen holds a special place in the hearts of *Gossip Girl* viewers. His enduring popularity stems from his role as the moral compass of the van der Woodsen family and his relatability in a world of unrelatable wealth.

• The Moral Anchor: Eric was consistently portrayed as the kindest, most emotionally honest, and least manipulative character in the core group. He often served as a voice of reason, particularly to his sister, Serena van der Woodsen, and his friend, Chuck Bass.
• A Grounded Arc: His storylines—dealing with mental health, sexuality, and finding independence—were the most grounded and serious in the entire series, resonating deeply with a modern audience. His struggles were real, contrasting sharply with the often-absurd schemes of his peers.
• The Quiet Victory: His decision to leave the Upper East Side was a quiet victory. He chose a path of personal happiness and stability over the high-society drama, proving that true success on the Upper East Side meant leaving it behind. The confirmation of his marriage to Jonathan Whitney years later only solidifies this idea of a happy, well-adjusted adult life.