Elle Korea: You are filming GG Season 3. How have you changed since 1st season?
Leighton: I began filming when I was 21, so I was very young. I matured mentally, and I learned more about myself and became comfortable. I have also become independent. But it’s still lonely, you know? New York life is like that.
EK: You began acting itself when you were 11. How was it starting out?
L: I lived in Florida and I acted on stage. I did it for fun then. I had fun learning and acting, and I was attracted to the craft itself. Of course at first I had small jobs. Didn’t make much money either. My mom! She is really like my friend. When I was going around doing auditions, she said “you don’t have to do it now” and that gave me strength. She gave me the choice.
EK: When did you decide to become a serious actress?
L: I had the passion since the first moment. I wanted to continue. I decided on the direction in high school for certain. I began getting more work and I realized that this was how my life was going to go in the long run. You know how you’re in your final year, you consult with the teachers. “I don’t want to make a living doing something ordinary,” I said. Of course, I could have been happy in Florida too. But I think no matter how much money I made, I would’ve gotten sick of it in two weeks.
EK: How do you prepare before filming?
L: It’s different for each role, but first and foremost you have to be in love with your role. In the case of GG’s Blair Waldorf, there is no point in getting ready and calculating in advance. She is a dramatic character. I just let myself follow her line of emotion and the relationship/dynamic she has with the other characters. I feel her feelings as I go. On the other hand, in my recently shot film Roomate I had a lot to prepare.
EK: What is the most common prejudice towards you?
L: Well… I have learned how to deal with gossips and rumours in GG. (laughs) Blah blah is dating blah blah, fighting, et cetera – people say a lot. But nah, that’s not true.
EK: Do you check what people say about you online?
L: Oh no. Especially I feel contempt towards stuff that’s on blogs. Why don’t they know that saying negative things about people won’t satisfy themselves or anyone else? I just concentrate on my work.
EK: You wear such pretty things in GG. We see a lot of your hair accessories…
L: But the funny thing is boys don’t understand my clothes? Girls love it. Guys are like “those clothes are a bit … well… interesting.” The hair accessories were just one of many looks, but it randomly became Blair’s signature item. Blair’s Queen B, right? Consider it as Queen’s crown. When her power falters, she shows up without her hair accessories.
EK: What else are you interested in aside from acting?
L: Shopping, fashion, music. Ah, and creative stuff! I read a lot of books and I like writing too. Especially writing is a lot of help emotionally.
EK: Your album is coming out?
L: It’ll be out around November. I’m so excited. I worked on it for three years or so. It was a very emotional, personal, and novel experience. It’s dance music, but it’ll have electronic sound added to it so it’ll have more edge. I think if you turn it on out loud while driving or dancing with friends, it’ll be good.
