Gossip Girl’s non-trifling stunner talks pigskin and beauty that’s more than skin deep.

By Brendan Frederick; Photographs by Rayon Richards

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In the trust-fund baby soap opera that is Gossip Girl, 22-year-old Jessica Szohr isn’t like the rest. As the show’s down-ass Brooklyn chick, Vanessa, she’s been known to rock doorknockers and limited-edition Dunks. In real life, Jessica came up in small-town Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, where she flipped her bright smile and racially ambiguous look (she’s half-Hungarian and a quarter black) into a career in modeling and TV. And even though she’s blowing up, she’s still not interested in gossip—unless it has to do with the NFL.

We’re curious: What ethnicity do people think you are, watching the show?

Jessica Szohr: I love when people come up to me and go, “What are you?” I’ve heard everything: half African-American, half-white, Puerto Rican, Mexican, Brazilian. Some people hit it right on: “You’re Hungarian.”

It doesn’t come out in the show, but you’ve got a little Wisconsin accent.

Jessica Szohr: It’s true—if I’m comfortable, it comes out. Is your next question about Brett Favre? Because then we have to stop.

Sore subject?

Jessica Szohr: I’m a huge Green Bay Packers fan. And Brett Favre was half the Packers. So, I literally cried when he left.

So, you’re a football girl.

Jessica Szohr: I know, I don’t like it when I read interviews with girls who are like, “Oh my God! I totally like cars and football!” I’m not saying that at all. I like to shop; I’m totally a girl. But I’m drawn to being friends with guys. You can chill and have a conversation and it’s not always like, drama, drama, drama.

What kind of guys are you actually attracted to?

Jessica Szohr: I don’t know if I have a type. I guess I like grungy? But someone that can make me laugh, too.

Grungy and funny. Ever thought of joining a band? You could probably find a lot of hilarious groupies.

Jessica Szohr: If I ever tried to do anything musical, they would stop music. I can’t sing. I started to take guitar lessons. It’s so hard.

Don’t sweat it. Everyone just plays Guitar Hero instead.

Jessica Szohr: I’m actually a huge Rock Band fan. I love the drums. I won’t let anyone take them from me. I’m just saying. Home // CELEBRITIES // COMPLEX WOMEN // Jessica Szohr