Taylor Momsen says she has no plans to return to acting after 'Gossip Girl'

Taylor Momsen says acting is no longer her priority, as she focuses on music with The Pretty Reckless in 2026

Taylor Momsen has said she does not plan to return to acting after stepping away from the industry more than a decade ago, following roles in How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Gossip Girl.

Speaking to People at Steven Tyler’s seventh Jam for Janie Grammy Awards viewing party on February 1, the 32-year-old musician addressed whether she would ever consider acting again.

“No. I mean, I’ve learned to never say never in life anymore, because life is too bizarre,” Momsen said. “That’s what I figured out in my 32 years.”

She added that acting is no longer something she wants to pursue. “But it’s not something that I care to pursue,” she said.

When asked if she might reconsider for a reboot connected to a previous project, Momsen remained firm. “I think I’m cool. I think I’m going to tour with AC/DC,” she said, referencing her band The Pretty Reckless joining the rock group on tour in 2026.

Momsen explained that music has become her primary focus. “I’m having a really good time in life. I love making music,” she said. “Acting was a childhood thing and music is something … that I always pursued for myself. There’s no character involved.”

She also spoke about creative control, saying, “I don’t like being someone’s pawn. I like being in charge. I like writing the script. I like writing songs. That’s everything.”

Momsen began her acting career at the age of five, portraying Cindy Lou Who in How the Grinch Stole Christmas in 2000.

She later starred as Jenny Humphrey on Gossip Girl from 2007 to 2012, leaving the series as a regular in 2010 before returning for the finale.

Since leaving acting, Momsen has focused on music with The Pretty Reckless, which she formed in her teens. The band continues to tour and release new material, marking what she describes as a more fulfilling chapter of her career.