Spotted: an iconic series making the ultimate comeback amid life in quarantine. It has been thirteen years since Gossip Girl premiered on The CW—yet “the mysterious lives of Manhattan’s elite” have remained relevant to this day. With more time spent indoors, people have been feeling especially inclined to binge-watch, spending hours on Netflix as the series’ six seasons unfold. Nicole Fiscella—who plays Isabel, one of Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester)’s minions—remembers filming the show like it was yesterday. The actress and model has moved on to pursue other passions (she is now a lifestyle blogger and certified nutritionist), yet memories of shooting scenes on the steps of The Met are never far off. Below, she travels back in time to go behind the scenes. 

What was the audition process like for Gossip Girl?

It was all very new to me. It started with the initial audition, then several callbacks, and then a final audition with Nan Zhang (“Kati”) to see how we worked together. The producers, Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, were there at the last few callbacks and were really great. They were laughing at points, so I felt good about my performance!


Where were you and how did you react when you found out you were cast?

Oh my gosh—I should remember this better! I know that I was so nervous about it for a while before hearing back. Every time my agent called for anything, I would say, “This is the call!” When it finally was, I definitely did some celebrating!


What’s one thing people may be surprised to know about being on set?

It takes a lot of work and time to get it right. There are so many factors involved in getting the perfect shot—it’s more than just the actor and lighting. I also never knew before that there was someone who was strictly there to make sure you’re saying the line exactly how it’s written. Literally, if you miss one word that seems unimportant, you have to go back and do it again. There isn’t as much flexibility with scripts as some may think.


What was it like working with Leighton Meester?

Amazing. She’s a fantastic actor, just like everyone else in the cast. We bonded immediately, and she taught me so much about acting. She coached me a bit during scenes, which I welcomed because I really hadn’t done much formal training before Gossip Girl. Leighton is a wonderful person and friend. She couldn’t be further from her character, Blair. She’s very professional and truly knows her craft. We’re still very close friends to this day.

How did you collaborate with the wardrobe department to develop your character’s personal style?

It was really dictated by them, but as a former model, they knew that I was willing to try almost anything. I loved the crazy outfits that Isabel wore because they were so different from my personal style. The stylists and I went all out! We really did try to make Isabel a spectacle, so to speak. We always left my fittings laughing because the looks were so unreal that they worked. It was important to let them do their job and not push back on the vision they had, but I also added to it creatively and constructively.

What was your favorite outfit you wore on the show?

They were all so good! The one that really sticks out to me is the field hockey outfit. Like, could someone really play field hockey in that? What a look!


So many people have been binge-watching Gossip Girl on Netflix while in quarantine. Anything specific people should look for if they’re watching for the second or third time?

Yeah, can someone let me know if Isabel ever did anything nice?


How has Gossip Girl inspired your career as a lifestyle blogger?

I think Gossip Girl made me realize that I’m more of a personality than an actor. I loved my experience on Gossip Girl and would do it again in a heartbeat, but I’ve always told people that I want to be me on TV. My passion is connecting people to information through videos with my unique voice.


What’s your main hope for the reboot to be released soon?

I hope they keep all the characters. I feel like each one is needed to create the energy that makes Gossip Girl, Gossip Girl.

This or That:

Serena or Blair? Both were so misunderstood! Serena, because she was less conniving? Blair, because she was relentless, which I kind of appreciate? I can’t decide!

Nate or Chuck? Nate was a sweetheart. How could you not love Nate?

Dan or Jenny? Lonely Boy. Too lonely not to feel for him.

Upper East Side or Upper West Side? Upper East. Hands down.

GG Season 1 or Season 6? Season 1 all the way, baby!

Follow Nicole on Social Media:

Instagram: @iamnicolefiscella

Website: globalgotogirl.com

Facebook: @globalgotogirl