Jenny Humphrey From Gossip Girl Is Nearly Unrecognizable Today

Thanks to her portrayal of the fashion-savvy Jenny Humphrey in the late 2000s teen drama "Gossip Girl," Taylor Momsen became an instant teen star. However, the CW hit wasn't the actor's first big role, as she portrayed Cindy Lou Who in the 2000 Christmas classic "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." At the time, Momsen was 7 years old. Since her childhood fame, Momsen has changed a lot as the actor made a career shift by switching to music. Momsen has been the lead vocalist of the rock group The Pretty Reckless since 2009, and with that, a significant change in her aesthetic was evident.

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At the age of 17, Momsen left "Gossip Girl" behind after portraying one of its main characters for four seasons. Even before leaving the show, it was clear that the actor's real-life switch to an edgier look was reflected in Jenny Humphrey's fashion and makeup choices. Off-screen, the actor became a huge fan of bold and dark makeup, and the stunning style transformation of Taylor Momsen shifted in a very punk-rock direction. Ultra-dark smokey eyes and leather accessories replaced the actor's pink lip gloss and summer dress aesthetic.

"I've always said rock and roll represents freedom," the actor-turned-musician told InLove Magazine in 2023. "Freedom from everyday life, freedom from restraints, freedom from suppression. It's where my imagination can thrive. It's how I express myself with no boundaries." Momsen's switch from a classic Hollywood teen to a rockstar who isn't afraid of being different changed her appearance so drastically that anyone who hasn't followed her career since the teen show might just need to do a double-take. Of course, Momsen may have done a complete 180, but she is still a child star who grew up to be gorgeous.

While growing up in the spotlight and changing her makeup and fashion style undeniably added to her unrecognizable transformation, some believe that Taylor Momsen also underwent some cosmetic procedures. "I looked up photos of Taylor Momsen and it's like she suddenly has all this lid space that wasn't there before," a user wrote on Reddit. While the actor never confirmed any beauty enhancements, New York City-based plastic surgeon Dr. Michael A. Fiorillo explained that the actor seems to have had a rhinoplasty done at some point. "It appears Taylor has had a nose job," Dr. Fiorillo shared (via Star Magazine). "Now, it's not as wide and her nostrils appear to be slightly higher." 

Of course, none of this has ever been confirmed, and with natural face changes that occur over the years, it's hard to know, even for experts. Add contouring and a bolder makeup style to the mix, and a face can instantly look more snatched. And for Momsen, makeup plays a major role in self-expression. "I grew up always needing to express myself. It's a constant need for an outlet for my imagination," the "Make Me Wanna Die" singer explained to InLove Magazine. "Whether writing songs or creating a look, it's all about being creative and using that to express how I feel at any given time." In fact, her self-expression has landed her in hot water numerous times, as Taylor Momsen is no stranger to inappropriate outfits.