A Boy’s Dream, A Man’s Legacy.

Introducing Ed Westwick for this Numéro Homme Switzerland magazine edition couldn’t be easier. There are no tricks or illusions here, ladies and gentlemen, readers, young dreamers, aspiring actors, and ambitious souls. This is the story of Edward, a young Englishman from Stevenage, raised by Carole and Peter, a pair of intellectual academics who instilled a deep love for art, beauty, knowledge, and curiosity about life in their son. As a teenager, he moved to New York, confronting the world head-on, where his dream took shape amidst the towering skyscrapers of Manhattan, thanks to the series we all know, one of the most iconic ever produced, etched in many memories.

Success led him to new adventures, not only in film but also in music, expanding his horizons to Los Angeles, California. This is the story of a person who carries the invaluable lessons from his parents to build his independence in the U.S., only to return home to London to create his own family. An eager, passionate young man leaves, and a mature, accomplished, and wise man returns, ready to stay.

NICCOLO LAPO LATINI
Has there been a time when a role taught you something significant about yourself?

ED WESTWICK
It happens constantly, and what’s interesting is the way it happens. One valuable thing I’ve learned in art and life is that you never truly understand what happens to you right away— it takes time to process. This also happens to me when I compose my songs. When I wrote them, many didn’t speak to me at the time. Only years after their release did they start to take on a clear meaning in my mind. Gossip Girl is an example, too. Immersed in a big production in New York City, only now, after meeting fans, rewatching old episodes, and discussing the series with journalists, it’s made me think about what that experience taught me and how I’ve changed over time.

NLL
What are the most significant personal challenges you’ve faced throughout your career, and how have they shaped you as an artist?

EW
Losing my parents was massive. I was 26 when my father died. I was drinking a lot at the time and hadn’t processed it at all. It was traumatic. Then, my mother got sick shortly after, and we started living in constant anxiety about her results. It was just the two of us. It was heartbreaking. She passed away when I turned 30. But “thanks” to these events, I was able to change my personal life—I stopped drinking and started facing the future with courage. Meeting my wife was another moment of growth. Having wanted to build a family with her made me realise for the first time how important it is to have people in your life that you care about beyond just yourself. When tragedies happen, your mind and heart try to heal by searching for new meanings, the “why”, and finding ways to move forward.

I’m proud of the man I am today. With my family, my wife, and my fans, who have accompanied me throughout my career, bringing joy in every moment. I feel deeply connected and grateful! In life, I believe the greatest satisfaction is realising that you’re giving something that will remain with another person, adding value to their lives–whether it’s for an individual or a cause you care about. It’s a gift for them and yourself at the same time. The act of giving, the reciprocal exchange, the unconditional love, that’s what matters the most.

In life, I believe the greatest satisfaction is realising that you’re giving something that will remain with another person, adding value to their lives–whether it’s for an individual or a cause you care about. It’s a gift for them and yourself at the same time. The act of giving, the reciprocal exchange, the unconditional love, that’s what matters the most.

NLL
What are your thoughts on the darker sides of a character, and how do you portray them with empathy? Complex characters often have many layers. Do you ever find yourself managing emotional duality in your career?

EW
First of all, as they say, if it’s not in the script, it’s not in the script. However, every character has multiple layers, so developing the character’s personality is natural, especially in a long-running show. As people, we are not always the same, and characters reflect people. None of us are entirely good or entirely bad. Duality is definitely one of the most entertaining aspects of a character, and it’s also the most fascinating part of getting to know someone deeply in real life. It makes you three-dimensional, giving you depth and complexity. For example, Chuck Bass is a very complex character, and the audience finds him both sympathetic and empathetic. Like many young men, he makes mistakes, wants to grow, and tries to figure out who he is.

When I played a serial killer in Wicked City, I still portrayed him in a way that showed some inner conflict. If the audience immediately knows who is good or bad without any doubt throughout the film, it would not be interesting, and it would not reflect real life.

NLL
What’s the best advice you’ve received in your career?

EW
Relax! My father used to tell me that. When I was younger, I was constantly worried, looking towards the future with anxiety. When you are young, you always want to excel, you have a big ego, yet at the same time, you carry multiple insecurities. It took me a while to fully understand it, but being relaxed in your work and life’s situations is always the best approach.

NLL
Gossip Girl brought you global success. How do you think that role has influenced your career and personal life? Having been so closely associated with one character for many years, is there something of him that you still carry with you?

EW
Funny enough, I posted a photo on Instagram of myself wearing a suit not long ago, and people commented, ‘The spirit of Chuck Bass is still with you!’. Looking back now, I realise I was completely different during the time of Gossip Girl, even in terms of style and attitude. I had much of a rock’n roll look. The paradox is that I had this rebellious, ready-to-be-a-rockstar attitude, but now that I actually play in a band, I’m married, more settled, and my style is more sophisticated and classic. The secret to making a character timeless is authenticity. You have to find something real, draw from your own life—your emotions, relationships, passions, losses, achievements—and use them to inform your character, contributing to the plot of the film.

I play a spy in my most recent series, The Dark Game. I know nothing about being a secret agent, but have I been in stressful situations? Absolutely. Do I have people in my life that I would protect at any cost? Of course. The film gives you the context, but the emotional and physical reactions come from your experiences. If you want to be an artist, first go out and live!

NLL
You’re also a musician with your band. How do you balance your acting career with your passion for music? How does music help you express parts of yourself that acting cannot reach? 

EW
With For You, my band, the priority has always been, and always will be, fun and carefree moments. I’m incredibly fortunate to be accompanied on this adventure by such talented musicians as: Hans, Frank, and Michael. I’m genuinely grateful for creating songs together, spending time in the studio, and sharing unity and harmony. Recently, we performed in Norway, and we’re thinking of heading to Milan and London next.

Music is meant to remain a pure joy, filling my life with smiles, adrenaline, and enthusiasm—without the pressure of turning it into a job.

The secret to making a character timeless is authenticity. You have to find something real, draw from your own life—your emotions, relationships, passions, losses, achievements—and use them to inform your character, contributing to the plot of the film.

NLL
You’ve made headlines recently for your interest in design and architecture. What fascinates you the most about these worlds, and how do these interests influence how you approach daily life?

EW
It all started when Amy – my wife – and I began seriously thinking about building our home, our life project together. We dove into the world of interior design as a playful experiment to decorate our house, but it soon turned into a real passion, fascinated by furniture, patterns and colours.

Our home is also my studio, so when I study a script or rehearse scenes, it’s vital for me to feel in harmony and, ideally, in sync with the environment and atmosphere. Also, thanks to my family and my parents, I’ve always been interested in psychology, politics, science, and technology, which I believe holds the key to addressing many of our society’s issues today.

Sometimes, we’re happy, sometimes sad, and we think it has something to do with what’s happening outside, but in reality, it’s internal. The world already has more than enough problems. We cannot strive for perfection because it doesn’t exist, and obsession can be harmful. We should make small steps each day to improve ourselves, both as individuals and as a collective. We are all connected.

NLL
In your career, you’ve played roles that examine ambition and power. How do you think these themes have influenced your perspective on success?

EW
I come from a family of academics. A psychologist and a university professor. We had a comfortable life, but we weren’t rich and didn’t know rich people. Through Gossip Girl, I was introduced to the world of high society in the U.S., which opened my eyes to a type of people I had never encountered before. The experience in New York and Los Angeles definitely made me grow up.

I realised I had to start fending for myself, become independent, and think about building my own life. It introduced me to the responsibilities that come with adulthood and looking at life through a different lens. I’m grateful for my work because it introduced me to people and experiences I would never have encountered or explored.

NLL
You’ve previously mentioned your interest in producing and directing. What projects would inspire you to pursue this path?

EW
Producing? Definitely. Directing? We will see. Years ago, I directed a short film while living in LA. It was fun, but when it came to a feature film, you have to be so compellingly dedicated

to the project, and I’m not sure if I could devote myself entirely to one thing right now. But never say never! Producing, on the other hand, is something I’m already doing, like with The Dark Game, and I’ll continue to be involved in.

I can now handle many aspects, from finances to sponsor research, script development and helping with casting. I’m about to do it again very soon, and I’m really looking forward to it. In the future, I also want to evolve beyond the entertainment industry. I’d love to introduce something new that deepens my connection with my fans over time. Something different, innovative. We will see what happens!

NLL
Could you tell us more about your upcoming project, SANDOKAN?

EW
Sandokan will be a wild action- adventure romance! We follow the stories of Sandokan, the pirate, the fascinating Sir James Brooke, and the innocent yet powerful Marianne as they journey to discover the essence of their desires. Set from 1845 onwards, we filmed in Italy at Cinecittà and various beautiful locations in Rome, Calabria, and the Reunion Islands. Sandokan is legendary, especially in Italian literary and cinematic culture, and I cannot wait for it to be released. Jan Maria Michelini and Nicola Abbatangelo directed an incredible crew. This is one of the best projects I have worked on, with an incredible script. It was a magnificent experience!

FINALLY, QUESTIONS FROM AN ARDENT TEENAGE FAN –

Is there going to be another season of Gossip Girl, and if so, would he be part of it?

EW
It would be fascinating to find myself in the shoes of Chuck Bass again and explore where the story would be now and how it has evolved.

What advice would he give to someone who wanted to be an actor?

EW
Find someone who truly inspires you, someone to look up to, whom you can observe study and learn from. Keeping that passion and inspiration alive for as long as possible is the key.

How was life after college, as many fans are in that stage of life?

EW
It’s a moment of progress, face new adventures. Don’t be obsessed with finding the answers immediately; they will come with time. Enjoy the moment; this is not the time for answers but for trying, failing, trying again and seeing what happens. Have faith, and never lose your enthusiasm!