Margaret Colin, well-known for her role as Eleanor Waldorf alongside Blake Lively in Gossip Girl, was recently spotted braving a snowstorm in the streets of New York City. The actress, who has a rich Hollywood background spanning several decades, appeared bundled up in winter attire on a cold Monday, navigating the snow-lined sidewalks. This appearance comes as a reminder of Colin’s extensive work in both television and film, emphasizing her enduring presence in the entertainment industry.
Early Roles and Breakthrough in Film
Colin’s acting career began in daytime television, with significant roles such as playing Margo Hughes on the soap opera As the World Turns from 1980 to 1983. She also featured in another soap, The Edge of Night, portraying an heiress with a complicated past. Transitioning into film, she secured parts in several notable movies throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Among these was the 1986 teen classic Pretty in Pink, where she played an English teacher opposite Molly Ringwald.
In 1986, she took on the role of Irene in Something Wild, featuring Melanie Griffith, and the following year, appeared as Rebecca in Three Men and a Baby. Colin continued to work alongside well-known actors such as Demi Moore in The Butcher’s Wife (1991) before landing a prominent role in the 1996 blockbuster Independence Day, acting opposite Will Smith and Bill Pullman as Constance Spano, the White House Communications Director.
The next year, she appeared with Brad Pitt and Harrison Ford in The Devil’s Own, playing Sheila O’Meara. These roles showcased her ability to adapt to varied genres, from sci-fi to drama and thriller. She further appeared alongside Katie Holmes in the 2004 film First Daughter as Melanie MacKenzie, highlighting her sustained work in Hollywood through diverse projects.
Television Success and Collaboration with Blake Lively in Gossip Girl
Margaret Colin’s television career saw a resurgence with the role of Eleanor Waldorf, Blair Waldorf’s mother, in the hit series Gossip Girl. She appeared in this recurring role from 2007 to 2012, sharing the screen with Blake Lively and Leighton Meester. Colin’s portrayal of Eleanor highlighted a sharp-tongued, stylish matriarch who shaped much of the show’s drama.
Reflecting on her character, Colin once explained,
“My favorite quality about her is that she sees the world from her own unique perspective,”
to Hollywood The Write Way.
“She’s self-centered so I can’t wait to fully grasp the opportunities that are left for her. She is the star of her own world and that’s my favorite quality about her.”
Regarding her co-star Leighton Meester, she shared,
“I just love working with Leighton. She is a brilliant singer and her acting is fantastic.”
Adding to that admiration, Colin said,
“I completely adore working with her. If I could just keep working with her, that would be fine.”
These remarks reflect her fondness for the dynamic and talented cast of the series.
Further Roles and Recent Projects
Following her success on Gossip Girl, Colin continued to secure parts on popular television series, including Blue Bloods, Nurse Jackie, The Good Wife, and Madam Secretary. In 2017, she appeared in a recurring role on the HBO comedy series Veep during its sixth season, where she played the fictional CBS News anchor Jane McCabe. Her latest film credit includes the 2025 movie Three Wisest Men, where she portrayed Barbara Brenner.
Personal Background and Family Life
Margaret Colin was born and raised on Long Island, New York. She attended Baldwin Senior High School before continuing her education at Hofstra University. Early in her career, she met actor Justin Deas while working on As the World Turns, where he played her love interest, Tom Hughes. They married in January 1988 and have two sons, Sam and Joe, maintaining a private family life away from the Hollywood spotlight.
Margaret Colin’s Impact and Ongoing Presence
Colin’s extensive career, spanning soap operas, feature films, and acclaimed television series such as Gossip Girl, demonstrates her versatility and staying power in the entertainment industry. Her recent sighting amid New York’s challenging winter weather displays a resilience that mirrors her professional journey. As she continues to take on varied roles, Colin remains a respected figure connected to iconic shows and films that defined multiple generations.
