Eric van der Wood Sen is a notable character from the widely popular teen drama series Gossip Girl. Despite often being overshadowed by more prominent figures like Serena van der Wood Sen or Blair Waldorf, Eric stands out for his depth, emotional struggles, and his representation of real-world issues that resonate with many viewers. Played by actor Connor Paolo, Eric’s character arc touches on themes of mental health, identity, and family, making him one of the more grounded characters in the otherwise extravagant world of the Upper East Side. This article delves into the intricacies of Eric van der Wood Sen’s character, his relationships, his struggles, and his impact on the Gossip Girl series.
Who Is Eric van der Woodsen?
Eric van der Woodsen is introduced early in the Gossip Girl series as the younger brother of Serena van der Woodsen, the show’s central character. As a member of the wealthy and influential van der Woodsen family, Eric appears to have everything—wealth, privilege, and status. However, beneath this glamorous exterior lies a troubled young man dealing with personal demons.
Eric is initially presented as quiet and reserved, often in the background compared to the more outgoing and attention-seeking characters. Yet, as the series progresses, his character evolves, and his storylines address serious issues such as mental health, identity struggles, and acceptance. Unlike many of the show’s characters, who are primarily driven by ambition, rivalry, or romance, Eric’s journey focuses more on self-discovery and overcoming personal challenges, making him a unique figure in the Gossip Girl universe.
Eric’s Struggle with Mental Health
One of the most significant storylines involving Eric van der Woodsen is his battle with depression, which culminates in a suicide attempt before the series begins. This moment is critical as it sets the tone for his character throughout the show. His mental health struggles are introduced early in the first season when Serena visits him at the Ostroff Center, where he is recovering from his suicide attempt.
Eric’s depression is portrayed with sensitivity, and it offers a stark contrast to the often superficial concerns of the Upper East Side elite. His mental health journey provides a rare depiction of depression and mental illness in a show primarily focused on wealth and glamour. The inclusion of this storyline resonated with many viewers, particularly those who appreciated seeing mental health issues being addressed in a teen drama.
While Gossip Girl does not delve deeply into the specifics of Eric’s depression, his journey toward healing is a continuous theme. His experience emphasizes the importance of family support, particularly from his sister Serena, who becomes one of his strongest allies. Eric’s story highlights that mental health issues can affect anyone, regardless of wealth or privilege.
Coming Out: Eric’s Journey with His Sexuality
Another important aspect of Eric’s character is his sexual identity. Early in the series, Eric reveals that he is gay, making him one of the few openly gay characters in Gossip Girl. His coming-out story is treated with respect, and it is a pivotal moment for his character development. Unlike many other LGBTQ+ characters in television, Eric’s sexuality is not sensationalized or used merely for dramatic effect. Instead, his journey is portrayed as a natural part of his identity, and the show focuses more on his personal struggles and acceptance.
Eric’s relationship with his family, particularly his mother Lily, is tested when he comes out. Initially, Lily struggles to accept her son’s sexuality, reflecting a common real-life challenge many LGBTQ+ individuals face. However, over time, Lily comes to fully support Eric, and their relationship strengthens. This evolution is a heartwarming and important part of Eric’s arc, as it highlights themes of acceptance and unconditional love.
Additionally, Eric’s relationships with other characters, such as his friendship with Jenny Humphrey and his romantic involvement with Jonathan, explore his identity further. While Gossip Girl may have focused more on heterosexual relationships, Eric’s experiences added valuable LGBTQ+ representation in a show that was primarily aimed at a teenage audience.
FAQs
Who is Eric van der Woodsen?
Eric van der Woodsen is a character on Gossip Girl, known for being Serena van der Woodsen’s younger brother. Initially portrayed as a secondary character, Eric quickly became a fan favorite due to his sensitive and introspective personality. He is a kind and understanding character who faces significant personal struggles, including depression and coming out as gay, which added depth to his storyline.
What is Eric’s storyline in Gossip Girl?
Eric’s storyline in Gossip Girl revolves around his emotional and mental health issues and his experiences as a young gay man coming out in a high-society environment. In the first season, viewers learn that Eric had attempted suicide, which prompts his return to New York after spending time in a treatment facility. His journey also includes navigating relationships with his family, particularly with his mother, Lily, and dealing with his identity in a world that often expects perfection from those in the upper echelons of society.
Why did Eric van der Woodsen leave Gossip Girl?
Eric van der Woodsen’s character leaves the main plotline after the fourth season of Gossip Girl. The actor, Connor Paolo, chose to leave the show to focus on his role in the ABC series Revenge, where he played Declan Porter. Although Eric’s departure was not heavily highlighted in the storyline, he is said to have moved to college and focuses on his personal life, which explains his absence in later episodes. Eric’s character, however, returns for the series finale to provide a sense of closure to his arc.
What is Eric van der Woodsen’s relationship with Serena?
Eric and Serena share a close bond, despite their family’s tumultuous dynamics. As siblings, they support each other through many difficult times. Serena is protective of Eric, especially when he is struggling with his mental health and sexuality. Their relationship deepens throughout the series, with Serena often taking on a more maternal role due to their mother, Lily, being preoccupied with other concerns. Despite their occasional disagreements, they remain a consistent source of support for one another.
Is Eric van der Woodsen gay in real life?
Connor Paolo, the actor who portrayed Eric van der Woodsen, is not gay in real life. However, he has received praise for his authentic portrayal of a young gay character on Gossip Girl. Paolo has expressed in interviews that playing Eric was a significant and rewarding experience, as it allowed him to explore complex social issues surrounding sexuality, acceptance, and mental health.
Conclusion
Eric van der Woodsen may not have been one of the central characters of Gossip Girl, but his storyline resonated with many fans. His struggles with mental health and his coming-out journey provided a grounded counterbalance to the often extravagant lives of the Upper East Side elite. Through his sensitive portrayal, Eric became a symbol of resilience and self-acceptance, making him an enduring figure in the Gossip Girl universe. As more fans discover or revisit the series, Eric’s character continues to be a source of empathy and admiration for viewers, highlighting important social themes in a world otherwise dominated by wealth and privilege.
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