Whitney Peak, the rising Ugandan Canadian actress known for her role in the 2021 reboot of Gossip Girl, is the latest cover star of Harper’s BAZAAR Taiwan. Shot in New York City, the feature highlights her natural charm, resilience, and growing influence in the entertainment world. At just 22 years old, Whitney is becoming a name to remember, with her role as Zoya capturing the hearts of a new generation while honoring the original series.
Born in Uganda and raised between different cities as her father traveled for work, Whitney’s path to stardom was anything but easy. She began acting without connections or special treatment, even falling victim to a fake Disney audition at age 13. Her determination paid off, as her hard work on film sets—often in background roles—eventually caught the attention of top talent agencies. Today, she continues to build her career with strength, grace, and a thoughtful approach to both acting and life.
In the interview, Whitney shares her personal growth and values, including advice that guides her: “Try more to understand and less to be understood.” She also talks about how turning frustration into questions has helped her handle challenges. Now living in New York, the city where Gossip Girl is set, Whitney embraces its energy and uses it to move forward—both as an artist and as a young woman shaping her own story.
photographs_QUIL LEMONS @quillemons
creative direction & styling_MELINA CHEN AT CHING CREATIVE INTL. @melinachen @chingcreative_intl
makeup_TYRON MACHHAUSEN AT THE WALL GROUP @tyronmachhausen @thewallgroup
hair_NAEEMAH LAFOND AT THE WALL GROUP @naeemahlafond @thewallgroup
nail_MAMIE ONISHI AT SEE MANAGEMENT @nailsbymamie @seemanagement
producer_JEAN JARVIS AT AREA 1202 @jean_cabacunganjarvis @area1202
production coordinators_DEVON JARVIS & NIKA BREGVADZE @devonjarvis @gardien_desetoiles
set design_JACOB BURSTEIN AT MHS ARTISTS @thajhb @mhs_artists
photo assistant_THALIA ROMANOS @thalia.romanos
set assistant_PAUL ARONSON @pa_94
hair assistant_KHASHELY CANTRELL @beautybykaycantrell
stylist 1st assistant_APPLE TSENG AT CHING CREATIVE INTL. @chiccynu @chingcreative_intl
on-set styling assistants_DAVIEL CASTANEDA & SOPHIA CHACON @megapixelmemorybox @sophichacon
lighting director_SAM DOLE @actual_sam_dole
retouch_MATTHEW SORENSEN @matty.so
studio_PIER 59 STUDIOS @pier59studios
text_SYLVIA CHENG
