Search 1,000 of PHOTOS Jessica Karen Szohr (born March 31, 1985) is an American actress. Szohr gained recognition in 2007 with her breakthrough role as Vanessa Abrams on The CW series Gossip Girl. Szohr’s real-life fashion is what she calls "simple and casual." Speaking to Vogue, she said "I wouldn’t say I’m trendy or follow any particular trends."