The actress was born to a mother who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for smuggling marijuana.

Her mom Connie was pregnant with Leighton when she entered federal prison in Texas. At 29, she gave birth while she was just beginning her sentence following a conviction for her involvement with a drug ring that smuggled 1,200-pound shipments of marijuana into the United States from Jamaica.

Meester's rough start gives her perspective today.

"It makes me very nonjudgmental and open-minded," the 22-year-old tells Us. "And I think it just makes me appreciate the things that I have now."

Gossip Girl director Michael Fields tells Us: "She's talked about it a little bit. She's not a person who is trying to hide it."

Now, Meester and her mom - who was released in 1986 after serving only 16 months - have a solid relationship.

"She's always there for me no matter what," Meester tells Us. "I swear, that woman knows everything."