‘Gossip Girl’ Actress Chanel Banks Found After Two Weeks Missing

Chanel Maya Banks, an actress known for her roles in "Blue Bloods" and "Gossip Girl," has been found after being reported missing last week.

Earlier this week, a tip led police to a home in Texas, where a woman claimed to be Banks. However, after reviewing body camera footage from the encounter, Banks’ family confirmed that the woman did not resemble the actress. Singh shared that the woman in the footage did not look like Chanel did during a recent FaceTime call, raising doubts about the woman’s identity.

Chanel Maya Banks, a resident of Playa Vista, had last been heard from in late October, sparking concern from her family and loved ones.

Relatives reported that the 36-year-old actress had not been heard from since late last month. In response, police conducted welfare checks at her home, where they found her personal belongings and dog still at the residence but no sign of the actress herself.

Her family had grown increasingly worried, especially after being unable to contact her for two weeks.

Banks' cousin Danielle-Tori Singh, who flew in from Toronto to assist in the search, shared how close she is with her cousin. She explained that even a few days without communication or any way to reach Chanel raised serious concerns, prompting her and other family members to grow increasingly worried.

"Five days without hearing from my cousin is red flags and alarm bells," Singh told Eyewitness News earlier this week. "She doesn't go more than 48 hours without speaking to me or her mom. ... That girl is more like a big sister to me."

“The last text we got from her before her phone went off the grid was October 30,” Singh added. “I’m not going to leave California until I find my cousin.”

Investigators with the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to KTLA that they had conducted four separate welfare checks, which had intensified concerns among her loved ones, fearing that something terrible may have occurred.

“We love you so much,” Singh said, trying to hold back tears. “We just want to know you’re okay and that you’re safe and that nobody did anything to you.”

The LAPD received the missing-person report on November 8, which set off a search led by her family, including her mother, Judy Singh, and cousin Danielle-Tori.

On Tuesday, Singh revealed that Banks' husband had not been cooperating with the family or authorities during the search. "He's not willing to help LAPD. He's not wiling to help me or her mom find her," Singh said. "He is removing flyers off of posts and cars."

A GoFundMe campaign had been set up to assist the family in hiring a private investigator and covering expenses in Los Angeles as they continued their urgent search for their missing loved one.

"2 welfare checks were performed on November 7, and another 2 welfare checks on November 8," Chanel's cousin shared in the GoFundMe. "She was not in her apartment. Chanel is an official missing person in California."

"On November 10 my aunt and I were able to get into the apartment and all of her belongings are still there," she later added. "The only items we did not locate are her phone and laptop. She also does not go anywhere without her little dog, which also has been left behind. She also does not have her vehicle because it’s parked in her garage. She would NEVER go anywhere without telling her mom or myself."

Fortunately, the actress is now safe, and her family is expressing gratitude for the support they received during the difficult days.

Authorities confirmed the actress, who had been uncontactable for nearly two weeks, is unharmed and foul play is not suspected. According to law enforcement sources, Banks was located without any injuries.

Her cousin, Danielle-Tori Singh, who flew in from Toronto to assist in the search, expressed relief upon hearing the news.

Banks, who has appeared in "Gossip Girl" as Sawyer Bennett and had a role in "Blue Bloods," gained recognition for her performances in television and film. In addition to her television acting career, she had a small part in the 2010 movie "Twelve."