Blake Lively, a prominent figure in Hollywood, didn’t just stumble into the limelight. Acting runs deep in her veins, a family legacy passed down from her parents and shared with her siblings. Let’s delve into the world of the Lively family and discover the individuals who shaped Blake’s journey.
Ernie and Elaine Lively are the anchors of this family saga. Elaine, before marrying Ernie in 1979, already had three children – Lori, Jason, and Robyn – from a previous marriage with Ronnie Lively. Together, Ernie and Elaine added two more to the mix: Eric and the youngest, Blake.
Both Ernie and Elaine were actors, with Elaine also managing talent, creating an environment where acting wasn’t just a profession, but a family affair. Like her siblings, Blake was drawn to acting, achieving stardom in projects like Gossip Girl, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, and A Simple Favor.
Her personal life also blossomed when she married fellow actor Ryan Reynolds in 2012. Their family expanded with daughters James, Inez, Betty, and son Olin.
Ernie Lively: The Father Figure
Ernie Lively, who adopted Elaine’s surname, was instrumental in Blake’s upbringing and career. His acting career took off in the 1970s with roles in TV series such as The Waltons, Fantasy Island, and Falcon Crest. He continued to work steadily, appearing in films like Turner & Hooch, Passenger 57, and TV shows like Murder, She Wrote and The West Wing. Notably, Ernie shared the screen with Blake, playing her father in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants films.
Sadly, Ernie passed away in June 2021 at 74 due to cardiac complications. Blake honored her father by naming her beverage company, Betty Buzz, after his mother and sister, both named Betty.
Elaine Lively: The Mother and Manager
Elaine Lively, Blake’s mother, is an actress and talent manager, deeply involved in the entertainment world. Blake has humorously acknowledged inheriting traits from her mother, particularly a love for maximalism. In an Instagram post, Blake joked about her mother’s affinity for jewelry, showcasing their close and playful relationship.
Lori Lively: The Eldest Sister
Lori Lively, born in 1966, is Elaine’s eldest daughter. She has built her own acting resume with appearances in Working Girl, Melrose Place, ER, Two and a Half Men, and The Mentalist. Lori has publicly shown support for Blake, attending the premiere of It Ends With Us with other family members and praising Blake’s performance on social media.
Jason Lively: The Brother with a Diverse Career
Jason Lively, born in 1968, is Elaine’s second child. His acting career spanned the 80s and 90s with roles in The Dukes of Hazzard, 21 Jump Street, and Class of Fear. He even ventured into video games, appearing in Return to Zork in 1993. More recently, Jason returned to film with roles in Hickok and The Possessed. He is married to Lani Lively and reportedly has three children.
Robyn Lively: From Teen Witch to Hollywood Veteran
Robyn Lively, born in 1972, is the youngest of Elaine’s children from her first marriage. She gained recognition in the 1989 film Teen Witch and has since enjoyed a successful acting career with roles in The Karate Kid Part III, Twin Peaks, Chicago Hope, and 9-1-1: Lone Star. Robyn is married to actor Bart Johnson, and they have three children. Like Lori, Robyn has publicly defended Blake, especially concerning the recent lawsuit.
Eric Lively: Following the Family Path
Eric Lively, born in 1981, is Elaine and Ernie’s first child together. Continuing the family tradition, Eric started acting in the early 90s, with appearances in Full House, American Pie, and So Weird. His later work includes roles in The L Word, Modern Men, and A Madea Christmas. Eric has been married to Angelina Davydova since 2005.
Ryan Reynolds: Husband and Partner
Ryan Reynolds, Blake’s husband, is a major Hollywood star in his own right. They met on the set of Green Lantern in 2011 and married in 2012 after Reynolds’ divorce from Scarlett Johansson. Blake playfully dismissed divorce rumors in 2024, reinforcing their strong bond.
James, Inez, Betty, and Olin Reynolds: The Next Generation
Blake and Ryan are parents to four children: daughters James (born in 2014), Inez (2016), Betty (2019), and son Olin (2023). They strive to provide their children with a normal upbringing despite their celebrity status. Taylor Swift is famously the godmother to their daughters, even incorporating their names into her song “Betty.” Director Shawn Levy is Olin’s godfather.
In conclusion, Blake Lively’s family is a vibrant tapestry of individuals deeply rooted in the entertainment industry. From her acting parents to her talented siblings and her own growing family with Ryan Reynolds, Blake’s life is surrounded by family, both on and off the screen.
