With her captivating on-screen presence and undeniable talent, Blake Lively has become a household name in both television and film. Her breakout role as Serena van der Woodsen in the hit TV show Gossip Girl not only showcased her acting abilities but also solidified her status as a fashion icon. In addition to her successful television career, Lively has also made a mark in the film industry with notable roles in movies such as The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, The Shallows, and The Age of Adaline.
Blake Lively's Early Life
Los Angeles, CA
Blake Lively was born on August 25, 1987, in Tarzana, Los Angeles, California. She grew up in a family deeply entrenched in the entertainment industry. Her father, Ernie Lively, was an actor, and her mother, Elaine Lively, worked as a talent scout. This background likely played a role in her eventual entry into the world of showbiz.
Growing up, Blake was the youngest of five siblings, all of whom were bit by the acting bug. This familial influence and a supportive environment at home ignited her passion for acting from a young age. Blake attended Burbank High School and was a member of the school's show choir, a hint of her early interest in performing.
Blake Lively's Early Career
Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants
Blake's career began to take shape when she was just a teenager. Her debut came in 1998, when she appeared in the film Sandman. However, her breakthrough came in 2005, when she was cast as Bridget Vreeland in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. This film marked her emergence as a rising star in Hollywood. It was a story of four friends and a pair of magical jeans, and it resonated with a young audience.
Blake Lively's talent and charisma quickly captured the attention of both critics and audiences. Her role in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants paved the way for more opportunities in the industry. She continued to reprise her role in the film's sequel, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2.
Blake Lively's Breakthrough And Career
Gossip Girl
However, it was in 2007 that Blake Lively landed the role that would truly put her in the spotlight. She was cast as Serena Van der Woodsen in the hit TV series Gossip Girl. The show, which revolved around the glamorous lives of New York's elite teenagers, put her at the top of the 'It Girl' list.
Gossip Girl also turned Lively into a fashion icon. Her character's stylish wardrobe and the show's influence on the fashion industry are still considered iconic today and will likely always be that way. It was during this same time period that she met her future husband, Ryan Reynolds, on the set of the film Green Lantern. They didn't develop a relationship until a year later, though.
Blake Lively was only just getting started. She went on to appear in a multitude of films including but not limited to:
| Movie Title | Year of Release | What Part Did Blake Lively Play? |
|---|---|---|
| The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants | 2005 | Bridget Vreeland |
| Accepted | 2006 | Monica Moreland |
| The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 | 2008 | Bridget Vreeland |
| New York, I Love You | 2008 | Ex-girlfriend of David |
| The Private Lives of Pippa Lee | 2009 | Young Pippa Lee |
| The Town | 2010 | Krista Coughlin |
| The Green Lantern | 2011 | Carol Ferris |
| Hick | 2011 | Glenda |
| Savages | 2012 | Ophelia "O" |
| The Age of Adaline | 2015 | Adaline Bowman |
| The Shallows | 2016 | Nancy Adams |
| Café Society | 2016 | Veronica |
| All I See is You | 2016 | Gina |
| A Simple Favor | 2018 | Emily Nelson |
| The Rhythm Section | 2020 | Stephanie Patrick |
| It Ends with Us | Coming in 2024 | Lily Bloom |
Blake Lively's Business Ventures
Betty Buzz
In 2014, Lively launched "Preserve," an online lifestyle magazine and e-commerce website. The platform aimed to celebrate American artisanal goods and craftsmanship. Blake played a significant role in curating the content and products featured on the site. However, "Preserve" faced mixed reviews and shut down in 2015.
Betty Buzz is a new start-up of Blake Lively's. This is an alcoholic beverage line that is vegan and uses all natural ingredients. Blake has already gotten backlash for this because she herself does not drink alcohol. Fans are wondering why she is using her clean image to promote something she told Today.com she doesn't like the effects of. Betty Booze was released in response to the backlash, it is a non-alcoholic alternative to Betty Buzz.
Blake Lively's Net Worth
$30 Million
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds together have a net worth of $380 million. Ryan Reynolds is bringing in an estimated $350 million of that. Blake brings in $30 million, which is still an incredible net worth. Let's face it, she has had four children. Women sacrifice quite a bit when having children. To say she is any less than her husband would be completely false.
Blake Lively's Personal Life
Married to Ryan Reynolds
Blake Lively's personal life has garnered significant attention, partly due to her marriage to fellow actor Ryan Reynolds.
In 2012, Blake Lively married Ryan Reynolds, known for his roles in movies like Deadpool and The Proposal. The couple has become one of Hollywood's most beloved and iconic pairs, known for their playful banter and support for each other's careers. They have four daughters together.
As a mother of four, Blake Lively has embraced motherhood while continuing to balance her career. Her approach to parenthood and her commitment to protecting her children's privacy have been noted in the media.
Blake Lively's Activism
Child Exploitation Advocacy
Blake Lively has been an active advocate for the prevention of child exploitation. She has partnered with organizations like the Child Rescue Coalition, a non-profit that works to protect children from sexual abuse. Her involvement in this cause highlights her commitment to using her platform for a meaningful and important purpose.
Time's Up Movement
Blake Lively, like many in the entertainment industry, has supported the Time's Up movement. This movement seeks to combat sexual harassment, assault, and inequality in the workplace. Her participation demonstrates her solidarity with the cause of gender equality and safer work environments.
Blake Lively's Controversies
Cultural Appropriation Accusations
Blake Lively faced criticism for her choice of wardrobe at a 2016 event. She was accused of cultural appropriation for wearing a Native American-inspired outfit. Critics argued that this was disrespectful and insensitive. Blake later expressed regret over this choice and acknowledged the mistake.
