Lively Family Genealogy & History

Blake Lively, born Blake Ellender Brown on August 25, 1987, is a renowned American actress known for her roles in films and TV shows. She gained fame with her portrayal of Serena van der Woodsen in the popular CW series Gossip Girl (2007–2012). Lively's film career includes notable performances in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005), The Town (2010), and A Simple Favor (2018). Her directorial debut came with Taylor Swift's music video "I Bet You Think About Me" in 2021. She achieved her biggest box office success with It Ends with Us (2024), though it was marred by legal disputes.

Blake Lively is the daughter of actor Ernie Lively and talent scout Elaine Lively (née McAlpin). Born in the Tarzana neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, she has an older brother, Eric, and three half-siblings from her mother's previous marriage. Her family has deep roots in the entertainment industry, with her parents and siblings all having worked in various capacities. Her early exposure to acting came as she accompanied her parents to acting classes they taught.

Robyn Elaine Lively Johnson, born February 7, 1972, is an acclaimed American actress renowned for her roles in the 1989 films "Teen Witch" and "The Karate Kid Part III." She gained further recognition on TV with appearances in "Doogie Howser, M.D.," "Twin Peaks," "Savannah," and "Saving Grace." Notably, she reprised her role as Jessica Andrews in the fifth season of "Cobra Kai" in 2022. Robyn's career began at age six, leading to a Daytime Emmy Award nomination at 19 for her role in "Less Than Perfect Daughter." Her recent work includes the 2024 film "It Ends with Us," produced by her sister Blake Lively.

Robyn Lively was born to talent manager Elaine Lively and Ronald Otis Lively. Following their divorce, Elaine married acting coach Ernie Lively, who adopted Robyn. She has two older siblings, Lori and Jason, and two younger half-siblings, Eric and Blake Lively. Her entire family, including her mother and adoptive father, have been active in the entertainment industry, showcasing a rich family legacy in Hollywood.

Ernie Lively, originally Ernest Wilson Brown Jr., was a renowned American actor and acting coach, celebrated for his roles in "Passenger 57" and "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" series, where he acted alongside his daughter, Blake Lively. His career spanned from the 1970s with notable appearances on TV shows such as "The Waltons" and "The Dukes of Hazzard," as well as films like "Turner & Hooch" and "The Beverly Hillbillies." A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Lively also directed, notably guiding Blake in her film debut, "Sandman."

Ernie Lively was born in Baltimore, Maryland, to Beatrice Gray (née Walton) and Ernest Wilson Brown Sr. In 1979, he married Elaine Lively, adopting her children from a previous marriage and fathering two more, Blake and Eric Lively, all of whom pursued acting careers.

Jason Lively, an American actor and director, gained fame for his roles in 1985's "European Vacation" as Rusty Griswald and 1986's "Night of the Creeps" as Chris. Born on March 12, 1968, in Carroll County, Georgia, Lively started acting at age 10 with "The Dukes of Hazzard." He also appeared in "Ghost Chase" and "Maximum Force" before taking a 20-year acting hiatus. In addition to acting, Lively worked in the tech industry and ran a mobile roasted corn business. He returned to the screen in the film "Hickok."

Jason Lively is the son of talent manager Elaine (née McAlpin) and Ronald Otis Lively, and the adoptive son of actor Ernie Lively. He is the brother of actresses Lori and Robyn Lively, and half-brother to actor Eric Lively and actress Blake Lively. Married to Lani Lively, he has three children.