Blake Lively is an American film and television actress best known for her role as Serena van der Woodsen in the globally successful teen drama series Gossip Girl. The series, which was also broadcast in Turkey, made Lively an international star and one of the most visible young actresses of her generation. Beyond television, she has appeared in numerous feature films such as Accepted, The Private Lives of Pippa Lee, Elvis and Anabelle, and The Age of Adaline.

Early Life and Family Background

Blake Lively was born on August 25, 1987, in Los Angeles, California. She is the youngest of five children born to actors Ernie Lively and Elaine Lively. Growing up in an entertainment-oriented household, Lively was exposed to acting from an early age. Her siblings, including Eric Lively and Robyn Lively, also pursued careers in film and television.

Because her parents did not want to leave their children with babysitters, Lively frequently accompanied them to acting classes. This unconventional upbringing allowed her to absorb the fundamentals of performance organically and at a very young age.

Education and Early Challenges

Lively began elementary school at the age of three, attending classes alongside her older brother. Due to developmental challenges, she was dismissed after a few weeks. She returned to school at age six, but her education remained unstable; by the time she completed high school, she had changed schools a total of thirteen times.

She eventually graduated from Burbank High School, where she was active in cheerleading and student government. Although she initially planned to enroll at Stanford University, Lively decided instead to pursue acting full-time, postponing her academic ambitions.

Early Acting Career

Blake Lively made her screen debut in 1998 with a small role in the film Sandman, directed by her father Ernie Lively. Following this appearance, she took a long break from acting and did not return to film until 2005.

Her career gained momentum when she starred in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, adapted from the novel by Ann Brashares. The film featured an ensemble cast including America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn, and Alexis Bledel, and introduced Lively to a wider teenage audience.

Breakthrough Roles in Cinema

In 2006, Lively appeared opposite Justin Long in the comedy Accepted, followed by a minor role in the horror film Simon Says. Her first leading role came in 2007 with Elvis and Anabelle, where she portrayed a young woman struggling with bulimia. The performance marked a turning point in her career and demonstrated her dramatic range.

Gossip Girl and Global Fame

Lively’s international breakthrough arrived in September 2007 when the CW network premiered Gossip Girl, created by Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage. Based on the novels by Cecily von Ziegesar, the series co-starred Leighton Meester, Penn Badgley, Ed Westwick, and Chace Crawford.

Her portrayal of Serena van der Woodsen—a glamorous yet emotionally conflicted Manhattan socialite—made her a fashion icon and a constant presence in celebrity media. The series ran until 2012 and had a lasting impact on youth culture, fashion trends, and television aesthetics.

Film Career After Gossip Girl

In 2009, Lively starred in The Private Lives of Pippa Lee, directed by Rebecca Miller, alongside Keanu Reeves, Winona Ryder, Robin Wright, and Julianne Moore. In 2010, she appeared in The Town, directed by Ben Affleck and co-starring Jeremy Renner and Jon Hamm.

She later portrayed Carol Ferris in the superhero film Green Lantern, sharing the screen with Ryan Reynolds. Her romantic drama The Age of Adaline further strengthened her position as a leading actress, while films such as Savages connected her with directors like Oliver Stone.

Public Image and Personal Life

During the height of *Gossip Girl*, Lively was romantically involved with her co-star Penn Badgley. She later dated Leonardo DiCaprio before beginning a relationship with Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds. The couple married on September 9, 2012.

Lively and Reynolds are considered one of Hollywood’s most influential couples and frequently appear together at events such as the Met Gala. They have a daughter, James Reynolds, born on December 16, 2014.

Media Presence and Recognition

In 2009, Blake Lively was ranked 33rd on Maxim magazine’s “Hot 100” list. Since 2007, she has appeared on the covers of major publications including Teen Vogue, CosmoGirl, Vanity Fair, and Rolling Stone. She has also become closely associated with fashion houses such as Chanel and Gucci, and is a frequent guest at international fashion events.

Filmography

Film and Television Roles

2016 – All I See Is You – Gina – Feature Film
2015 – The Age of Adaline – Adaline – Feature Film
2012 – Savages – O – Feature Film
2011 – Green Lantern – Carol Ferris – Feature Film
2011 – Hick – Glenda – Feature Film
2010 – The Town – Krista – Feature Film
2009 – The Private Lives of Pippa Lee – Young Pippa – Feature Film
2008 – New York, I Love You – Girlfriend – Feature Film
2008 – The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 – Bridget – Feature Film
2007–2012 – Gossip Girl – Serena van der Woodsen – TV Series
2007 – Elvis and Anabelle – Anabelle – Feature Film
2006 – Simon Says – Jenny – Feature Film
2006 – Accepted – Monica – Feature Film
2005 – The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants – Bridget – Feature Film

Source: Biyografiler.com