Who are Blake Lively's parents? Exploring her upbringing after Ryan Reynolds claims he and Blake grew up "working class"

Ryan Reynolds recently sparked debate after claiming he and his wife, Blake Lively, grew up "very working class." While discussing their parenting philosophy and efforts to give their four children a "normal life," the Canadian actor reflected on his and Lively's childhoods, contrasting them with the privileges their children now enjoy.

Ryan made these remarks during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, published on December 15, 2024. Blake Lively, 37, best known for her role in Gossip Girl, is the daughter of Elaine and Ernie Lively, both of whom had successful careers in the entertainment industry.

Blake Lively was born into an entertainment family. Her father, Ernie Lively, was a prolific actor and director whose career spanned over five decades. He appeared in popular TV series like The Waltons and The X-Files and films like Turner & Hooch and American Pie 2. Notably, Ernie also played Blake's on-screen father in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.

Elaine Lively, Blake's mother, was an actor and a talent manager who helped aspiring performers find their footing in Hollywood. In addition to her behind-the-scenes work, Elaine appeared in projects like the 1993 video game series Return to Zork.

Blake herself has acknowledged her family's influence on her career, sharing in a 2006 interview with Radio Free Entertainment that she "grew up on sets" and often helped her mother rehearse with other actors. Although initially uninterested in acting, her brother Eric encouraged her to audition, leading to her breakout role in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.

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Blake Lively's Hollywood roots contrasted with Ryan Reynolds' working-class upbringing

Ryan Reynolds, on the other hand, grew up in Vancouver, the youngest of four boys in a working-class family. His father, Jim Reynolds, was a police officer who later became a food broker, while his mother, Tammy Reynolds, worked in retail. Reflecting on his childhood, Reynolds noted that his upbringing involved much less luxury compared to his children's lives.

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he described how parenting his kids has made him more aware of the stark differences between their childhoods and his own.

"When I was a kid, you would just suck it up, get out of the house, and be back by sundown," he said.

He added that his children's sense of gratitude reassures him that he and Lively are "doing an OK job." However, Reynolds' assertion that Lively also grew up "very working class" has been met with skepticism.

Blake Lively's family legacy extends beyond her parents. Her siblings, including Eric, Robyn, Lori, and Jason, have all pursued careers in entertainment. Robyn Lively, for example, is known for her roles in Teen Witch and The Karate Kid III.

Ernie and Elaine Lively, married in 1979, were strong supporters of their children's careers.

Blake Lively recently starred in It Ends With Us, based on the popular novel by Colleen Hoover. She is also set to appear in the upcoming film The Vow, a drama alongside Justin Baldoni.