Blake Christina Lively, one of Gossip Girl’s favorite cast members, is never new to the world of Hollywood. Born to actors Elaine and Ernie Lively in Tarzana, California, and the youngest of 5 children, Lively was destined to chart a path in Hollywood belonging to a family that has been involved in the industry. However, Blake was initially hesitant to follow her family’s path. Instead of getting involved in show business at a young age, she enjoyed a normal life at school.

As a child, Blake was educated at home. She then attended Burbank High School, where she became a cheerleader, class president, and member of the National Show Choir. She was determined to attend Stanford University until Hollywood fame knocked on her door.

Blake’s shot at fame

Her first exposure to Hollywood came when she starred in her father’s film, Sandman, in which she played the role of Trixie, the Tooth Fairy at the age of 11. She sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, in 2005 along with other famous young stars, America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn and Alexis Bledel. It is said that Blake’s similarity to her character in the film was so obvious that the mere fact of handing over the photo of her already gave him the role of her. Her incredible performance in the film earned her the Teen Choice Award for Most Promising Actress. The success of this film led to a sequel starring the same cast. Lively also starred in a college comedy, Accepted, opposite Justin Long in 2006 and the 2007 film Elvis and Anabelle opposite Keith Carradine and Mary Steenburgen.

The Gossip Girl affair with Penn Badgley

Not long after, she landed the lead role as Serena van der Woodsen on Gossip Girl. This project really launched her name in Hollywood as one of the next generation stars. Like a chameleon, Blake was able to transform into the complex character she plays on the show. Gossip Girl also paved the way for him to reunite with her childhood friend and classmate Penn Badgley, who plays Dan Humphrey, Serena’s love interest in the teen drama. Their rumored off-screen relationship made headlines all over the tabloids, but the two never initially confirmed the affair. Only when a magazine published photos of them vacationing together in Mexico did Lively and Badgley reveal their relationship.

recent project

Many doors have been opened for Lively due to her Gossip Girl fame. She’s set to star in New York, I Love You with Hollywood A-listers Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson and Brett Ratner. The movie is expected to hit theaters later this year.

We can definitely say that Blake has everything going for him. A Gossip Girl cast member, role model, and incredible actress, she is one of the most sought after talents of this generation. No doubt about it. Blake is the next best thing in Hollywood.