Blake Lively
An actress who transformed from a teen drama queen into a sophisticated Hollywood star known for her sharp style and entrepreneurial spirit.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American actress·Birthday: August 25·Millennials
Biography
Blake Lively didn't just play Manhattan's ultimate it-girl on 'Gossip Girl'; for six seasons, she embodied the glamour and drama that made the show a global obsession. Born into an acting family, her early role in 'The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants' hinted at the relatable charm she could project. But it was as Serena van der Woodsen that she became a fashion icon and a defining face of late-2000s television. After the series ended, she deliberately shifted gears, choosing roles in sleek, often dark thrillers like 'The Town' and 'A Simple Favor' that showcased a more cunning, adult screen presence. Off-camera, she built a reputation as a style arbiter and launched Betty Buzz, a line of non-alcoholic mixers, reflecting a savvy business acumen that extends far beyond the soundstage.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Blake was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Blake Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Blake's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- She starred as Serena van der Woodsen for all six seasons of the hit CW series 'Gossip Girl.'
- She played a key role in the critically acclaimed and commercially successful heist film 'The Town.'
- She headlined the survival thriller 'The Shallows,' which became a surprise box office hit.
- She founded Betty Buzz, a line of premium non-alcoholic beverage mixers.
Did You Know?
She is married to actor Ryan Reynolds, and they famously tease each other on social media.
She was discovered by a talent agent while shopping in a mall with her father.
She has a credited role as a child in the 1998 film 'Sandman,' directed by her father.
She turned down an offer to become a Victoria's Secret Angel to focus on acting.
““I don’t like to share my personal life because it’s for me. I’m not trying to be mysterious; it’s just my life.””
