Ernie Lively was a beloved American actor and acting coach, cherished by his fans for his talent and contributions to the entertainment industry. His daughter, Blake Lively, also commands admiration from millions around the world. Behind these two celebrated individuals stands a steadfast woman, Elaine Lively, whose presence has been a constant support.
So who is Elaine Lively, and what story lies behind her life and career? Let’s delve deeper into her journey to gain a better understanding of the remarkable woman behind the scenes of two amazing and talented Hollywood stars.
Early Personal Life
Born on 11 June 1947, Elaine Lively is a native of Tarzana, Los Angeles, USA. She comes from a well-to-do family, with her parents being James Olin McAlpin and Willie Inez Thrash.
Elaine, not the only child in the family, enjoyed her childhood playing with her brother, whose name hasn’t been disclosed. Apart from this, however, there isn’t any information about Elaine’s childhood.
Education
Unfortunately, there are also no reliable details available about Elaine’s education.
Career
While the specifics of Elaine’s acting career remain somewhat unclear, she’s made appearances in several movies, often in minor roles. Unfortunately, detailed information about these roles is challenging to uncover.
In 1993, Elaine took on the character of Milly in the video game movie “Return to Zork,” showcasing her versatility in the entertainment industry.
Transitioning her career, she later became a talent manager, leveraging her skills to discover and nurture new talent within the industry. Managing the profiles of various actors and actresses, Elaine gained recognition and became well-known among numerous celebrities, marking a significant chapter in her professional journey.
Later Personal Life
Before her marriage to Ernie Lively, Elaine was previously married to Ronnie Lively. They married in 1966 but divorced in 1979. Despite the end of their marriage, the former couple shares three children together—Robyn, Jason and Lori Lively.
Upon marrying Ernie, a unique twist unfolded as he adopted Elaine’s last name, becoming Ernie Lively.
The details of their initial meeting remain unknown, but Elaine and Ernie were working in Hollywood when they met, with Ernie pursuing an acting career and Elaine making her mark as a talent manager.
Ernie’s extensive acting career lasted an impressive 50 years, beginning with “The Waltons,” a TV show that aired in 1975.
Elaine Lively, Lori Lively, Blake Lively and Robyn Lively attend the "It Ends With Us" New York Premiere pic.twitter.com/rDmAHC5WVF
— Celeb Source (@celebfashionnnn) August 11, 2024
Recognised as an actor able to play just about any role, Ernie made numerous television appearances in shows such as “The X-Files,” “That ’70s Show,” and “The Dukes of Hazzard.” His notable roles extended to series such as “Malibu Shores,” “Falcon Crest,” and “Turner & Hooch.”
In the realm of cinema, Ernie’s credits include films such as “The Man in the Moon,” “Passenger 57,” “Air America,” and “Mulholland Falls.”
He also starred in “Shocker” and “The Beverly Hillbillies.”
He portrayed Blake Lively’s father in the 2005 film “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.” He reprised the role three years later for the second film.
The couple had two kids together; in 1981 they welcomed son Eric, and Blake was born six years later.
Upon their marriage, Ernie became a stepfather to Elaine’s kids from her former marriage kids – Lori, Robyn and Jason.
All of these children decided to follow in the footsteps of their successful parents, and pursue careers in acting.
Blake, the most famous among the siblings, achieved fame for her role in “Gossip Girl.”
Her notable film credits include “A Simple Favor,” “Green Lantern,” and “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.”
Robyn had roles in films such as “The Karate Kid III” and “Teen Witch.” She’s also appeared in episodes of “9-1-1: Lone Star,” “Cobra Kai,” and “The Good Doctor.” The Lively family’s artistic legacy is evident in the diverse and successful careers of each of its members.
Jason, a director as well, featured in projects including “The Dukes of Hazzard,” “Night of Creeps,” and National Lampoon’s European Vacation.”
Lori’s credits encompass TV shows such as “‘Til Death,” “Two and a Half Men,” and “The Bold and the Beautiful.”
Eric made appearances in “So Weird” and “American Pie.”
Elaine shares a close and supportive relationship with Blake. This bond was beautifully showcased in May 2023, when Blake invited her mother as her date to the New York grand reopening of Fifth Avenue’s Tiffany & Co. The pair graced the event, posing for photos and looking fabulous. Blake was donning a brown fake leather shirtdress while Elaine wore a black suit and blue blouse.
Their camaraderie extends beyond this notable event, as they have attended other similarly fancy together, including premieres of Blake’s movies, fashion shows, and the Emmys.
Even Ernie, Elaine’s husband, shared memorable moments with their daughter. He attended the 2009 Golden Globes afterparty with Blake and stood by her side for the premiere of “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2.”
Beyond the glitz and glamour, Elaine has been a source of unconventional beauty advice for Blake. The actress has openly shared that she follows some of her mom’s remedies, despite being non-standard.
Apart from their appearances with Blake on the red carpet, Elaine and Ernie extended their support to their son-in-law, the popular and beloved actor Ryan Reynolds.
The couple attended Ryan’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 2016, demonstrating their pride and encouragement for their daughter’s husband. The support between the families is reciprocal, as evidenced by Ryan’s social media post on Mother’s Day that served as a tribute. He shared a photo featuring Blake, Elaine, and his own mother Tammy, accompanied by a loving but funny caption.
On 3 June 2021, Ernie passed away in L.A. at the age of 74, due to cardiac complications, his wife and children spent their time around him during his final moments.
Ernie had previously undergone innovative heart surgery in 2013, becoming the first patient to experience a unique therapy called retrograde gene therapy, involving injecting a person’s own stem cells into their heart to help repair and heal damaged arteries and muscles.
In the aftermath of Ernie’s passing, Blake decided to pay tribute to her dad on social media, and later that month, posted another photo of her Ernie hugging Ryan.
Physical Characteristics
Elaine is a woman of average height at 5ft 5ins (165cms) and weighs about150lbs (68kgs). She has long blonde hair and bright blue eyes.
Net Worth
Elaine had a long and successful career, and as a result, she has an estimated net worth of $500,000, as of early 2024.
