Ernie Lively (born Ernest Wilson Brown Jr.; January 29, 1947 – June 3, 2021)[1] was an American actor and acting coach, and the step-father of actors Lori Lively, Jason Lively, and Robyn Lively and father of actors Eric Lively and Blake Lively. He took his wife's name from her prior marriage to Ronald Lively of Bremen, Georgia, changing his surname from Brown to Lively.[2]

Ernie Lively
Born
Ernest Wilson Brown Jr.

(1947-01-29)January 29, 1947
DiedJune 3, 2021(2021-06-03) (aged 74)
Occupation(s)Actor, acting coach
Years active1975–2021
Spouse
Elaine McAlpin Lively
(m. 1979)
ChildrenLori Lively (step)
Jason Lively (step)
Robyn Lively (step)
Eric Lively
Blake Lively
RelativesRyan Reynolds (son-in-law), Bart Johnson (son-in-law)

Life and career

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Lively was born Ernest Wilson Brown Jr. in Baltimore, Maryland, the son of Beatrice Gray (née Walton; 1927–1994) and Ernest Wilson Brown Sr. (1919–2007).[3]

Lively may be best known for his roles in Passenger 57, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2. In the latter two films, he played the father of a character played by his own real-life daughter, Blake.

Lively's credits as a character actor date back to the 1970s, beginning with TV roles on shows including The Waltons and The Dukes of Hazzard. He appeared in movies including Turner & Hooch, Air America, Passenger 57 and The Beverly Hillbillies and on popular TV shows like The X-Files, That '70s Show and The West Wing. In 2005, he played the father of his daughter Blake’s character in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, and he returned for its 2008 sequel. Lively was also a director, directing Blake in her film debut, “Sandman.” A father of five, he influenced all of his children as they pursued acting careers. Lively was also a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War.[4]

Personal life

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In 1979, Lively married talent manager Elaine Lively (née McAlpin). They were the parents of Blake and Eric Lively, both actors. He adopted Elaine's children from her previous marriage: Lori, Robyn and Jason Lively.[citation needed]

He resided in Heber City, Utah, with his wife. In 2003, Lively suffered a heart attack. In November 2013, Lively was treated with stem-cell therapy as part of a new experimental retrograde gene procedure.[5][6]

Lively died on June 3, 2021, in Los Angeles of cardiac complications.[1]

Filmography

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References

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  1. ^ a b Barnes, Mike (June 9, 2021). "Ernie Lively, Actor in the 'Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants' Films, Dies at 74". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on June 10, 2021. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
  2. ^ "Obituary information for Ronald Otis Lively". www.carmichaelfuneralhomes.com. Retrieved 2024-01-04.
  3. ^ Russell, Doris McAlpin (22 January 1990). McAlpin(e) genealogies, 1730-1990: Alexander McAlpin of South Carolina and Georgia and his descendants, plus other McAlpin(e) families of North America. Gateway Press – via Internet Archive. Ernest Wilson Ernie Brown, Jr., b. 29 Jan 1947, Baltimore, Md..
  4. ^ "Ernie Lively obituary: actor and Blake Lively's dad dies at 74". Legacy.com. 2021-06-10. Retrieved 2021-06-11.
  5. ^ Whitehurst, Lindsay (November 27, 2013). "Dad of 'Gossip Girl' star gets experimental therapy in Utah". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  6. ^ Lee, Esther (November 27, 2013). "Blake Lively's Dad Has Heart Operation, Says She Wants "30 Kids"". Us Weekly. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
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