How Blake Lively Transformed from ‘Gossip Girl’ to a Hollywood Superstar: Four Key Steps (and One Hilarious Potato Chip)
Blake Lively is not just another face in Hollywood; she’s a force of nature who has successfully navigated the tricky waters of fame. While familiar names like Timothée Chalamet and Margot Robbie dominate the under-40 star-studded landscape, Lively stands out as a unique talent who carved her niche—breaking free from the mold of teen drama to become a respected movie star. In a world where many actors retreat to streaming television, her trajectory has been both remarkable and unconventional.
Curious about how Blake made this metamorphosis? Let’s dive into the four pivotal films that spotlighted her evolution, along with a surprising detour into comedy!
Lively’s Leap: The Four Stages of Stardom
1. From Teen Drama to Crime Thriller — The Town (2010)
While still gracing our screens on Gossip Girl, Lively snagged a role in The Town, sharing screens with A-listers like Ben Affleck and Jeremy Renner. This role as Kris, the troubled ex-girlfriend, was a significant departure from her youthful days in Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Critics noted that while she was often criticized for playing a role that felt "like dress-up," Lively was actually shedding her golden-girl aura and stepping into a more mature cinematic landscape.
Stream The Town on Peacock to witness this early shift.
2. Romantic Melodrama with a Twist — The Age of Adaline (2015)
After a brief stint in the poorly received Green Lantern, Lively boldly starred in The Age of Adaline, portraying a woman who mysteriously stops aging. Many thought the film echoed old Hollywood’s charm, as its plot resembled a classic, reminiscent of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. While it wasn’t a blockbuster, it signaled Lively’s willingness to take artistic risks. This film subtly defied the prevailing trend in Hollywood to chase franchises, reflecting her desire for artistic autonomy.
Stream The Age of Adaline on Peacock and experience her enchanting performance!
3. Surviving the Sharks — The Shallows (2016)
In a stunning shift, Lively found herself facing off against a menacing shark in the suspenseful thriller The Shallows. Critics hailed her performance as one of the best of her career, showcasing her ability to evoke genuine emotion while expertly blending into the genre of survival horror. This film proved that Lively could thrive in unexpected roles, confronting challenges head-on and using her versatility to captivate audiences.
Don’t miss out! Stream The Shallows on Starz for a thrilling experience.
4. Embracing Noir — A Simple Favor (2018)
With A Simple Favor, Lively donned the hat of a fashionable femme fatale, further solidifying her evolution. In this cleverly woven narrative filled with twists and turns, she displayed a remarkable blend of charm and aloofness—crafting a persona that felt tailor-made for the big screen. Although Lively took a break to focus on family life after this, she re-emerged with another hit, It Ends with Us, marking her enduring presence in Hollywood.
Want to see her in action? Stream A Simple Favor on Netflix!
Bonus: The Potato Chip Sketch that Showed Her Range
The Hilarious Potato Chip Sketch (2009)
While still in the echelon of Gossip Girl, Lively showcased her comedic chops by hosting Saturday Night Live. In a bizarre yet memorable sketch involving an assistant at NASA and a stolen potato chip, she delivered a performance that was part Tennessee Williams and part pure hilarity. This whimsical turn gave fans a glimpse of her versatility, connecting her earlier roles to her later career.
You can find the original sketch on YouTube and see for yourself why it remains a fan favorite!
Conclusion: Lively’s Bright Future
Blake Lively’s evolution from a teen star in Gossip Girl to a diverse movie actress is a testament to her determination and talent. With her recent work and commitment to bold roles, Lively is set to remain a compelling force in Hollywood.
So next time you look back on the history of cinema, remember: it’s not just about the roles—it’s about the journey, and Lively is a true inspiration for anyone stepping into the limelight.
