Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, now considered Hollywood royalty as a couple, started off as just friends on a double date with other people. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly's SiriusXM show in February 2016, Reynolds shared that it was an awkward experience for all involved as the chemistry between him and Lively was undeniable, like fireworks igniting across the table.
The couple has three daughters together, James and Inez, who were born in 2015 and 2016 respectively, and their third daughter, who was born in the summer of 2019. We announced the arrival of their third child in October 2019. In 2022, they shared the news that they were expecting another baby, who was born in early 2023.
About a year after their third daughter's birth, Taylor Swift released a song called "Betty" on her Folklore album, leading to speculation that the couple named their youngest daughter Betty. In the song, Swift also mentioned the names Inez and James. In August 2020, the musician confirmed that she named the characters in the song after her friends' children.
In an interview with Vogue in August 2014, the Shallows star emphasized the importance of their partnership, stating that they do everything together in life. Whether she is working on a movie or he is working on one, they support each other in developing their characters. Their playful banter extends to social media, where Lively playfully mocks Reynolds' parenting skills, while he teases her cooking abilities, playfully ranking them lower than their friend Jake Gyllenhaal's.
Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images; KCS/Splash News; Mike Coppola/Getty Images; Brian Rasic/Rex/Rex USA; AKM-GSI
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' Relationship Timeline
However, the winner of the Critics' Choice award expressed his satisfaction with the fact that they initially began their relationship as friends. Reflecting on their shared 2010 film, he humorously mentioned that both of them were single for about a year after the release of Green Lantern. He believes that starting a relationship as friends is the best way to build a strong foundation.
Their decision to start as friends has proven to be successful. In September 2012, they took their relationship to the next level by getting married, and since then, they have joyfully welcomed three children into their lives.
The couple has three daughters together. Their first daughter, James, was born in 2015, followed by Inez in 2016. They welcomed their third daughter in the summer of 2019, which we reported in October of the same year. In 2022, they announced that they were expecting another child, who was born in early 2023.
Around one year after the birth of their third daughter, Taylor Swift released a song called "Betty" on her Folklore album. This led to speculation that the couple named their youngest daughter Betty, as Swift also mentioned Inez and James in the lyrics. In August 2020, the musician confirmed that she named the characters in the song after her friends' kids.
In an interview with Vogue in August 2014, the Shallows star shared, "We do everything together in life. When I'm working on a movie, he supports me in developing my character, and I do the same for him." Their playful banter extends to social media, where Lively playfully mocks Reynolds for his parenting skills, while he jokingly compares her cooking abilities to that of their friend Jake Gyllenhaal, deeming them inferior.
Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images
July 2010
Credit: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
October 2010
Credit: Eric Charbonneau/WireImage
March 2011
Credit: Max Morse/Getty Images
April 2011
Credit: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
June 2011
The stars spoke on stage at the 2011 MTV Movie Awards at the Gibson Amphitheater in Universal City, California. The actress was dating Leonardo DiCaprio at the time.
The two action stars embraced each other as they walked down the red carpet during the highly anticipated premiere of Green Lantern at Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood on June 15, 2011. Lively gracefully stole the spotlight in an elegant white floral Chanel dress.
Reynolds took on the role of Hal Jordan, while Lively portrayed Carol Ferris in Warner Bros. Pictures' Green Lantern, which made its theatrical debut on June 17, 2011. Reynolds' divorce from Johansson was officially concluded on July 1, 2011.
Dating rumors began circulating when Lively was spotted leaving Reynolds' apartment early in the morning in Boston. Reynolds, who had previously opened up about the pain of his divorce from Johansson, shared with Details magazine in May 2011, "Anyone who goes through a divorce experiences a great deal of pain, but eventually you come out of it. I'm still in the process."
Lively visited her boyfriend on the set of R.I.P.D. in Boston on his birthday. She put a big bouquet of balloons on her dog as a surprise.
Reynolds and Lively were spotted together, accompanied by their dog Baxter, as they left their apartment in Boston. In an interview with Marie Claire in June 2012, Lively expressed her preference for being in the company of individuals who truly excite and inspire her, rather than being alone.
The couple enjoyed their holiday season in Vancouver, Canada, spending time with Reynolds' family. As they strolled through the bustling Granville Island Public Market, they held hands, basking in each other's company. Lively playfully shared with Marie Claire, "To truly connect with me, one must have a deep appreciation for food, or else I might come across as the most eccentric person you've ever encountered." She enthusiastically added, "Currently, my passion lies in exploring the world of cooking. It's a topic that consumes most of my conversations."
Credit: FameFlynet
January 2012
Credit: AKM-GSI
May 2012
Credit: AKM-GSI
July 2012
Credit: La Pira/Iorio/Splash News
September 2012
Credit: KCS / Splash News
December 2012
Credit: AKM-GSI
February 2013
Credit: Brian Rasic/Rex / Rex USA
June 2013
Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/MJF2013/WireImage.com
November 2013
The couple attended the A Funny Thing Happened On the Way To Cure Parkinson's event in NYC, which aimed to support The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
Keeping her partner close, the couple was seen returning to their vehicle after enjoying a meal at a Chinese restaurant in Vancouver. In a previous interview with NY Mag's The Cut, Lively confessed to saving images of her attractive beau on her Pinterest account.
The couple strolled arm in arm at the Met Gala in NYC. Later, they decided to forgo the afterparties and instead indulged in hot fudge sundaes with peanut butter sauce at Serendipity, a popular hotspot in NYC. In the August 2014 issue of Vogue magazine, Lively expressed, "Everything we do in life, we do together. I am fortunate to share my life with the person he has become, and together we continue to evolve and grow."
Picture-perfect! The couple made a stunning entrance together at the screening of Captives during the 67th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France. In an interview with Marie Claire's September 2014 issue, Lively revealed, "We've never gone a week without seeing each other." She further expressed, "He's my closest, dearest friend." Lively's fondness for her partner is evident as she humorously exclaimed, "If I could miraculously give birth to a whole brood of children, I totally would."
The A Simple Favor actress revealed her pregnancy news in October 2014 by sharing a snapshot of her growing baby bump on her previous website, Preserve.
After three months, the actress welcomed their first daughter, James, a tad earlier than expected. According to a source, "The baby arrived ahead of schedule, but everyone is thrilled and in good health."
Reynolds later commended his wife for her sense of humor during the delivery. Speaking to Conan O'Brien in August 2015, he said, "My wife is incredible, I mean she's like a warrior. In the midst of the delivery, the doctor's phone rang and she joked, 'Oh, please, take your time. It's just a personal call.' She had us all laughing in the delivery room."
By April, Lively playfully mentioned on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon that she and Reynolds had transitioned from lovers to rivals as they playfully competed over their daughter's first word. "We're complete adversaries, you know. I constantly hear 'dada, dada,' and then I enter the room and he's like, 'mama,'" she playfully expressed. "And I'm like, 'How dare you do that?'"
One month later, they gave the world its first glimpse of their little girl with an Instagram photo of James holding her “dada’s” hand.
The glowing parents made their first red carpet appearance together as mom and dad in February 2016 while attending a fan screening for Deadpool.
The news of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants star's second pregnancy was confirmed when she was seen on set for The Shallows, donning a wetsuit that revealed her growing baby bump.
Shortly before this, Reynolds humorously mentioned their sex life during his acceptance speech for Best Comedic Performance in Deadpool at the 2016 MTV Movie Awards. He playfully expressed gratitude to his wife, Blake, stating that his aim is always to make her laugh, especially in the bedroom!
June 2016
Lively expressed her adoration for her partner in a heartfelt interview with Marie Claire in July 2016. She emphasized the significance of their bond, stating, "I knew he would always be my lifelong best friend." This extraordinary friendship was unlike anything she had ever experienced before, allowing her to not only love him deeply but also genuinely like him.
September 2016
The duo welcomed a second daughter, Inez. A source told Us at the time that their visitors to the hospital included Lively’s sister, Robyn, as well as close pal Taylor Swift.
Lively, Reynolds, and their two daughters made their first public appearance as a family of four in December 2016 to celebrate the Hollywood Walk of Fame induction of the Golden Globe nominee. Lively expressed her overwhelming pride in an Instagram post from the event, stating, "Words cannot fully capture the immense sense of pride I felt today. @vancityreynolds, your lasting impact is undeniable... It has always been, but now we have a prestigious [star] to commemorate it."
Credit: Neilson Barnard/NBCUniversal/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
January 2017
In January, they made a stylish appearance at the 2017 Golden Globes, dressed in their best attire for the red carpet. Lively wore a stunning black and gold Atelier Versace halter gown, while Reynolds opted for a sharp black suit with a white undershirt.
During the same month, Reynolds spoke about how his love for Lively had supported him during the intense Deadpool fandom. He revealed that after attending Comic-Con and witnessing the overwhelming response, he felt overwhelmed by the high expectations. Fortunately, Lively was there to provide emotional support and keep him grounded. Reynolds expressed his gratitude for having her by his side to maintain his sanity, as he told Variety.
May 2017
In 2017, the couple made a grand appearance at the Met Gala, revisiting the location where they had first walked the red carpet together. Lively looked stunning in a gold Atelier Versace gown adorned with beautiful blue feathers, while her partner complemented her perfectly with a stylish blue tuxedo and matching tie.
March 2018
Ever the wise guy, Reynolds had the perfect response to reports of marriage trouble between the pair: “I wish. I could use a little ’me time,’” he tweeted.
May 2018
In a May 2018 interview with Mr. Porter magazine, Reynolds acknowledged the role his significant other played in helping him reconcile with his father James “Jim” Reynolds before his passing. Jim, who had been battling Parkinson's disease, succumbed to the illness in 2015. Reynolds praised his partner's foresight, recognizing her gift in facilitating their healing process.
Credit: Dia Dipasupil/WireImage
August 2018
Credit: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
April 2019
Credit: John Lamparski/WireImage
May 2019
The actress, known for her role in A Simple Favor, made her first public appearance with a baby bump in a stunning yellow dress at the premiere of Pokémon Pikachu Detective in NYC. This marked the official announcement of her and Reynolds' expectation of their third child.
Us exclusively revealed that Reynolds and Lively welcomed their third child together over the summer. A source told Us in October that the baby was “about 2 months old.”
Lively playfully teased her husband about his slightly unkempt hair during the coronavirus pandemic, when he revealed a small ponytail at the back of his neck. In April, the California native wrote on her Instagram Story, "I challenge you to never forget this every time you see him for the rest of eternity." Reynolds responded with a witty remark, saying, "Clearly, your birth control isn't effective, so..."
The Shallows actress playfully stated that she became pregnant with her fourth child after watching a scene from her husband's film Buried, which became available on Hulu in July 2020. In the scene, the Canadian actor drinks from a flask labeled "Aviation Gin" and consumes it eagerly, as more gin is revealed next to him through a light. Reynolds humorously commented on Instagram, saying, "10 years later, it still holds up! Although I don't remember the aggressive product placement. #Buried."
Lively swiftly responded to the comment, writing, "I think this just got me pregnant." The father of three playfully replied, "@blakelively I will be on leave starting July 22nd, possibly forever. If you require immediate assistance during my absence, please reach out to anyone. Anyone at all. Otherwise, I will respond to your message as soon as I miraculously return. Thank you."
August 2020
There was speculation that Lively and Reynolds chose the name Betty for their third child after Swift released her song titled "Betty" in July 2020. In the song, Swift mentions their older daughters James and Inez, as well as Betty. Swift later confirmed in a radio interview that she named all the characters in the story after her friends' children and expressed her hope that people would enjoy it.
The Age of Adaline actress celebrated her 33rd birthday on August 25, and documented her food-filled day on her Instagram Stories. Along with a homemade McDonald’s Egg McMuffin breakfast, the mother of three indulged in gelato and a cake that was specially presented to her by Reynolds — and his impressive biceps. “Happy birthday to me,” Lively humorously captioned a series of photos showcasing her husband’s bulging muscles getting closer and closer.
November 2020
Reynolds expressed his joy in being a father to his three daughters, a role he never anticipated. The actor, known for his role in Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place, emphasized that he and his wife, Lively, strive to be fully engaged in their daughters' upbringing.
“We don’t separate our work, with me shooting movies and my wife shooting movies, and then traveling separately all over the place. Instead, we choose to go on these journeys together,” he explained. “I believe that has been the most fulfilling aspect of our careers, as we rarely spend time apart. I am able to spend ample time with my daughters.”
The couple shared their experience of attending a New York Yankees game on social media, where they were seen without their children. Both actors proudly showed off their new baseball caps, which had been autographed by outfielder Clint Frazier during their time at the stadium. Lively expressed her gratitude to Frazier for acting as her personal stylist and transforming her look with the new hat. She also mentioned that after living in New York for 14 years, this experience made her feel like an official Yankee.
Reynolds expressed his support for his wife on social media following the news of her father, Ernie Lively's passing. The renowned actress shared a heartfelt photo on her Instagram Story on June 10, featuring herself and her late father, who passed away at the age of 74. To convey their grief, the Aviation Gin cofounder reposted the photograph.
The actor from 6 Underground shared with fans the early stages of his relationship with Lively during an appearance on the "SmartLess" podcast. Reynolds explained that they started off as friends and later went on a double date, although they were both dating other people at the time. Despite this, they stayed in touch and when they found out they were both going to Boston, Reynolds offered to ride with her. He jokingly admitted, "I was just begging her to sleep with me."
Reflecting on their relationship, the star of The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard described it as something straight out of a fairy tale. He revealed that just a week later, he suggested they buy a house together, and they actually did. Now, they have been together for almost 10 years, which he humorously compared to 45 years in Hollywood terms.
July 2021
To commemorate the 10th anniversary of their initial encounter, the couple decided to revisit their cherished dining spot, O Ya in Boston. Lively took to her Instagram Story to share their delightful tradition, stating, "Even after a decade, we still embark on our 'first date,' albeit now in much more comfortable footwear."
Credit: Photo Image Press/Shutterstock
August 2021
Credit: Courtesy of Ryan Reynolds/Instagram
The actor expressed his gratitude to his wife for her unwavering support following the release of his action-packed film, Free Guy. Shortly after its debut in August 2021, the movie garnered such success that a sequel was greenlit within days. Taking to his Instagram Story, he acknowledged the integral role his wife, @blakelively, played in the creation of the film, both creatively and emotionally. Notably, the widely-discussed cameo was entirely her brilliant idea, showcasing their strong partnership. #WorkWife
October 2021
After completing the film Spirited, Reynolds made an announcement about taking a break from the movie industry. His wife couldn't resist playfully teasing him in the comments section of his Instagram post, jokingly mentioning that Michael Caine had already done it before.
November 2021
During his acceptance speech at WSJ. Magazine's Innovator Awards in New York City, Reynolds expressed his admiration for Lively. He couldn't help but gush about his wife, stating, "I want to thank my wife, Blake. She is not only a genius but also a renaissance woman. Her ability to push me beyond my limits is truly remarkable."
November 2021
The couple playfully documented their hiking adventure, with Reynolds sharing a cheeky snap on his Instagram Story. In the photo, Lively's face was cleverly cropped out, adding a humorous touch to their outing. Alongside the picture, the Red Notice star recommended taking a leisurely walk in the woods as a delightful way to spend quality time together.
Credit: Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock
Credit: Photo Image Press/Shutterstock
Credit: Courtesy Ryan Reynolds/Instagram
December 2021
Lively expressed her enthusiastic support for Reynolds on social media following the launch of his Pelton ad. "I am filled with joy watching this! @vancityreynolds, may your dreams continue to soar," she posted on Instagram, accompanied by a video of the captivating new commercial.
Credit: Courtesy of Blake Lively/Instagram
Credit: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
Credit: Stephen Lovekin/BEI/Shutterstock
Credit: Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock
The founder of Aviation Gin playfully mentioned that he would never allow Lively to go out of town to visit her family and leave him with all three kids. He admitted that initially, he would find it quite exciting to be alone with the girls. However, taking care of three girls can be quite challenging, so it is crucial to divide the responsibilities between them.
The Gossip Girl actress confessed to once borrowing her husband's wardrobe for a photo shoot. In an interview with Vogue, Lively shared that she raided Reynolds' closet and donned his cherished coat, jeans, and T-shirt for the promotional campaign of her Betty Buzz mixers. She even recreated the setting by posing in the same chair and spot that the Deadpool star had used in his Aviation Gin advertisements.
The pair participated in Taylor Swift's panel at Tribeca Talks for All Too Well: The Short Film in New York City. They observed their friend and actors Dylan O'Brien and Sadie Sink engage in a discussion about the project.
Credit: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
June 2022
Credit: John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock
August 2022
Credit: Courtesy of Ryan Reynolds/Instagram
“Wishing a very happy birthday to the incredible @blakelively. Your beauty and talent are truly awe-inspiring. It's hard to believe if you were born or if you were a creation of perfection. Moreover, I am immensely grateful to you for constantly motivating me to step out of my comfort zone," he expressed on Instagram, accompanied by a captivating carousel of photographs featuring the lovely couple.
Reynolds shared a photo of a date night days after Lively's birthday.
Us confirmed the couple are expecting baby No. 4 after Lively debuted her growing bump at the Forbes Power Women’s Summit in New York City.
Lively expressed her excitement with a heartfelt exclamation during a FaceTime appearance on the September 22 episode of Hulu's Welcome to Wrexham. Reynolds, having recently acquired the team, made his debut on the soccer field. Lively, joined by her daughters through voice communication, was then given a swift tour by her husband.
“It's absolutely incredible. Being here at this place is truly overwhelming because I've seen it countless times on the video feed, and now standing on the turf… it's just indescribable,” exclaimed the Deadpool star in awe of the Welsh stadium.
"They are now even more cohesive and supportive of one another," a trusted source told Us, shedding light on the couple's enhanced bond as they prepare to welcome their fourth child. The source emphasized that the Just Friends actor has significantly improved his time management and scheduling skills.
According to the insider, the businesswoman and co-owner of a soccer club have been actively striving to strike a harmonious work-life balance that caters to their expanding family. "From the very beginning of their relationship, they had always envisioned having a large family," the source remarked, adding, "Their primary focus during this pregnancy has been their shared understanding that neither of them will work simultaneously while their children are young."
Credit: Sean Ryan/Shutterstock
October 2022
Credit: Shutterstock (2)
November 2022
Credit: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
Credit: Matt Baron/Shutterstock
The source revealed that the California native possesses an abundance of energy and is actively engaging in various activities. It was also mentioned that Ryan has been incredibly kind and supportive, always ready to lend a hand. Moreover, Ryan has been actively involved in taking care of the other children. However, it is worth noting that she is remarkably independent and has not encountered any significant challenges in accomplishing her tasks.
Credit: Rich Polk/E! Entertainment/NBC
December 2022
Credit: J Mayer/Shutterstock
"Blake and Ryan were well aware that expanding their family to six would involve a significant adjustment, but they have all been adapting remarkably well," revealed an insider. "It is an exceptionally joyful period for each and every one of them."
"We're thrilled about it. I mean, why would we go through this experience four times if we didn't absolutely cherish it?" Reynolds shared during an interview on CNBC's Power Lunch. "Everyone is doing incredibly well. In fact, they're all thriving. If we hadn't learned the ropes by now, I can only imagine the kind of challenges we would be facing."
Credit: Courtesy of Ryan Reynolds/Instagram