A Night of Recognition and Reflection

Blake Lively, accompanied by her husband Ryan Reynolds, attended Time magazine’s gala in New York City, were she was celebrated as one of the “100 Most Influential People of 2025.” The event provided a platform for Lively to address the audience, making her first public statement following the release of It Ends with Us (2024) and the subsequent legal challenges involving her co-star and director, Justin Baldoni. Baldoni is currently facing accusations of sexual harassment and defamation.

I have a lot to say about the last two years of my life, but it’s not the right time tonight.

Despite the ongoing legal situation, Lively chose to focus on a more personal and uplifting subject: her mother, Willie Elaine mcalpin. She paid tribute to McAlpin,an actress and manager,who had previously experienced harassment in her own career.

Willie Elaine McAlpin: A Hollywood Story

Born on June 11, 1947, in Tarzana, California, Willie Elaine McAlpin pursued acting but ultimately found her calling as a talent manager. This career path allowed her to support her family’s aspirations in the entertainment industry. In 1966, she married Ronald Otis Lively, known as Ronnie, and they had three children, all of whom became actors: lori Lively, Jason Lively, and robyn Lively (recognized for her roles in Twin Peaks and Karate Kid). After thier divorce in 1979,Elaine remarried actor Ernie Lively,who adopted her three children. Together, they had two more children, Eric and Blake. Ernie also adopted the Lively surname (he was born Ernest Wilson brown) to unify the family name. The couple ran an acting course, which Blake and her siblings attended during their childhood.

A Source of Inspiration

Following Ernie’s passing from a heart attack in 2021, Elaine has dedicated her time to travel and philanthropic endeavors, actively participating in several non-profit organizations that support war veterans. Blake Lively describes her mother as an eternal optimist and a profound source of inspiration.

My life was very influenced by my mother, who is with me tonight, an optimistic eternal that always leaves me messages, repeating continuously: “Life is rosy”.

Lively’s tribute highlights the enduring impact of family and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity, especially within the demanding landscape of Hollywood. Her words resonate with many who find strength and guidance from their own family histories.

The Current Landscape of Harassment Reporting

The #MeToo movement has significantly impacted the entertainment industry, leading to increased awareness and reporting of sexual harassment. According to a 2024 study by the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media,64% of women working in film and television have experienced some form of harassment during their careers. This underscores the importance of Lively’s acknowledgment of her mother’s past experiences and the ongoing need for systemic change.