Blake Lively is an American actress who began her career as a child in the film Sandman, directed by her father, Ernie Lively. She gained widespread attention for her role in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and its sequel, which helped establish her in the film industry. Lively became well known for playing Serena van der Woodsen on the television series Gossip Girl, which aired from 2007 to 2012. During her time on the show, she also appeared in films such as New York, I Love You, The Private Lives of Pippa Lee, The Town, and Savages.