Blake Lively’s dad, Ernie, dies aged 74

Actress and mother-of-three Blake Lively has paid tribute to her father after he died aged 74 following heart complications this week.

Blake Lively has shared a sweet photo with her father Ernie, who died at the age of 74 this week.

Sharing the simple tribute on Instagram today, the actress accompanied the throwback snap of her nuzzling into her dad’s shoulder with a brown heart emoji.

Blake Lively honoured her late dad with this adorable family photo.

Accomplished actor Ernie Lively, whose five children followed in his career footsteps, passed away following heart complications surrounded by his wife and children in LA on Thursday.

Ernie’s 50-year acting career included roles in Passenger 57, The Dukes of Hazzard, Turner & Hooch and as daughter Blake’s on-screen dad in the two Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants films.

He also made memorable guest appearances on TV shows such as The X-Files, Seinfeld, Murder, She Wrote and The West Wing.

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Ernie and Blake Lively at the premiere of The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants 2. Picture: WireImage

In addition to the 33-year-old actress, Ernie leaves behind sons Eric, 39, Jason, 53, and daughter Robyn, 49 and Lori, 54.

He is also survived by his wife, Elaine and nine grandchildren, including Blake’s three daughters with husband Ryan Reynolds, 44.

Born Ernest Brown Jr in Baltimore, prior to embarking on his career on-screen, Lively was an English professor and served as a lieutenant in Vietnam. Throughout his years in the arts, he became known in the industry as a well-respected mentor.

Interestingly, Ernie opted to take his wife’s name on their wedding day. But when Blake was born, she was registered legally as Blake Brown, going on to change her name when she started acting.

Blake is yet to address her father’s death publicly, but the two were close, often accompanying each other to red carpet events.

Blake, her mother Elaine and Ernie pictured in Paris in 2011. Picture: Getty Images

According to People, Ernie suffered a massive heart attack in 2003, and underwent heart surgery 10 years later.

Shortly after Blake and Ryan Reynolds’ wedding, he spoke to the publication about wanting to have the energy to chase after his grandkids.

“My youngest daughter is newly married and wants a big family,” he said of Blake, then 26.

“She says she wants 30 kids. I said, ‘Why don’t you start with one?’”

The actress now has three daughters; James, 6, Inez, 4, and Betty, born in October 2019.