Blake Very Lively

Blake Lively gets real on feminism, motherhood and ageing in Hollywood

- Hilary Morgan

We’ve got so much time for Blake Lively.

It’s been over a decade since she first hit our screens as Gossip Girl’s teen socialite Serena van der Woodsen, where we went crazy over her Rapunzel-like locks and incredible wardrobe. But these days, Blake, 30, is just as passionate about feminism as she is fashion. A staunch crusader of women’s rights, you’re more likely to see her stomping the streets at a women’s march than sitting FROW at Paris Fashion Week. And she’s not just doing it for the kudos. She’s investigated sex trafficking for the doco A Path Appears and works with the Child Rescue Coalition, an organisation that uses technology to track down and prosecute child predators. It’s no wonder she’s such a fierce lioness when it comes to her daughters James, three and Ines, one, who she shares with hubby Ryan Reynolds, 41.

While Blake was happy to divulge about family life to Cosmo, you won’t find any cute snaps of them on her Instagram. But what you will find, however, is the blonde bombshell making fun of herself, hanging with her Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants co-stars (squeal!) and sharing some super-cute moments with her man.

Professionally, Blake’s kicking major #careergoals. Graduating from girly rom-coms to grittier, more demanding roles, the star’s now stepping behind the camera to produce The Husband’s Secret, an upcoming movie based on a book of the same name by Aussie author Liane Moriarty, the woman behind Big Little Lies. While she’s starring in the film as well, taking on the role of executive producer gives Blake the power to do something very special – employ more women! PSA: When it comes to Blake Lively, do not underestimate her!

What has surprised you most about motherhood?