Jason Lively Explained

Jason Lively
Birth Name:Ronald Jason Lively
Birth Date:12 March 1968
Birth Place:Carroll County, Georgia, U.S.
Spouse:Lani Lively
Children:3
Yearsactive:1979–1993; 2015–2017
Occupation:Actor
Father:Ernie Lively (father)
Relatives:Lori Lively (sister)
Robyn Lively (sister)
Eric Lively (brother)
Blake Lively (sister)
Ryan Reynolds (brother-in-law)
Bart Johnson (brother-in-law)

Ronald Jason Lively (born March 12, 1968) is an American actor and director. He is best known for European Vacation (1985), Night of the Creeps (1986), and Ghost Chase (1987). Lively has mostly retired from acting since the 1990s.

Early life

Ronald Jason Lively[1] was born on March 12, 1968[1] in Carroll County, Georgia, the son of talent manager Elaine and her first husband, Ronald Otis Lively.[1] He is the adoptive son of actor Ernie Lively, the brother of actresses Lori Lively and Robyn Lively, and the half-brother of actor Eric Lively and actress Blake Lively.[2]

Career

Lively started his career by appearing in the pilot episode of The Dukes of Hazzard when he was 10 years old. His first film appearance was four years later in the 1983 film Brainstorm. That same year he also had another appearance in The Dukes of Hazzard. His most recognizable roles came when he played Rusty Griswald in 1985's National Lampoon's European Vacation, and Chris in 1986's Night of the Creeps.[3]

After that, he appeared in the films Ghost Chase and Maximum Force. In 1993, he appeared in the video game Return to Zork, along with his sisters, Robyn Lively and Lori Lively.

Lively took a 20 year long break from acting following 1992's Maximum Force. He would make his return to the screen in the American Western film Hickok. The film also starred Luke Hemsworth, Trace Adkins, Kris Kristofferson and Bruce Dern.[4]

Post-acting career

Jason Lively has worked for a computer company and was also owner and operator of Jimmy Crack Corn, a mobile roasted corn business.[5]

He is married to Lani Lively. The two share three children.

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRoleNotes
1983BrainstormChris Brace
1985National Lampoon's European VacationRussell "Rusty" Griswald
1986Night of the CreepsChris
1987Ghost ChaseWarren McCloud
1990Class of FearChip BrooksAlso known as "Monday Morning"
1991Rock 'n' Roll High School ForeverDonovan
1992Maximum ForceRick Carver
2015VacationYoung Rusty GriswaldCameo (footage from European Vacation)
2017HickokIke
The PossessedBrian
2025In from OutsideDetective TatePre-production

Television

YearTitleRoleNotes
1979RudyEpisode: "One Armed Bandits"
1983Rod Moffet / Rudy2 episodes
1982ABC Afterschool SpecialsJohnny RollinsEpisode: "Daddy, I'm Their Mama Now"
198721 Jump StreetDavey MillerEpisode: "Next Generation"
19891990Mancuso, F.B.I.Justin Summers3 episodes
1992Rusty DoverTelevision film

Video games

Awards and nominations

YearAwardCategoryNominated workResult
1983Young Artist AwardsBest Young Actor in a Television SpecialABC Afterschool Specials(Episode: "Daddy, I'm Their Mama Now"
1984Best Young Actor, Guest in a Television Series
1986Best Starring Performance by a Young Actor - Motion PictureNational Lampoon's European Vacation

Notes and References

  1. Book: McAlpin(e) genealogies, 1730-1990: Alexander McAlpin of South Carolina and Georgia and his descendants, plus other McAlpin(e) families of North America. Doris McAlpin Russell. 1990. 735.
  2. Web site: Stevens . Kaitlin . 24 July 2024 . Blake Lively's Siblings: All About Her Brothers and Sisters . 2024-09-03 . Peoplemag . en.
  3. Web site: Pevos . Edward . 2022-03-20 . What’s Rusty Griswold up to? We caught up with the actor in Michigan this weekend . 2024-09-03 . mlive . en.
  4. Web site: Blankenship . Bill . 'Night of the Creeps' star Lively to spend evening in Topeka . 2024-09-03 . The Topeka Capital-Journal . en-US.
  5. News: Benson. Lee. Sounds corny, but actor likes life in Heber. September 18, 2011. Deseret News. March 13, 2018.