Blake Lively’s Unusual Pattern of Dating Co-Stars

Before Blake Lively met and married Ryan Reynolds, her love life followed a very specific pattern—she consistently fell for her co-stars. This recurring theme in her romantic history seemed to align perfectly with her rise to A-list status. Back in 2011, when she was already with Reynolds, she claimed she had only ever had four boyfriends and that she never dated anyone who wasn’t an official boyfriend. However, a closer look suggests that might not be entirely true.

Her First Love: Kelly Blatz

Blake’s first known boyfriend was Kelly Blatz. They met while filming Simon Says, and by the time production wrapped in 2004, they were officially dating. Back then, Blake was still trying to make a name for herself in Hollywood, while Kelly was also chasing his own dreams in the industry. Their romance lasted three years, spanning Blake’s breakout role in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants in 2005. However, in 2007—just as she landed the role of Serena van der Woodsen in Gossip Girl—they called it quits. Unlike Blake, Kelly has remained relatively private, focusing on his career in acting and music, and later stepping into directing.

The Gossip Girl Romance: Penn Badgley

Shortly after breaking up with Kelly, Blake found herself in another on-set romance—this time with her Gossip Girl co-star Penn Badgley. However, it wasn’t love at first sight. In fact, Blake initially tried to turn the entire cast against Penn when she found out he had been cast on the show. She later admitted she was furious when he got the role and did everything she could to get the rest of the cast to dislike him. But her plan didn’t work—Penn’s natural charm won everyone over, including Blake herself. Initially, she kept her distance, holding onto that initial resistance for about a week. But soon enough, she admitted that Penn wasn’t so bad after all.

As they started spending more time together outside of work, their on-screen romance on Gossip Girl slowly turned into the real thing. At first, Blake denied dating rumors, insisting the media always jumped to conclusions whenever she was spotted with a guy. However, in May 2008, paparazzi caught them kissing on vacation in Mexico. Not long after, they made their first official red carpet appearance as a couple at the Met Gala.

For the next two years, Blake and Penn were one of Hollywood’s favorite young couples. However, by October 2010, it was over. Insiders later revealed that they had actually split sometime before the end of Gossip Girl’s second season in May 2009. Despite the breakup, they kept things professional on set and didn’t let their personal drama affect their work. Penn later reflected on their relationship, saying they were only together for about two years. He explained that working together post-breakup wasn’t awkward at all. In fact, by the time the show ended, he didn’t even think about it anymore—it was just part of the job.

A Steamy Fling: Leonardo DiCaprio

Not long after breaking up with Penn, Blake was linked to Hollywood heartthrob Leonardo DiCaprio. Their whirlwind summer romance in 2011 made headlines, with the couple traveling together to Italy, Australia, and New York. However, their relationship was short-lived, ending after just five months. Reports at the time suggested they parted on good terms, with neither harboring any hard feelings.

The Final Co-Star Romance: Ryan Reynolds

Blake’s pattern of dating co-stars continued when she met Ryan Reynolds on the set of Green Lantern in 2010. At the time, Ryan was still married to Scarlett Johansson, while Blake was dating Penn Badgley. However, by the end of 2011, they were both single—and sparks flew. Their relationship quickly became serious, leading to a secret wedding in 2012. Over the years, Blake and Ryan have become one of Hollywood’s most beloved couples, known for their playful social media banter and strong partnership.

Is It Just a Coincidence?

Blake Lively’s dating history raises an interesting question—was it just a coincidence that she repeatedly fell for her co-stars, or was there a strategic element to her romantic choices? Some speculate that her relationships helped boost her Hollywood profile, aligning with major career milestones. Others believe it was simply a case of spending so much time with co-stars that natural connections developed.

Regardless of the reason, Blake’s days of on-set romances seem to be behind her. With a thriving marriage to Ryan Reynolds and a growing family, she has firmly left her dating patterns of the past in Hollywood’s history books.