What Is Jason Lively’s Net Worth?
Jason Lively is a former American actor, director, and businessman with an estimated net worth of $1 million.
Lively is best known for portraying Rusty Griswold in the 1985 comedy National Lampoon’s European Vacation, which starred Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo. He also appeared in the 1986 science-fiction horror comedy Night of the Creeps, a film that developed a devoted cult following years after its theatrical release. After beginning his career as a child actor in the late 1970s, Lively appeared in movies such as Brainstorm, Ghost Chase, and Rock ‘n’ Roll High School Forever. He largely left Hollywood during the 1990s and later pursued work in film production, technology, and small business. After moving to Utah, he also became a professional big-mountain skier. Lively comes from a prominent entertainment family that includes sisters Lori and Robyn Lively and younger half-siblings Eric and Blake Lively.
Early Life
Ronald Jason Lively was born on March 12, 1968, in Carroll County, Georgia. His mother, Elaine, worked as a model and talent manager, and his biological father was Ronald Otis Lively. His parents divorced during his childhood, after which Elaine married actor and acting coach Ernie Lively, who became Jason’s stepfather.
Jason was raised alongside his sisters Lori and Robyn, both of whom went on to become actresses. His younger half-siblings, Eric and Blake Lively, also built careers in acting.
As a child, Lively modeled and appeared in television commercials. His family later moved from Georgia to California, giving him access to additional opportunities in the entertainment industry.
Acting Career
One of Lively’s earliest television credits came in the 1979 pilot episode of The Dukes of Hazzard. He landed his first significant film role in Brainstorm (1983), playing the son of characters portrayed by Christopher Walken and Natalie Wood.
Lively’s major breakthrough arrived in 1985, when he was cast as Rusty Griswold in National Lampoon’s European Vacation. Directed by Amy Heckerling, the comedy follows the Griswold family as a European holiday turns into a series of disasters. Lively played the teenage son of Clark and Ellen Griswold, portrayed by Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo.
He took over the role from Anthony Michael Hall, who played Rusty in the original National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983). The sequel earned approximately $49 million at the domestic box office and brought Lively a Young Artist Award nomination.
The next year, Lively starred in Fred Dekker’s Night of the Creeps. He played Chris Romero, a college student fighting an outbreak involving alien parasites and zombies. The movie struggled at the box office upon release but later became a cult favorite through home video and television. Lively has said the film ultimately brought him even more recognition from fans than European Vacation.
His later screen credits included Ghost Chase (1987), directed by Roland Emmerich, as well as Class of Fear (1990), Rock ‘n’ Roll High School Forever (1991), and Maximum Force (1992). He also appeared on 21 Jump Street, held a recurring role on Mancuso, F.B.I., and featured in the television movie Gunsmoke: To the Last Man.
In 1993, Lively appeared in the computer adventure game Return to Zork. Following a lengthy break from acting, he returned to the screen in a supporting role in the 2017 Western Hickok.
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Life After Hollywood
During the 1990s, Lively gradually moved away from professional acting, citing frustration with the unpredictable audition process. He shifted behind the camera and worked with his stepfather at their Los Angeles production studio, where they produced commercials, instructional videos, and other projects.
Lively later entered the technology sector before moving with his family to Utah. There, he founded Jimmy Crack Corn, a mobile roasted-corn business serving farmers markets, sporting events, and community gatherings.
The relocation also gave Lively the chance to develop his passion for skiing. He became a professional big-mountain skier and has coached advanced skiers. In a 2026 interview, he said outdoor pursuits such as skiing, mountain biking, and hiking had become central parts of his life.
While Lively no longer actively seeks Hollywood roles, he occasionally appears at fan conventions and reunions connected to National Lampoon’s European Vacation and Night of the Creeps.
Personal Life
Lively was previously married to Lani Lively, and the couple have three sons. Their marriage ended in divorce around 2013. He later began dating a woman named Victoria, whom he referred to as his fiancée in a June 2026 interview. The couple have a young daughter, while Victoria also has a child from an earlier relationship.
Lively continues to live in Utah, where he spends his time skiing and enjoying other outdoor activities. He remains connected to his Hollywood family, including Blake Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, while keeping a relatively private life away from the entertainment spotlight.
All net worth figures are calculated from publicly available information. When possible, we also consider private tips and feedback from the celebrities or their representatives. Although we work to make these figures as accurate as possible, they are estimates unless stated otherwise. Corrections and feedback are welcome through the button below.
