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 was born on March 12, 1968, in Carroll County, Georgia, the son of talent manager Elaine () and her first husband, Ronald Otis Lively. He is the adopted 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.
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.
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.
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.
He is married to Lani Lively. The two share three children.
Filmography
Film YearTitleRoleNotes1983BrainstormChris Brace1985National Lampoon's European VacationRussell "Rusty" Griswold1986Night of the CreepsChris1987Ghost ChaseWarren McCloud1990Monday MorningChip BrooksAlso known as Class of Fear1991Rock 'n' Roll High School ForeverDonovan1992Maximum ForceRick Carver2015VacationYoung Rusty GriswoldCameo (footage from European Vacation)2017HickokIkeThe PossessedBrian2025In from OutsideDetective TatePre-production
Television Year Title Role Notes1979RudyEpisode: "One Armed Bandits"1983Rod Moffet / Rudy2 episodes1982ABC Afterschool SpecialsJohnny RollinsEpisode: "Daddy, I'm Their Mama Now"198721 Jump StreetDavey MillerEpisode: "Next Generation"19891990Mancuso, F.B.I.Justin Summers3 episodes1992Gunsmoke: To the Last ManRusty DoverTelevision film
Video games Year Title Role1993Return to ZorkBen Fyshin
Awards and nominations YearAwardCategoryNominated workResult1983Young Artist AwardsBest Young Actor in a Television SpecialABC Afterschool Specials (Episode: "Daddy, I'm Their Mama Now"1984Best Young Actor, Guest in a Television Series1986Best Starring Performance by a Young Actor - Motion PictureNational Lampoon's European Vacation
References
External links