Blake Lively has credited her four children with husband Ryan Reynolds as the driving force behind her decision to narrate the Emmy-nominated National Geographic documentary series Secrets of the Penguins.
In a heartfelt Instagram Story shared on April 8, the actress explained that her role was a direct result of her kids' love for nature programming. "I narrated this for my kids," Lively wrote, following the series' three 2026 News and Documentary Emmy Award nominations. "Both in how I told the story. And why."
Lively, 38, revealed that the project arrived at a particularly meaningful time. "My kids love to fall asleep to nature shows," she continued. "Nothing more comforting and divine than these sweet babies. This series holds such a special place in my heart, and my home."
The documentary, which follows the lives of emperor penguins in Antarctica, has earned nominations for Outstanding Nature Documentary, Outstanding Cinematography: Documentary, and Outstanding Sound: Documentary.
"So honored to have been a part of this beautiful story," Lively added in her social media post. "Congratulations to the incredible team who worked so hard and with such care. Braving extreme conditions to capture these awe inspiring creatures in never before seen moments on film."
The actress and Reynolds share four children: James, 11, Inez, 9, Betty, 6, and Olin, 3. This isn't the first time Lively has highlighted how her children influence her creative choices, recently sharing how their playful spirit led to an elaborate April Fool's Day prank involving a toilet seat wrapped in plastic.
Secrets of the Penguins represents a significant career milestone for Lively, marking her first major narration role for a documentary series. The project demonstrates how family life continues to shape the professional paths of Hollywood's most private celebrities.