Some showbiz friendships have stood the test of time, while others have faded over the years. Friendship is not always easy and for celebrities, with their hectic schedules and crazy lives, it can be that much harder. Grab your spades and let’s dig into these celebrities’ pasts to uncover who was friends with whom before they became stars.
Adam Levine & Jonah Hill
These two definitely seem like an unlikely pair, but strange as it seems, Maroon 5 frontman, Adam Levine, and “Superbad” star, Johan Hill, are pretty tight. In fact, the unlikely pair are so tight that Levine had Hill officiate his wedding when he tied the knot to the Namibian model, Behati Prinsloo in 2014.
The pair struck up a friendship when their fathers met in the principal’s office of their junior high school. They were soon visiting each other’s houses and carpooling to school. And the childhood friendship seems to have continued into adulthood, as Hill was the officiator of Levine’s wedding. It just goes to show, that with this unlikely duo, not all birds of the same feather flock together.
John Krasinski & B.J. Novak
Who of us didn’t love John Krasinski from “The Office?” In fact, there is more reason to love the sitcom’s actor as Krasinski is none other than the childhood mate of fellow “The Office” star, B.J Novak. If you’re a fan, you’ll remember Novak for his portrayal of Ryan Howard. The two go way back – way before the popular TV show.
Both grew up in Newton, Massachusetts. Even before attending Newton South High School, the two played in the same little league baseball club. The two later graduated from High School in 1997 and went on to write a play together. During his appearance on “The Ellen Show,” Novak admitted that he has known Krasinski his whole life.
Maya Hawke & Alex Woolf
“Human Capital” is a recent Hollywood production that proves showbiz has plenty of upcoming talent. The 2019 drama starred rising stars, Maya Hawke and Alex Woolf. Apart from both being exceptionally talented, Hawke and Woolf have much in common. In fact, with less than a year’s difference in age, the pair attended the same kindergarten.
Both grew up in the Big Apple and went to the same preschool. Recently, Woolf revealed on the podcast “The Big Ticket with Marc Malkin” that he and Hawke once got dressed up as Power Rangers for one Halloween. Power Rangers is certainly an interesting choice for Halloween, but it just goes to show that these two talented actors have much in common – not just talent but the same sense of humor and Halloween style.
Timothee Chalamet & Ansel Elgort
These two major stars have more in common than a love of acting and the film “Men, Women, and Children.” They also have baseball. Timothee Chalamet and Ansel Elgort are some of the biggest names to hit the silver screen in the last decade. Elgort made his mark on showbiz with “The Fault in Our Stars” and “Baby Driver” while Chalamet’s acting credentials include “Call Me by Your Name” and “Lady Bird.”
What is interesting is these two incredibly talented stars actually formed a budding friendship in high school. Both attended LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts and were on the same baseball team.
Liv Tyler and Kate Hudson
Actresses like Liv Tyler and Kate Hudson prove that not only beauty lasts as you get older, but friendship too. These two stunning actresses became friends in high school. Both grew up in Santa Monica, California. Since Kate Hudson is the daughter of Goldie Hawn and Liv Tyler the daughter of Steve Tyler, the two actresses had the privilege to attend the typical A-lister school, Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences.
There the two met and struck up a friendship. Their friendship would only get stronger as Tyler and Hudson starred in the 2000 romantic film “Dr. T & the Women.” The friendship between these two ladies continues to be strong as both have been there for each other for major moments and still make time to hang out.
Nicole Kidman & Naomi Watts
Most of us are still getting over the fact that actresses, Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts, actually hail from down under and not the USA. Interestingly, these two actresses were not only born in Australia, but they managed to maintain their friendship from their home country even as they immigrated and starred in films abroad.
That’s right. Kidman and Watts went to North Sydney Girls High School in Australia together and also went to the same theater school in the country. Despite both being based in different states of the US – Kidman in Tennessee and Watts in New York – they’re still friends and make time for each other when they accompanied one another to the 2007 Oscars.
Princess Diana and Tilda Swinton
Friendship between Tilda Swinton and the late Princess Diana is not that hard to believe. Though the two women led and have led starkly different lives, they both have a certain elegance to them that suggests they would have got on well. This might be thanks to the fact that both of them attended the same school, West Heath Girls.
Just six months separated Lady Di and Swinton in age and the two attended this private boarding school. Since West Heath Girls was a boarding school, Swinton and the late Princess would have known each other. They may have not been close friends, but since they were both at boarding school, the two ladies would have gotten to know each other quite well during their stay.
Owen Wilson & Wes Anderson
Considering that Owen Wilson has starred in seven Wes Anderson films like “Rushmore,” “The Grand Budapest Hotel," and “The Royal Tenenbaums,” we would assume that the pair’s friendship started during the production of these films. Surprisingly, the two befriended one another back in their teens. These two Texans attended the University of Texas in Austin where they both studied a Bachelor of Arts.
The stars seemingly aligned as the two were roommates. Wilson has not only been a constant in Anderson’s films but even co-wrote some of the scripts for the likes of “Rushmore” and “The Royal Tenenbaums.” Even Wilson’s brother, Luke Wilson, has starred in Anderson’s films. And it appears as if their friendship is for life as Wilson continues to feature in Anderson’s films.
Prince William & Eddie Redmayne
Eton College can boast about its impressive alumni. Prince William is an obvious one – he is heir to the British throne. Eddie Redmayne is one of the finest actors to come from the British acting scene. Redmayne has received an Academy Award and an Order of the British Empire award for acting. While Redmayne and Prince William seem worlds apart, the two have some things in common, like Eton College. They’re also both good sports – literally.
Prince William and Redmayne played on the school rugby team together where Redmayne confesses that the Prince received his fair share of tackles. The two may not be so close as Redmayne did not receive an invite to the Prince’s wedding, but Redmayne bears his former classmate no grudges. Told you they were good sports.
Cameron Diaz & Snoop Dogg
Most of us would assume that Hollywood A-lister, Cameron Diaz, and the platinum-album seller, Snoop Doggy Dogg, lead such different lives that they would never have crossed paths. It might be true they’re unlikely to cross paths nowadays but back in the 1980s, the two went to the same high school. On top of that, the two share an interesting secret.
Diaz’s family soon moved from San Diego to Long Beach where she attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School. There she met Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., aka Snoop Dogg. Diaz would have known the rapper as Calvin back then and she certainly knew him. Recently, it has come to light that the actress got a special and illicit green plant from the musician during their high school days.
Lady Gaga & Nicky Hilton
It might seem completely incredible that the fabulous socialite, Nicky Hilton, and the edgy, pop musician, Lady Gaga, went to the same school. But socialite and heiress, Nicky Hilton, wouldn’t have known Lady Gaga by her stage name, but rather as Stefani Germanotta. While Manhattan is quite extensive, there aren’t too many all-girl Catholic schools for the upper class.
And that is what brought these two celebrities together. They attended the Convent of the Sacred Heart. Though they weren’t in the same year, Lady Gaga and Nicky Hilton knew of each other. Of course, the two weren’t bosom buddies. As expected, the two didn’t exactly join the same cliques. Lady Gaga was true to her colors and enjoyed red lipstick and air for the dramatic while Hilton stuck to her circle.
Scarlett Johansson & Jack Antonoff
We know Scarlett Johansson as the Hollywood femme fatale, who has left her blond bombshell status in her past and matured as an outstanding actress who can pull almost any role off. Her status as a blonde bombshell is not the only thing that Johansson has left in the past, but also her former, budding romance with American musician, Jack Antonoff.
While Antonoff is not quite the headliner that Johansson is, he has been a part of many acts including, Bleachers, and Fun, and now makes up the indie rock band, Steel Train. Johansson and Antonoff met at Professional Children’s School back in the 2000s. The two dated and attended prom together. That was a long time ago and the two are happily in long-term relationships with their partners.
Tupac Shakur & Jada Pinkett Smith
Since Jada Pinkett Smith has had her share of the public’s attention lately, plenty of information has come to light about the actress’s past. In fact, the actress seems to have a tendency to be closely “entangled” with rappers. She must really be into the rap scene as she married rapper, Will Smith, before he made it as an actor.
Before Smith, there was Tupac “2pac” Shakur. Pinkett and Shakur met at Baltimore School for the Arts. Apparently, the actress had her reservations about befriending Shakur, but eventually, the two became close buddies. It has been hinted that there was more than friendship going on but that is something we’ll never know.
Adele & Jessie J
While Adele may not be crowned the Queen of Pop or even the Queen of British Pop, she certainly deserves to be one of the genre’s princesses. We can say thanks to the BRIT school where the platinum-selling pop star attended. But this school did not only produce Adele, but her former schoolmate and pop star, Jessie J.
The BRIT school must be doing something right if two incredibly talented musicians have their roots there. Though their music styles are rather different, the two were friends in school and used to spend lunchtime singing together. Those lunch-hour duets must have pure power. Their classmates had a real treat especially as tickets nowadays for the pop singers cost a hefty fee. Lucky classmates!
Lauryn Hill & Zach Braff
It might surprise you to learn that not only did Lauryn Hill and Zach Braff know each other, but they were actually rather close. The rapper and actor went to the same High School. Both hail from New Jersey and attended Columbia High School in Maplewood. While the two are not bosom buddies now, the two were friends back in the day.
The rapper went to Braff’s bar mitzvah. It is little wonder that the two were friends. Since they were both born in 1975, they were in the same year and also in the same class. Thanks to their respective passions, it only makes sense that the two were friends. It just goes to show that you never know what someone will become after high school.
Jennifer Aniston & Chaz Bono
What’s the most interesting thing about the high-school friendship between Jennifer Aniston and Chasity Bono is that despite both hailing from LA, the two befriend one another 2,500 miles away. The “Friends” actress and Sonny Bono and Cher’s child were high-school friends. Aniston and Bono were both born in LA, but the pair met at LaGuardia High School in the Big Apple.
Not only did Aniston and Bono know each other, but they were part of the same clique. Aniston recounts often going to Bono’s house after school. In 2009, Bono transitioned from Chasity Bono to Chaz Bono. Even though Aniston knew Chastity Bono intimately, the “Friends” actress has voiced her support for the Bono’s change.
Rami Malek, Kirsten Dunst, and Rachel Bilson
What do Rami Malek, Kirsten Dunst, and Rachel Bilson all have in common? If you answered acting, you wouldn’t be wrong. However, if you answered that they all attended Notre Dame High School, you’d also not be wrong. The Notre Dame High School located in Sherman Oaks, California, is a co-ed Catholic School. It also has quite the alumni.
Malek and Bilson were in the same class. Interestingly, even though Kirsten Dunst has had the longest acting career going back to the 1990s with “Interview with a Vampire,” she is a year younger than the other two. Malek admitted to having a crush on Dunst back then, but that’s all in the past. The two are now just friends. Occasionally, Bilson will still reach out to Malek on social media.
John Cusack & Jeremy Piven
Given that John Cusack and Jeremy Piven have starred in six films together, it is not totally surprising that the two were childhood friends. Though Piven was born in New York City, his family moved to Evanston, Illinois, which just happened to be right up Cusack’s alley. It was literally Cusack’s alley as the actor hails from Evanston.
The two went to Evanston Township High School and though they were a year apart, Cusack and Piven befriended one another. After school, the two became even closer. They rented an apartment together and joined the alumnus of the Piven Theatre Workshop. Quite recently, the friendship may have taken a bit of a dive. Piven believes his success with “Entourage” caused them to drift, but Cusack says that is not the case.
Robin Williams & Christopher Reeve
Even showbiz has its friendships that prove that even in an extremely competitive environment such as Hollywood, friendship can survive no matter the odds. The late Robin Williams and Christopher Reeve were both accepted into the Advanced Program at Julliard. Being accepted at Julliard is a big deal but being accepted into the school’s Advanced Program is on another level.
They were the only students who made the cut that year and a lifelong friendship began. After Reeve suffered his horse-riding accident which resulted in his paralysis, Williams supported his friend. During Reeve’s recovery time in the hospital, Williams did a comedic hospital skit pretending to be ready to do an embarrassing surgery. Their friendship held strong, and Williams regularly helped Reeve and his family financially.
Ed Helms & Brian Baumgauter
For those of you who are die-hard “Office” fans, you’d love to know that there are quite a few members of the cast who are friends. Ed Helms, who stars as oddly arrogant, Andy, and Brian Baumgartner, who portrays the somewhat subdued Kevin, are rather close.
While it might strike fans as an unlikely friendship, Baumgartner reveals that Helms is nothing like his onscreen persona. According to Baumgartner, Helms is actually pretty down-to-earth and relaxed. He also complimented Helms’ golfing abilities. The two met at the Westminster Schools in Atlanta. Their passion for acting started back in their youth and the pair starred in several plays together.
Nicholas Cage & Lenny Kravitz
High school reunions are always a good place to catch up and see how everyone has made out in the world. Public high school, Beverly Hills High School, must have some interesting school reunions as the school has an impressive alumnus. Two A-listers who attended the school in the same year were Nicholas Cage and Lenny Kravitz.
It is almost impossible to believe that both Cage and Kravitz roamed the same school hall at one time. Of course, Kravitz wouldn’t have known Cage by his stage name, but as Nicholas Kim Coppola. The American rockstar later admitted that he and Cage both worked on a production of “Oklahoma” during their time. Naturally, Kravitz did the music, and Cage the lines, as, unsurprisingly, he was cast as the leading male.
Justin Timberlake & Britney Spears
Most of us know that JT and Britney Spears go way back. When both were just rising stars, their romance, and history at “The Mickey Mouse Club” received plenty of attention from the public. For those of you who don’t know, “The Mickey Mouse Club” was a children’s TV show created by Walt Disney that featured song and dance performances by various Mouseketeers.
Spears and Timberlake were two Mouseketeers who joined the children’s TV show during its third revival in the late 1980s and 1990s. Later, JT and Spears developed a budding romance. Though their romance ended in heartbreak and Spears and JT received a lot of negative publicity, the two shared plenty of happy Mouseketeer memories.
Whitney Port & Spencer Pratt
If you like reality TV, then you’ll probably know all about “The Hills” which followed the lives of young LA-based people trying to find their way in the world. Interestingly, two of its cast members crossed paths way before the show’s creation. Ironically, they crossed roads at Crossroads – a private school in California.
In an interview with “The Hills” star, Whitney Port explained that she and her co-star, Spencer Pratt, attended both Middle and High School together. Though she and Pratt go back a long way, right now their friendship has come under some pressure after a bit of name-calling on social media. We’re pretty sure that’s all in the past.
Andy Samberg & Chelsea Peretti
It is not Brooklyn that brought these together, but California. Comedians and actors Andy Samberg and Chelsea Peretti both were born in the Golden State. Though they have plenty in common including the sitcom “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” the comedians have even more similarities. Both attended Chabot Elementary School in Oakland. Samberg explains that the two weren’t really friends, but they also weren’t not friends. Whatever that means.
It just gets even more confusing as Peretti confesses that she had a crush on Samberg back then. We’re just hoping harp musician Joanna Newsom – Samberg’s wife – is okay with that. This brings us to another point. The similarities don’t end there. Samberg and Peretti are married to incredibly talented spouses. Peretti is married to director, Jordan Peele.
Beanie Feldstein & Ben Platt
Two of Hollywood’s rising stars are Beanie Feldstein, Jonah Hill’s younger sister, and Ben Platt, Jonah Platt’s younger brother. Both were cast in the comedy, “The Female Brain.” What you’d never say is that these two are real-life best buddies. You’d not know from the film because they had little screen time together, but they have had plenty of offscreen time together.
Feldstein and Platt attended Harvard-Westlake School but actually met at a bar mitzvah. Since high school, Feldstein and Platt have moved 2500 miles and worked on Broadway and more recently, have been part of the cast of the musical, “Merrily We Roll Along.” And this is great news for their friendship as the musical will still see plenty of run time giving them a lot of opportunity to meet regularly.
Cole Sprouse & Camila Mendes
The TV show “Riverdale” may not be the perfect setting for making friends as there is a lot of backstabbing going on. No one knows who’s who, but behind the scenes, there were plenty of good vibes among the cast. In fact, two cast members got on pretty well. Camila Mendes and Cole Proust enjoyed plenty of good vibes as the two met back in their university days.
While they were at NYU, Mendes knew both Sprouse brothers, Dylan and Cole. Mendes explained that Cole was the quieter of the two. She also stated that his appearance took some getting used to as he had grown his hair below his waistline. Fortunately, the actor has since cut his hair.
Lupita Nyong’o & Winston Duke
You’d never say that Black Panther’s archnemesis and the superhero’s love interest are actually friends from their university days. Well, technically, it’s the actors behind these excellent performances who are university friends. That’s why they’re such good actors. You’d never say so. The Kenyan-Mexican actress, Lupita Nyong’o who has had an exciting upbringing was accepted for the Master’s Program studying Drama at Yale University.
There she met Winston Duke. Interestingly, Duke hadn’t attended even one class and had already met Nyong’o. This is because Nyong’o was assigned as his mentee and gave him his tour around campus. The two have remained friends since their Yale days and despite their enmity in the superhero film, it did not stop them from co-starring in the 2018 thriller, “Us.”
Gwyneth Paltrow & Maya Rudolph
These ladies are the only two to know each other before they became public figures, but their fathers go way back. Both Gwyneth Paltrow and Maya Ruldolph’s father attended Tulane University. Bruce Paltrow studied painting and Richard Ruldolph's music at New Orleans University. Interestingly, their daughters met in Santa Monica.
Both families would later settle in Santa Monica where Gwyneth and Maya would eventually bump into each other. However, they would bump into each other more than once. As young girls, they attended St. Augustine By-the-Sea and later Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences. It seemed like the two actresses had little choice but to be friends as they went to the same primary and high schools. Decades later, they’re still close buddies.
Justin Timberlake & Ryan Gosling
As a cast member of “The Mickey Mouse Club,” you got to rub shoulders with people long before they were famous. Though JT and Ryan Gosling are some of the biggest names and biggest earners in the entertainment industry, the two were big buddies all those years ago during their time on the TV program. Even calling them ‘big buddies’ is an understatement.
During their second year on the TV show, they were so tight that they lived with each for 6 months. Gosling’s mother had to leave for Canada, so Timberlake’s mother became Gosling’s legal guardian. Even though they were as close as brothers, nowadays they hardly meet up, but we’re sure they occasionally reminisce about all the mousing around and funny antics they got up to.
Val Kilmer & Kelly McGillis
For purely nostalgic reasons, it is almost a pity that Kelly McGillis wasn’t called up for the 2022 “Top Gun” sequel. We know that the producers had their reasons, but it would have been nice to see a reunion between her and her former classmate, Val Kilmer. Interestingly, Kilmer and McGillis’ love for acting took them both from the Golden State to the Big Apple.
And it was in the Big Apple that they first met. The two actors both attended the prestigious performance art, Julliard, in the 1970s. The two would later join the cast of the action-packed flying film “Top Gun,” but sadly, their reunion in the sequel was never to be.
Sterling K. Brown & Danai Gurira
After looking at the 2019 SAG afterparty photos, you’d not be wrong for thinking that “Black Panther” stars, Sterling K. Brown and Danai Gurira, looked a bit too comfortable to be just co-stars. Their friendship began not on the set of Wakanda but in NY. When Gurira went live on “The Tonight Show,” she called Sterling “her big brother.”
She also states that it was thanks to NYU Tisch’s acting graduate program that the co-stars became so close, like a little family. Gurira was not kidding about it being like a little family. The “Black Panther” stars were so close that they almost became roommates in Brooklyn. Years later, the two are still close and celebrate each other’s achievements like at the 2019 SAG awards.
Charlie Sheen, Sean Penn, Rob Lowe, and Robert Downey Jr.
Okay, it is true that only one of them was ever a musketeer – Charlie Sheen played Aramis in the 1993 “The Three Musketeers” film – but you can’t have all these actors, Charlie Sheen, Sean Penn, Rob Lowe, and Robert Downey Jr., in the same school and not be tempted to put on a school production of Duma’s classic, “The Three Musketeers.”
However, considering the slightly wild history of these actors, perhaps, there is a reason why no school production went ahead. Sheen, Penn, Lowe, and Downey all attended Santa Monica High School in the late 1970s and early 1980s. From Lowe’s description, the school appeared a bit like the Wild Wild West. But Lowe also said these Santa Monica types had a knack for acting and scooping up awards.
Selena Gomez & Demi Lovato
It seems like they grow up so quickly especially when it seems like only yesterday Demi Levoto was the star of “Sonny with a Chance” and Selena Gomez was casting spells on “Wizards of Waverley Place.” Though these two had a long spell on the Disney Channel, they’ve actually been friends since “Barney.”
It’s not called “Barney & Friends” for nothing. It seems like “Barney & Friends” is a great place to make friends. More recently, the two starred in the 2009 Disney film, “Princess Protection Program.” Of course, it is hard to have time when you’re both super successful pop and movie stars, but the two still send each other tweets.
Elijah Wood & Macauley Culkin
For 1990s movie lovers, we remember Macauley Culkin and Elijah Wood. What is surprising is that these two child actors are real-life friends. Their friendship started in 1993 when both were cast in the thriller/horror film “The Good Son.” Now, a horror film is not exactly a breeding ground for friendship but for them, it worked. Even today they are in touch.
Though Culkin took a break from acting in 1994, when asked recently if he and Wood were still friends, Culkin replied “Of course we're friends. @elijahwood and I will always be brothers ... until he inevitably drops me off a cliff.” While “The Good Son” has officially been spoiled, it’s obvious Culkin and Wood are still on good terms – even after Wood dropped his “brother” from a cliff.
Brenda Song & Ashley Tisdale
Though you’d never say that Disney actresses, Brenda Song and Ashley Tisdale, from “The Suite Life of Zach and Cody” are actually real-life buddies. And they were friends before joining the cast of “The Suite Life.” Though she had been accepted the role in “The Suite Life of Zach and Cody,” Song was even more excited when she discovered her friend, Tisdale, was also one of the main cast members.
It was during this time that their friendship really took off. After the actresses gave birth, they became even closer. Of course, nowadays, they don’t quite have as much time to hang out – even if they live 11 minutes away from one another – but they make sure they meet up once a year.
Leonardo Dicaprio & Tobey Maguire
You can’t help watching “The Great Gatsby” (2012) and think to yourself that Tobey Maguire and Leonardo DiCaprio look like they really get on well. And you wouldn’t be wrong for thinking so. Every time, Maguire or DiCaprio are in each other’s company during the film, their eyes light up, faces glow, and smile so genuinely.
That’s because they are real-life friends and have been since age 12. The two men were child actors and met during auditions. It took more than one audition for the friendship to develop, and as kids are prone to do, they just chose to be friends and that was that. Proof that the two are really true friends is that during the production of “The Great Gatsby,” Maguire lived right next door to DiCaprio.
Chloe Sevigny & Topher Grace
Okay, these two were not exactly friends before as there is an age difference of almost four years. But these actors definitely knew each other because Chloe Sevigny used to babysit Topher Grace. For any aspiring actor, it must have been a dream to have Sevigny as your babysitter considering that she has become one of the most critically acclaimed actresses.
But becoming an accomplished actor was the last thing on Grace’s mind at that time. In fact, Grace had developed a crush on his babysitter. When he was interviewed on “The Jess Cagle Show” he let it drop that he used to blow Sevigny kisses, but only when she was not looking.
Blake Lively & Penn Badgley
While most viewers were secretly hoping and praying for their onscreen personas, Serena and Dan, to not only get back together but stay together, few viewers knew that the actors behind the scenes were actually friends long before being cast on “Gossip Girl.” One bit of gossip viewers probably know is that the TV show brought Lively and Padgely closer, much closer.
For three years while the series was on the air, the two dated. After three years, their relationship ended. Even if their relationship was over, the two were still friends and used to hang around together on the show’s set. And though they both have since married, the two remain on good terms.
Vanessa Hudgens & Ashley Tisdale
You’d never believe that these two “High School Musical” stars were really friends. Their performances were so convincing. The two Disney stars were not only real-life friends but had been buddies even before the Disney hit. A year before, the two actresses met during a Sears commercial.
Though they were already friendly, being cast together in “High School Musical” just cemented their friendship. In fact, no friendship was easier to cement as the two actresses were cast in the next two films. And cemented it has been. They two are still tight. In fact, when Tisdale tied the knot with Christopher Fench in 2014, Hudgens was one of her bridesmaids. That must have been a real Disney princess affair with two Disney stars at the event.
Sterling K. Brown & Susan Kelechi Watson
If you’re ever looking to get in with actors, before they’re famous, that is, consider attending NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. That’s if you can get in. But once you’re in, you will be with the elite of acting. NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts is ranked in the top 25 drama programs. No wonder you will be in the acting in-crowd.
One celebrity who can testify to this is “This is Us” actor, Sterling K. Brown. Before he joined the cast of the family drama, he met his fellow cast member, Susan Kelechi Watson. The two of them may have been each other’s first fans as Watson used to regularly watch theatre productions featuring Brown and Brown praised Watson’s acting abilities.
Britney Spears & Christina Aguilera
Most of us know that these two pop princesses go way back. These two ladies who were once leading the pop industry were often pitted against each other often souring the good vibes between them. In the 1990s, Britney Spears and Cristina Aguilera were both regular members of the TV show “The Mickey Mouse Club.” They were also friends back then.
That was a long time ago and these two musicians have not always been the kindest to each other. Though they are no longer friends, the two have had very similar paths with fame and they share a history. And for many individuals whenever they think of the one, they will always think of the other.
Lena Dunham & Zac Posen
For those who’re into fashion, you probably know all about Zachary Posen, more commonly known as Zac Posen. Known for his striking designs, Posen’s gowns can often be seen at the biggest and brightest events. And one person who is often seen parading one of his designs is the genius behind the series “Girls,” Lena Dunham.
Apart from the fact that Posen comes up with some pretty rad designs, there is another reason why you can find Dunham sporting one at say the Golden Globes. The fashion designer and actress/writer go back. As both were based in New York, the two would commute together. In fact, during their commutes, Posen used to restyle Dunham’s hair so that when she’d get to school, she’d have the edgiest hairstyle.
Nicole Richie & Kim Kardashian
It is no secret that the incredibly popular socialites, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie have been friends for ages. But few people know that Kim Kardashian has also had a friendship with Richie for almost as long. In fact, we have a picture of the two when Kim was just 13 years old.
Recently, the two socialites and TV personalities confessed to a bit of small-time shoplifting from a nearby drugstore when they were 11 years old. The girls have definitely grown up now and both are mothers. We’re not sure how close they are now, but they both attended Paris Hilton’s wedding in 2021. We can surely guess that they’re not getting up to any of their past antics anymore.
Taylor Lautner & Victoria Justice
What do Taylor Lautner and Victoria Justice have in common? The answer: werewolves. Lautner starred as one of the most famous werewolves in recent cinema history in the “Twilight” franchise and Justice made up the cast of the Nickelodeon horror film, “The Boy Who Cried Werewolf.”
The other thing these two have in common is an enduring friendship. As both have been in the acting industry from a young age, they soon met and have been friends ever since. And though they are both rising stars with a lot on their plates and have plenty of acting opportunities coming their way, we’re glad to report that they keep in contact.
Tyra Banks & Kimora Lee Simmons
When we say these two have a model friendship, we’re not joking. And we’re not only referring to their professions though both are models. When the models were roughly 17, they met. Of course, the two ladies had started modeling from a young age, so they were bound to meet sooner or later. Fortunately, they met sooner, and a friendship developed.
More than three decades later, the friendship continues just as strong. When Kimora married Russell Simmons in 1998, Banks was her friend’s bridesmaid. Now, she is godmother to Simmons’ 13-year-old daughter. Strange as it sounds, it seems that we must look to models for an example of a model friendship.
Amandla Stenberg & Rowan Blanchard
You might not know these actresses by name, but you’ve definitely seen some of their work. Amandla Stenberg is best known for her onscreen persona Rue in the first installment of “The Hunger Games.” Rowan Blanchard’s most notable performances were in the Disney production “Girl Meets World” and “Spy Kids: All the Time in the World.”
These two ladies started acting from a young age. And though it can be daunting for child actors, these two ladies have had each other’s support all along. When these two California actresses were just starting out, they became friends. Now, we can call them showbiz besties. Almost a decade later, they’re still going strong. When Stenberg’s film “Everything, Everything” was released, her bestie, Blanchard, was with her right there at the premiere.
Lucy Hale & Katelyn Tarver
Over the years, these two actresses have steadily made their mark on showbiz. Lucy Hale is best known for her performance in “Pretty Little Liars” while Tarver is making a name for herself as a musician and actress. What most people don’t know is that Tarver and Hale have been friends for more than two decades.
The two met during the reality singing show “American Juniors.” With only a few months difference in age, these two struck up a friendship that continues to be strong despite the two ladies’ extremely busy lives. For instance, when Tarver got married in 2014 one of her guests was none other than her lifelong bestie, Hale.
Josh Hutcherson & Avan Jogia
It seems like both these young actors have taken to experimenting with post-apocalyptic films. Josh Hutcherson is well-known for starring in the dystopian franchise “The Hunger Games” while Avan Jogia joined the cast for the latest of the “Resident Evil” franchise. Perhaps, these two have been spending too much time together and it has influenced their choice of film.
While we never know, we suspect they’ve been secretly influencing each other’s decisions. Hutcherson and Jogia have been friends for a while. As they were both born in 1992 and entered showbiz at a young age, they became friends in their tweenie years. And despite the numerous acting opportunities that have come their way, they still keep in touch.
Jaden Smith & Moisés Arias
While most critics gave Jaden Smith a hard time after his performance in “After Earth,” we know there is one person who has Smith’s back – his lifelong buddy, Moisés Arias. If the name Moisés Arias does not ring a bell, you’d probably recognize this American-Colombian actor for his portrayal of Rico in “Hannah Montana.”
While Arias has left his Disney days behind, he still holds onto his friendships from the past. Smith and Arias are good friends – they might even be best friends as Arias calls Smith his best friend. Despite the age difference of five years, the two have been hanging around for ages- which means a lot of skateboarding. The two still obviously keep in touch and make time to hang out together.
Ariana Grande & Liz Gillies
Most of us probably assume that it was the Nickelodeon teen sitcom that introduced Ariana Grande and Elizabeth Gillies. But we’d be wrong. The two actually met when they were 13 and they met at the last place you’d assume 13 years old to be at – Broadway.
Not only does this prove that Grande and Gillies have been putting their talent to use for almost two decades, but it also proves that these girls take friendship seriously. Children’s channel Nickelodeon only gave these girls a golden opportunity to cement their friendship when they were both cast in “Victorious.” And even after the sitcom has ended, they continue to be friends. Now, isn’t that a “victorious” friendship?
Meghan Markle & Katharine McPhee
After joining the royal family – and then kind of leaving the royal family – the “Suits” actress, Meghan Markle, has seen a lot of the spotlight recently. Therefore, it will not be surprising for some to know that the Duchess of Sussex and the “Idols” runner-up, Katharine McPhee, are friends. When growing up, the two went to the same school and did musicals together.
The two were not really close during their schooling years, but when Markle moved to London, friendship really took root as McPhee was starring in the production “Waitress’ on West End. Even after the royal fallout, the two are close, if not closer. In fact, during the royal separation, it was McPhee’s hubby, David Foster, who organized a home for the royal lovebirds in Canada.
Kendall Jenner & Bella Hadid
Gen Z does friendship differently. The friendship between Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid is a case in point. Unlike meeting at school, the local park, or the toy shop, these two first met online. This was in 2011 when both were in their mid-teens. Of course, they would get on like a house on fire as both are extremely stylish, fashion-conscious, and enjoy sushi.
In fact, their first in-person meeting involved sushi. And though these Gen Z ladies had a non-typical way of befriending one another, we’re happy to say they’re truly close buds. They’re always seen shopping together and year after year they hang out with each other at the Met Gala.
Courtney Love & Drew Barrymore
It is not hard to believe that these two are indeed friends and have been friends for ages. They’ve both been the entertainment industry’s ‘wild child’ at some time in their lives. That’s probably changed but the friendship between them has stayed the same.
Interestingly, their meeting wasn’t the classiest since the two ladies met while Courtney Love was puffing away in a bathroom and Drew Barrymore was only 8 years old at the time. Though there is an age difference between these two celebrities, they struck up a friendship. Their enduring connection just goes to show that age is after all just a number and that we can find friendship in the strangest of places, including a bathroom.
Paris Hilton & Nicole Richie
These two had plenty in common so it was only a matter of time before they were friends. Both were born in 1981 to wealthy dads, grew up in the same area and, as girls, attended the same schools. It was only a matter of time before they were doing everything together: shopping, slumber parties, and gossiping.
They continued as friends into their teens and early adult years, but during early adulthood, cracks in their relationship appeared. And these weren’t just small cracks. They were big enough that even when Richie tied the knot to Good Charlotte singer Joel Madden in 2010, her ex-bestie wasn’t there for the ceremony. Apparently, these two silver-spoon queens still chat but it’s not the same as their childhood days.
Mila Kunis & Ashton Kutcher
Did you know that Mila Kunis’ first kiss was with Ashton Kutcher? Of course, we’re speaking about an onscreen kiss, but we wouldn’t be surprised if it too was the Ukrainian-born actress’s first kiss too. The said kiss occurred in the popular sitcom “That’s 70’s Show.” It was also how Kunis and Kutcher met.
Kunis was only 15 when she first laid eyes on Kutcher while the actor was in his early 20s. So, technically Kutcher wasn’t a kid. The two have been friends ever since the sitcom. They’ve both seen each other get hitched and have other romances, but eventually, their friendship blossomed into romance. Now, if there isn’t a better Hollywood friendship story than this pair falling in love and tying the knot.
Eddie Redmayne & Tom Hiddleston
In an episode on “The Graham Norton Show,” Tom Hiddleston admitted to playing the elephant leg of actor, Eddie Redmayne. As confusing as it sounds, it is the literal truth. Hiddleston and Redmayne attended Eton College. Though Redmayne is the younger of the two, it was Redmayne who took the role of the lead character in the school play.
Hiddleston had to make do with the role of the front right leg of Redmayne’s elephant. While the two probably got up to plenty of antics in their schooling days, the pair have had quite a laugh about their rendition of E.M. Forster’s “A Passage to India.” While we don’t have any doubts that Hiddleston would have made a fine elephant leg, we’re glad he’s moved on to other projects.
Matt Dillion & Brooke Shields
There are plenty of photos in the archives of these two hanging out, so they know each other and have known each other for a long time. However, there have been many speculations that their relationship has not always been platonic. Like the time when Matt Dillion took Brooke Shields out for a date to the Roxy roller disco in the Big Apple.
As they both hail from the state of New York and were both in the entertainment industry from a young age, sooner or later the two would cross paths. While Shields was filming “The Blue Lagoon” and Dillion “My Bodyguard” in 1980 it was believed that the two were dating. Things did not work out but the two continue to be friends.
Tommy Lee Jones & Al Gore
If you traveled back in time to Harvard in 1965, you’d find the strangest thing – former Vice President Al Gore and actor Tommy Lee Jones were roommates. The two were roommates during their freshman year in Dunster House. Before Al Gore decided to study politics, he studied for his Bachelor of Arts in English.
While it might sound like we’re speaking about another Al Gore – not that there are many people with this full name – we’ve definitely got the right person as Al Gore was campaigning to be on the student council on his very second day on campus. Some things never change – including the friendship between the two. In 2000, at the Democratic National Convention, Jones nominated his former roommate to be the Democrat candidate.
Penn Badgley & Milo Ventimiglia
And no! We don’t mean it that way! Technically, only Penn Badgley was 18 years old so he was not quite a kid, but still a teen. In 2006, Badgley and Milo Ventimiglia were cast in the series “The Bedford Diaries.” It is not quite “The Vampire Diaries” but it does involve a love triangle. Badgley and Ventimiglia constituted the two sides of that love triangle but things offscreen couldn’t have been different. The two were roommates.
And there were loads of benefits to having Ventimiglia as a roommate. As the two look alike, Ventimiglia would lend Badgley his ID, allowing 18-year-old Badgely to enjoy a few nights on the town. Sadly, these days ended abruptly as the “The Bedford Diaries” fared badly and only lasted for one season.
Larry David & Richard Lewis
Or rather, in this case, reality becomes fiction – or inspires fiction. If anyone is a “Curb Your Enthusiasm” fan, you’d be surprised to learn that two of the main characters, Larry David and Richard Lewis, were actually pals in real life. And the two were pals for quite a long time. They met at summer camp. But they were not friends then.
Then, they kept running into each other while building up their stand-up comedy careers. Still, they were not friends. At summer camp, they didn’t get on. Then, they became rivals in the stand-up comedy circuit, but gradually the two became friends. A testament to their friendship is that Richard Lewis became a regular cast member of Larry David’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”
Nicholas Cage & Sean Penn
These California-based actors struck up a friendship when they were young. During their days, they supported one another with their career paths. Both starred in the 80s films, “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” and “Racing with the Moon.” Of course, in the next few years, their careers took off, and they both became Hollywood A-listers.
Yet, it seemed the more successful they got, the more their friendship waned. Figuratively speaking, Penn was the first one to land the punch saying that “Nic Cage is not an actor but a performer.” Naturally, this did not sit well with Cage who went out of his way to change his surname to “Cage” so that he could make a success in Hollywood without riding on the coattails of his relatives.
John Mulaney & Nick Kroll
Anything to do with comedy, these two have been involved. Whether it is witty talk shows, voice acting for comedy films, starring in comedies, sitcoms, or straight-up stand-up comedy, John Mulaney and Nick Kroll have had something to do with it. They’ve also been working on their act for the last two decades.
And though Mulaney and Kroll have featured in some stand-up comedy sessions, most people won’t know that these two go way back. They both attended Georgetown University and were classmates. They were also members of the Georgetown Players Improv Group. The two often signed up for theatre productions. It is not surprising that these two can dish out some of the funniest lines – they’ve had plenty of practice.
Jeff Garlin & Conan O’Brien
It must have been hard to keep a straight face in this house, but, at one time, talk-show host Conan O’Brien and comedian Jeff Garlin were roommates. According to O’Brien, Garlin didn’t want any straight faces around the house. This was when the two were much younger, not as successful, trying to make it in the acting world, and roommates in Chicago.
There must have been plenty of laughs to go around because Garlin wouldn’t have it any other way. He kept asking his roomie to do impressions and comic sketches for his entertainment. We must say O’Brien got a lot of opportunities to practice. It seems like we have to say thanks to Garlin for O’Brien’s witty punchlines.
Danny Devito & Michael Douglas
These two may not have the classiest of introductions – as they smoked something together on the beach back in 1967 – but it just shows that true friendship can happen anywhere and take any form. Soon, they were friends. Next, they were roommates.
Fast forward to 50 years later and they are still best friends. During the 1980s, these buds couldn’t get enough of each other. They starred in three films together including “The War of the Roses.” Apparently, audiences couldn’t get enough of the onscreen chemistry as they were popular films. The pair celebrated their friendship with an onscreen reunion in 2009 in the film “Solitary Man.”
Kiefer Sunderland & Robert Downey Jr.
While some of us know that Robert Downey Jr. and “Sex and the City” actress, Sarah Jessica Parker, once dated, few know that he was close friends with Kiefer Sunderland. The two were so close that after going through some relationship trouble with Parker, it was Sunderland whom the “Iron Man” actor turned to. He literally was Downey Jr.’s shoulder to cry on.
This was the 1980s and before either had reached the success they would later achieve. The two actors, then, rented an apartment together in LA. They also later starred in the war film “1969.” And though both went their separate ways, and their careers took them to different kinds of productions, they continue to reminisce about their close friendship in the 1980s.
Judd Apatow & Adam Sandler
The house must have come down with these two living in the same four walls. Every second must have involved slapstick humor, cheesy lines, and hilarious facial expressions. This is after all Adam Sandler and Judd Apatow we’re talking about. While they’re not the kings of comedy per se, the film producer/actor and producer/director have contributed much to the world of comedy.
Not only did these two have humble beginnings, but they experienced them together. The two shared a $900 apartment. To say they were struggling actors would be an understatement. Apparently, Sandler slept on a mattress with no sheets. But the two still made time to write jokes and scripts.
Geoffrey Rush & Mel Gibson
Can you imagine all the talent in these four walls? Few actors have the number of acting credentials under their belts that these two gentlemen have. While both have made their mark in the entertainment industry, few know that they once were roommates. For four months, they two rented an apartment together while studying at the National Institute of Dramatic Art in Sydney. Gibson attended the right school as nothing quite is as dramatic as Gibson’s famous line ‘Freedom’ in “Braveheart.”
Unfortunately for Gibson, his air for dramatics had major competition as his own roommate from back in the day has also proved himself to be a pretty accomplished actor. Apparently, the true competition between these men during their Sydney days was over a love interest – which Rush reportedly won.
Tina Fey & Amy Poehler
Amy Poehler once was reported describing Tina Fey “as just like Poehler but with brown hair.” That pretty much sums up their friendship. These two are like two peas in a pod, except one has brown hair. And their friendship has taken to the silver screen. In fact, watching any film with this comedic pair just highlights the wonderful friendship these two have.
And when the one is without the other, you can’t help missing seeing the two of them together. The two have been friends for an astounding 30 years. And it is obvious that they’re just getting started as they’re starting their comedy tour soon. Everything just makes sense since Fey and Poehler are comedy besties.
Ewan McGregor & Jude Law
The two rented an apartment in Primrose Hill, London. But it was not only these two who lived there but up-and-coming actors such as Jonny Lee Miller, Angelina Jolie, and Sadie Frost (who later married Jude Law). To say that these two were close was an understatement. There is a rare photo from these days where McGregor is sipping a cup of tea while in the bath and Law is using the toilet while reading the newspaper.
Did we mention it was in the same WC? And that these two activities were happening simultaneously. With that kind of closeness and comfort, we’re not surprised the pair are friends 25 years later. They also co-founded a British film and production company together with Frost called Natural Nylon.
Jason Priestley & Brad Pitt
In 1987, Brad Pitt and Jason Priestley were very different men. The way these two got acquainted clearly shows that. During that year, one day Priestley came home to find a random, tall, skinny stranger sleeping in his bed. The sleeping stranger was Brad Pitt. It was not long before the two became best chums and moved into together.
And though these two Ps were destined for fame – and mega-fame in the case of Pitt – you’d never say so as they were pretty much slumming it. Money was tight then so the two lived on beer and Ramen noodles and had competitions who could go the longest without showering. Thankfully, those two showered before auditions, otherwise “Beverly Hills: 90210” and “Thelma & Louise” wouldn’t have been the same.
Riley Keough & Juno Temple
Sometimes, a film – even a bizarre love story – and living together are the necessary ingredients for friendship. Yes, you heard right – living together. These two young actresses, Riley Keough and Juno Temple were thrown into deep water when they had to share an apartment during the filming of the love-horror “Jack & Diane.”
According to the actresses who were in their early 20s at the time, Keough had just had her hair cut in preparation for the film and that was when the two met. Looking back, the two actresses thought it was crazy to share an apartment with a complete stranger, but a decade later, their careers have taken off and the two are still friends.
Amanda Seyfried & Mae Whitman
Amanda Seyfried is generally associated with her roles in “Mamma Mia” and “Jennifer’s Body” and Mae Whitman for starring in “Good Girls” – where she is not so good – and “Parenthood.” The two are seldom associated with another one. But, despite their age difference of three years, these two young actresses are childhood friends.
You might be surprised to see a picture of the two as children posing together and sporting denim jackets. Perhaps, one day the two will star in a production together and hopefully they’ll have a chance to revive their denim look. We’d certainly approve and be lining up for tickets.
Madelaine Petsch & Vanessa Morgan
“Riverdale” is a teen mystery/drama that has jet-started the careers of many young Hollywood actors and actresses. One such actress is Madelaine Petsch who portrays a troubled, but manipulative teenager, Cheryl Blossom. One of the actress’s co-stars in the series is Vanessa Morgan, who plays Petsch’s onscreen romantic interest.
What is interesting is that these two are really close in real life. They’re not quite as close offscreen as they are onscreen as they’re not a romantic pair, but they’re certainly bosom buddies. Friendship blossomed between these two long before Petsch starred as “Blossom.” The two met during “Riverdale” auditions and ever since, they’ve done everything together like shopping.
Sophie Turner & Maisie Williams
While there was certainly no love lost between these on-screen sisters, it turns out that the “Game of Thrones” universe is very different from our own. Maisie Williams and Sophie Turner have reached the height of fame with their roles as the Stark sisters in the incredibly successful, “Game of Thrones.”
It is not only the series’ soundtrack that is cool but so is the sister’s relationship. And we don’t mean that as a compliment. However, offscreen, there is only a one-year age difference. After working together for eight years and meeting when they were kids, they became friends – and close friends. The two were so close that there were even rumors going around things were not entirely platonic, but those were only rumors after all.
Mel Gibson & Robert Downey Jr.
Every now and then, Hollywood – in real life – gives us a heartbreaking story. The story of Mel Gibson and Robert Downey Jr.’s friendship is one of the resilience of friendship. Technically, they didn’t become friends when either one was a child, but their friendship came at a rare moment. They had both been cast in “Air America.”
The film was a major plot and burnt major holes into the production house, Tri-Star Pictures. It seemed that Downey Jr.’s career in entertainment was over while Gibson’s was on fire. He had hit major success with “Lethal Weapon.” However, Gibson stuck by his friend all the time even when Downey Jr.’s life seemed to unravel. Still to this day, Downey Jr. can’t thank his friend enough.
Madonna & Debi Mazar
Madonna is the official queen of pop and even the queen of pop needs a best friend. Naturally, the queen of pop’s best friend would be equally talented. If you like your old-school gangster movies, then you’re already acquainted with Madonna’s best friend, Debi Mazar. She was the love interest and mistress of Ray Liotta’s main character in "Goodfellas."
As the two actresses met in the 1980s before either was famous, they’ve known each other a long time. Their friendship has spanned four decades. The two met while working at the Danceteria nightclub. Madonna asked Mazar to do her makeup if she stars in a music video. After that, the two were friends. Though the queen of pop has suffered some health problems, her best friend, Mazar, has got her back.
Brooke Shields & Laura Linney
Not only have these two actresses, Laura Linney and Brooke Shields, been stable figures in the Hollywood circuit, but they have also been staple figures in each other’s lives. While Shields’ modeling days go back to her childhood – Shields started modeling at 11 months old – the two did not meet through showbiz but at school.
Linney would only start pursuing an acting career after the two were friends. Since then, they have remained friends. Recently, Linney went into more detail about their friendship explaining that the two used to visit each other’s houses. The “Ozark” actress mentioned that Shields did not grow up in the most loving household and that she was often concerned for her friend. That has not stopped “The Blue Lagoon” actress from becoming a doting mother.
Conan O’Brien & Lisa Kudrow
For many, it will surprise you to learn that the actress, Lisa Kudrow, of the incredibly popular sitcom “Friends,” once dated none other than Conan O’Brien of “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien.” The two met through the improv school and comedy troupe, “The Groundlings.”
Since the improv school was mainly established for comedians, it goes without saying what the two had in common – comedy. They dated briefly but decided to stay just friends. This gave Kudrow plenty of practice as soon after she landed a role in the classic sitcom, “Friends.” O’Brien’s career also took a promising turn as he joined a talk show after the two separated.
Angela Bassett & Courtney B. Vance
Surprisingly, though these two have been a couple for almost four decades, the two did not date straight away. In fact, when the two met, Courtney B. Vance was already committed to another girlfriend. The two first met when they were graduate students in Yale’s drama program. Though they knew each other during their acting days, fate had other plans and decided to bring the two together again.
Vance met her out with her friends. After recognizing Bassett, the two went out. And the rest is history – and as mentioned, the two have had quite an enduring history. The couple has two kids – the twins Slater Josiah Vance and Bronwyn Golden Vance.
Ben Affleck & Matt Damon
No list of celebrity childhood friendships would be complete without these two. For as long as most of us can remember, these two have been friends. But most of us don’t know that they met when Ben Affleck was eight and Matt Damon was 10. Although they lived two blocks from one another, it was only later in high school that their friendship really took off.
Apparently, Matt Damon had run into some trouble with a much bigger kid and Affleck came to his defense. After that, the friends supported each other all the way with their acting. They traveled together for auditions and later co-wrote movies together including the critically acclaimed “Good Will Hunting.” These two actors are one of the best examples of enduring friendships in Hollywood.