Famous Co-Stars Who Are Best Friends in Real Life
Mixing work and play can be tricky, but many famous co-stars have formed forever friendships after working together — even with their crazy schedules and the complications fame brings. When times get tough, these celebrities can count on their BFFs for support.
From bromances to girl gangs, here are famous co-stars who are best friends in real life. Their friendships will have you saying “goals.”
Courteney Cox and Jennifer Aniston
After meeting on the hit show Friends, Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox have become inseparable. On the show, the pair were roommates and BFFs. In real life, they’ve been there for each other through life’s ups and downs, including birthdays, marriages, children and divorces.
For instance, Cox was the maid of honor at Aniston’s wedding, and Aniston is godmother to Cox’s daughter. They also post cute comments about each other on social media. Friends ended in 2004, but the friendship these two have isn’t going anywhere.
Jada Pinkett Smith and Queen Latifah
This beautiful friendship goes way back. In fact, Jada Pinkett Smith and Queen Latifah knew each other before becoming Hollywood co-stars. The two met at a Baltimore club more than 30 years ago.
When Smith was a teenager, she convinced a club promoter to introduce her to the queen rapper. Since then, they’ve starred together in the crime movie Set It Off and the hilarious blockbuster Girls Trip. After all these years, their friendship remains strong. “Jada and I can have whole conversations where we haven’t really said anything, but we’ve said a lot,” says Latifah.
James Franco and Seth Rogen
Seth Rogen and James Franco have co-starred in multiple films, including This Is The End and The Interview. These two hilarious actors are Hollywood BFFs and real-life BFFs. Although they acted in Freaks and Geeks together, they didn’t become besties until they starred in Pineapple Express.
Rogen told Indiewire, “[Franco] helped me be happier with my work, and myself in general. And he’s just a great friend and makes good pie.” Franco revealed that he’s written poems about their powerful friendship. Isn’t that sweet?
Reese Witherspoon and Mindy Kaling
Reese Witherspoon and Mindy Kaling were destined to be besties. They’ve always admired each other’s work, but after appearing in the film A Wrinkle in Time, Kaling and Witherspoon made their friendship official. The adorable pair have gone on adventures together, such as exploring New Zealand.
During the holidays, they’ve made Christmas wreaths for each other. While Kaling produces and manages several shows, Witherspoon cheers her on. Even better, Witherspoon has a hardcore yet cute nickname for Kaling: “Min Diesel.” Vin Diesel would be proud.
Sanaa Lathan and Regina Hall
For more than 20 years, Sanaa Lathan and Regina Hall have fiercely supported each other, even when they’ve auditioned for the same movie roles. They worked together for the first time on the film The Best Man and appeared together again in its sequel, The Best Man Holiday.
The two women also starred as sisters in the romantic drama film, Love and Basketball. Lathan and Hall definitely treat each other as sisters off-screen. Their loving relationship is so deep that they call each other their “human diaries.”
Penélope Cruz and Salma Hayek
The co-stars played partners who became pals in the film Bandidas. For more than 20 years, Penélope Cruz and Salma Hayek have been besties. They’re also not afraid to prank each other and laugh about it. Hayek played a trick on Cruz on the TV show Punk’d.
The two ladies also have a nickname for each other — “eggs” (or “huevos” in Spanish). Before having children, Cruz and Hayek often called each other eggs because they snoozed in bed a lot, like eggs in a nest.
Matt Damon and Ben Affleck
Who doesn’t love a good bromance? Matt Damon and Ben Affleck instantly became friends when they were children. They grew up together and went on to work together. Remember the Oscar-winning film Good Will Hunting? Damon and Affleck not only acted in the movie, but they also wrote it.
Damon explains, “We were both in love with the same thing — acting and filmmaking. I think we fed on each other’s obsession during really formative, important years and that bonded us for life.” The pair have been long-time buds for more than 35 years, sticking together through thick and thin.
Lana Condor and Noah Centineo
Fans shipped Lana Condor and Noah Centineo ever since they watched Netflix’s To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. There’s no denying that Condor and Centineo make a great fictional couple in the film. They have amazing on-screen chemistry (and off-screen, according to many fans).
But in real life, these two are just close friends who show mad love to each other. Condor and Centineo made a pact to keep their relationship platonic and professional. It’s still clear that the two care for each other very much as friends.
Busy Philipps and Michelle Williams
Busy Philipps and Michelle Williams confirm that your true love can be your best friend. The pair instantly connected while working on the hit show Dawson’s Creek. They accompany each other to red carpet events, such as the Oscars and Golden Globes.
The women often pop up on each other’s social media posts. They’re also not afraid to hold hands in public. Williams told People, “She’s proof that the love of your life does not have to be a man! That’s the love of my life right there.”
Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore
These two ladies were besties before their stunning star roles in the Charlie’s Angels film series. At age 14, Drew Barrymore worked as a barista and often served coffee to 16-year-old Cameron Diaz. Today, the two lovingly support each other through life’s highs and lows.
The two often cook, exercise and watch TV together. They also appear on each other’s social media posts. Barrymore told ET, “We’re like more than best friends, she’s my sister.” She’s also shared that if she went to jail, the first person she’d call is Diaz.
Selma Blair and Sarah Michelle Gellar
The best thing to come out of Cruel Intentions, besides that unforgettable kissing scene, is the everlasting friendship of Selma Blair and Sarah Michelle Gellar. Although they appeared as on-screen frenemies, the two care about each other so much in real life.
When Blair suffered from serious health issues, Gellar didn’t leave her side. On Instagram, Blair shared a heartwarming message about Gellar, saying, “She tucked me in and brought me dinner and loved me up. I woke with so much love for #sarahmichellegellar. Since the day I met her over 20 years ago, she fought for me along with @rogerkumble to be Cecile. She took me under her wing and today is no different. I am so in love with my angel of a friend. The best.”
Brad Pitt and George Clooney
This bromance is known for its hilarious pranks. George Clooney, the main jokester, secretly puts incriminating bumper stickers on Brad Pitt’s car. He also pretended to be Pitt and sent other A-list actors humiliating pitch letters.
Pitt fired back by making up stories about Clooney’s romantic relationships on TV interviews. The never-ending prank war shows how much they enjoy laughing with (and at) each other. These two also know when to be serious. For instance, they’ve starred in the Ocean’s film series and Burn After Reading.
Ashley Tisdale and Vanessa Hudgens
Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale have played enemies in High School Musical movies since 2006. But these two Wildcats are super-close friends in real life. They attend each other’s shows, support one another in movies and go to concerts together.
Hudgens was also a bridesmaid in Tisdale’s wedding. For more than 10 years, these two besties have performed at concerts, traveled the world and created impressive song covers together. It’s easy to see that their friendship is still going strong; just check their social media shoutouts to each other.
Jordan Peele and Keegan-Michael Key
These comedy kings are a match made in heaven. Their story started in Chicago in 2012. After having dinner with Jordan Peele, Keegan-Michael Key went home and told his wife he fell in love. The two previously starred on Fox’s sketch comedy series Mad TV.
They continue bringing people joy and laughter with their own sketch series, Key & Peele. When it comes to celebrating your friend’s accomplishments, some people may say Key does it best. Peele won an Academy Award for his film Get Out, and Key was found jumping and screaming for joy. At the afterparty, the two shared a heartfelt hug.
Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts
Long-time BFFs Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts went to the same high school and theater club in Australia. But they didn’t solidify their friendship until 1991, when they both starred in the film Flirting. The two besties have experienced many ups and downs in life.
After all these years, the two still have a lot of respect and love for one another. Kidman and Watts celebrate birthdays, go on vacations and attend shows together. Watts notes that their experiences keep them close.
Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart
Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart first met on The Martha Stewart Show in 2008. Stewart invited the rapper to make mashed potatoes. They admired each other after their joint appearance but didn’t become close until they reunited to roast Justin Bieber on Comedy Central.
It was at that moment that Snoop and Stewart knew they were going to bond for life. In 2016, the two besties starred in their own show, Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party. When it comes to their friendship, Snoop says, “She’s the big sister I never had. Being able to correct me, to teach me, to show me how to be better, to give me something to aspire to be.”
Jet Li and Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan almost declined acting in the film The Forbidden Kingdom until he heard Jet Li was also working on the project. The two legends of the martial arts world fight in the movie. But while filming, the cameraman told them to slow down because their moves were too fast.
Although fans tend to compare the two actors, Chan and Li are best buds. In fact, Li tweeted, “Jackie Chan is one of my best friends in the industry, we were lucky to work together in The Forbidden Kingdom.”
Blake Lively, Alexis Bledel, America Ferrera and Amber Tamblyn
These ladies were strangers when they met on the set of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, but it didn’t take long before they became sisters in real life. Alexis Bledel, America Ferrera, Blake Lively and Amber Tamblyn share the same values, such as supporting their loved ones and participating in charity work.
Throughout their friendship, this girl gang has experienced weddings, pregnancies, protests and new projects together. For instance, when Ferrera announced she was pregnant with her first child, the girls reunited and surrounded her with blessings. They also got together for Tamblyn’s directorial debut.
Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake
In 2002, Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake became pals after the MTV Video Music Awards. Fallon was hosting the show for the first time, and Timberlake was performing without NSYNC for the first time. The pair was nervous, but they comforted each other through the night.
Their relationship deepened after performing sketches together on Saturday Night Live. Wearing ’70s suits, the duo continues to impersonate the Bee Gees brothers, Barry and Robin Gibbs. On the show and in real life, Fallon and Timberlake are often found singing, dancing and goofing off together.
Taraji P. Henson and Mary J. Blige
Mary J. Blige, the queen of hip-hop soul, co-starred with Taraji P. Henson in the 2009 Tyler Perry film I Can Do Bad All by Myself. Now, they’re close friends who give each other strength through life’s ups and downs.
When Henson received her shining star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Blige was there to honor her bestie with a sweet speech. “She’s helped me through so many things and brought sunshine to my darkest day,” said Blige.
Sophie Turner and Maisie Williams
The Game of Thrones co-stars played the Stark sisters on the show and treat each other like sisters in real life. Sophie Turner and Maisie Williams also call each other “bae” and “soulmate.” These besties have shared many life milestones.
On Instagram, Turner and Williams often post their adventures together, even throwback pictures. The two fix each other’s outfits, have matching tattoos and walk the red carpets together. But most importantly, they continue to show so much love to one another.
Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio
Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio portrayed one of the most iconic movie couples of all time, Jack and Rose. The pair didn’t form a romantic relationship on the set of Titanic, but they ignited a true friendship that has lasted for more than two decades.
These besties can’t help but speak highly of each other. DiCaprio declares Winslet is the best (and his favorite) actress in the industry. When Winslet won a Golden Globe award in 2009, she said, “Leo, I’m so happy I can stand here and tell you how much I love you and how much I’ve loved you for 13 years… I love you with all my heart, I really do.”
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler
In the early ’90s, Tina Fey met her comedy soulmate, Amy Poehler, for the first time at a Chicago improv group. These two hilarious women went on to collaborate on many projects, including three major movies: Baby Mama, Mean Girls and Sisters.
The entertaining duo also hosted Saturday Night Live and the Golden Globes. Fey and Poehler aren’t just working pals; they’re BFFs in real life. They’re so close that they often prank each other and plan to have their children marry each other.
Emma Watson and Tom Felton
Harry Potter co-stars Emma Watson and Tom Felton caused a stir on the internet after posting an Instagram picture of the two playing the guitar. Fans hoped the pair were romantically involved, but Watson and Felton responded that they’re just close friends.
While filming the Harry Potter series, Watson admitted that she had a huge crush on Felton. But the two turned into best buddies who cheer each other on when it comes to work and skateboarding. Felton stated, “We’re reuniting all the time we just don’t always post it on Instagram.”
Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson
Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson always seem to work together. It’s easy to think that because they’ve co-starred in more than 12 films, such as Zoolander, Meet the Fockers, Night at the Museum and The Cable Guy. The two actually met while Stiller was directing and Wilson was auditioning for The Cable Guy in the ’90s.
Earlier in their friendship, Stiller told People, “(Wilson) will periodically e-mail me from some exotic place, doing some cool movie somewhere, asking me if I want to come visit for the weekend. I’m not sure he knows I’m married with kids.”
Donald Faison and Zach Braff
This bromance started on the set of Scrubs in 2011. Donald Faison and Zach Braff played two best friends who landed in the same college, internship and hospital for work. Their characters also moved in together. Their friendship exists off-screen too, with fans calling it “friendship goals.”
Faison and Braff have celebrated Valentine’s Day and birthdays together. Their level of bromance includes posting pictures of themselves holding and carrying each other. The two also travel the world together, going everywhere from Disneyland to Cabo San Lucas.
Spike Lee and Samuel L. Jackson
Spike Lee and Samuel L. Jackson first met in New York in 1981. Lee encouraged Jackson to star in his films, and it was a life-changing move. Jackson’s first breakthrough role was in Lee’s Jungle Fever. The two continued working together, forming a close relationship.
Their bromance isn’t always in the public eye, but many people saw how much they cared about each other at the 2019 Oscars. Jackson had the best reaction after opening the envelope and presenting Lee with his first Academy Award for Best Screenplay for BlacKkKlansman. As Lee accepted his win, he jumped up and hugged Jackson. We’re not sure who was happier.
Ashley Benson and Shay Mitchell
The Pretty Little Liars cast is close, but Ashley Benson and Shay Mitchell are serious BFF goals. Coworkers turned besties, the pair first met on set. Mitchell says their encounter was “love at first sight.” Although they worked together often, they also hung out all the time in real life.
These two ladies are constantly on each other’s Instagram pages. They’ve gotten their nails done, traveled to Hawaii and danced it up at Coachella together. Benson and Mitchell are megastars, but they make sure to schedule in some bonding time to be silly with each other.
Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone
Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone are best friends made in movie heaven. Their friendship deepened after starring in three movies together, Crazy, Stupid, Love., Gangster Squad and La La Land. They play romantic roles and display incredible chemistry on-screen.
But offscreen, these BFFs are constantly goofing off and making each other laugh. Gosling and Stone are comfortable with their work dynamic and know how to have fun at the same time. They also push each other to do better and cheer one another on.
Paul Walker and Vin Diesel
This friendship deserves an honorable mention. Paul Walker passed away in 2013, but his bond with Vin Diesel will always be remembered. The two met on the set of the film The Fast and The Furious. Thirteen years later, the two starred in a total of five Fast films together.
Walker and Diesel were best friends who helped each other through work, family and life. After Walker passed on, his mom apologized to Diesel and said, “You lost your other half.” To honor his long-time friend, Diesel named his daughter Pauline.
