By Michelle Darrisaw, Oprah Magazine
Celebrities have demanding schedules and face an enormous amount of pressure being in the spotlight. Thankfully, they can turn to their fellow famous friends when times get tough and to help them land award-winning roles. From familiar companions such as Oprah and Gayle King, to lesser-known besties like Hillary Clinton and Meryl Streep, here are 20 ride-or-die celeb BFFs who make work look like play.
Jennifer Lopez and Leah Remini
Though the New York natives have been friends for years, Leah Remini and the newly-engaged Jennifer Lopez just recently starred in their first movie together, Second Act. In an interview with OprahMag.com, Remini revealed that Lopez always has her back when she's auditioning for roles, telling her "you got this."
Oprah and Gayle King
O's resident BFFs met in 1976 while working at a Baltimore TV station. Oprah was a news anchor, and Gayle King was a production assistant. According to King, when a snowstorm hit the area, Oprah asked her to stay at her house for safety. "We became friends that first night because for the first time, I met somebody who I felt was like me," King said.
Will Smith and Tom Cruise
Actors Will Smith and Tom Cruise have long held a Hollywood bromance. Though they've never collaborated on a film together, Smith spoke highly of his friend in 2007 to Access Hollywood. "When I sit and I talk with Tom Cruise, he is one of the greatest spirits that I’ve ever met-someone who is committed to making the world better."
Bette Midler and 50 Cent
While they probably won't be making sweet music together, rapper 50 cent and actress Bette Midler originally connected after working on a Queens community garden project in 2008. "Little Jewish lady and the great big rapper," Midler told E! News. "He's one of the newest members of our tribe. He's really made my life worth living."
Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland
Best friends that slay together, stay together. These two Southern songbirds have been close since the early '90s, when they formed the group, Girls Tyme (later renamed to Destiny's Child). In a recent birthday post on Instagram, Queen Bey wrote to Rowland, "I love you Deep Deep. BIG deep."
Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore
This funny pair's friendship predates their star-turning roles in the Charlie's Angels movie franchise. They actually grew close over coffee. Back then, Drew Barrymore worked as a barista, and one of her frequent customers was Cameron Diaz. "We're like more than best friends, she's my sister," Barrymore told ET in July 2018. "We've had the majority of our lives spent side by side, really going through what real life is, which is an everyday high and low, and we just have each other's backs."
Michelle Obama and Beyoncé
Okay, they might not be best friends, but the superstar's girl crush on the former First Lady dates back to 2009, when she sang "At Last" at one of the inauguration balls for former President Obama. Ever since, Michelle Obama has attended a few Beyoncé concerts with her daughters and husband, and Beyoncé has partnered with Mrs. Obama on several campaigns, including 2011's "Let's Move!" initiative.
Meghan Markle and Serena Williams
At Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's fairy tale nuptials, Serena Williams, along with Oprah, were some of the famous names on the guest list. Apparently, the Duchess of Sussex was first introduced to Williams in 2010 at a Super Bowl Party, and the two have been friends ever since. Here they are in 2014, playing flag football together at DirectTV’s Celebrity Beach Bowl.
Meryl Streep and Hillary Clinton
Looks like former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton could count on one vote from her A-list circle, and that's from Meryl Streep. "She [Clinton] has turned out to be the voice of her generation," Streep said at the Women in World Summit. "I’m an actress, and she is the real deal." Most recently, Streep spoke on behalf of her friend at the 2016 Democratic Convention.
Regina King and Gabrielle Union
In February, we learned that Regina King and Gabrielle Union have an unbreakable bond, one that could survive a near-drowning incident. While vacationing together in Bermuda, King came to her BFFs rescue after a snorkeling accident.
Oprah and Maria Shriver
The O of O met Maria Shriver over 30 years ago in 1978 while working on a show called People Are Talking in Baltimore. In 2018, Oprah tweeted this about her lifelong friend: "Maria has been my friend since we were both young reporters in Baltimore. Her wisdom and open heart is what the world needs more of right now."
Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts
Although the actresses attended the same high school and theater company in Australia, they didn't become friends until 1991 when they met on the set of the coming-of-age drama, Flirting. "We’ve gone through a lot together over a significant amount of time," Watts told People in 2017. "That history binds you. We have a strong respect and love for one another."
Kate Hudson, Liv Tyler, and Stella McCartney
Talk about a squad! Actresses Kate Hudson and Liv Tyler have known each other since they attended the same high school, Crossroads School For Arts and Sciences. "I’m very lucky that Stella McCartney is one of my best girlfriends, so at least once a year I get a new jumpsuit as a gift," Hudson told Harper's Bazaar. "I wear a lot of Stella."
Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart
Odd coupling alert! At first glance, rapper Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart might seem strange. But the unlikely culinary duo actually have amazing chemistry, as seen on their VH1 cooking show Martha & Snoop's Potluck Dinner Party. "The melding of cultures is really what I want to see happen in the United States and so does Snoop," Stewart told The Hollywood Reporter in 2018.
Spike Lee and Samuel L. Jackson
If you were confused when Samuel L. Jackson gave Spike Lee a huge bear hug at the 2019 Academy Awards, allow us to clarify. Not only has Jackson starred in many of Lee's films, including School Daze and Do the Right Thing, but he also attended Morehouse College in Atlanta with Lee.
Jada Pinkett Smith and Queen Latifah
For the past three decades, Jada Pinkett Smith and Queen Latifah have been close friends, both on- and off-screen. They met at a club in Baltimore when Pinkett Smith was a teenager. Latifah was performing, and Pinkett Smith told People that she "convinced the promoter" to let her introduce the rapper. They later appeared together in the '90s crime movie, Set It Off, and the 2017 blockbuster flick, Girls Trip.
Reese Witherspoon and Mindy Kaling
Reese Witherspoon and Mindy Kaling's friendship was practically written in the stars. The adventurous pair have been chummy ever since they both appeared in the film, A Wrinkle in Time, with Oprah. The coworkers turned besties have made Christmas wreaths for each other and toured New Zealand together.
Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox
Friends co-stars Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox have made good on the lyrics from the theme song of their hit TV series: "I'll be there for you." The former fictional roommates continue to remain close since the show ended in 2004. In February, Cox wrote to Aniston on Instagram, "The world definitely got brighter the day this girl was born," in honor of her BFF's 50th birthday.
Kerry Washington and Eva Longoria
When it comes to pregnancy advice and being a working mother in Hollywood, new mom Eva Longoria had her celeb bestie and fellow actress Kerry Washington to turn to for help. Washington, who Longoria crowned as her "doula," said, "I really do try to have those conversations openly and honestly as possible, especially with my soul sister, with Eva."
Andy Cohen and Sarah Jessica Parker
The fabulous Andy Cohen and Sarah Jessica Parker are more than just style buddies. In 2015, Cohen dished about his celeb BFF, who he met when he was a producer on CBS's The Morning Show. "She’s really thoughtful," Cohen told Out. "She’s one of those people who doesn’t forget a person that she meets. She’s as wonderful as you could possibly imagine.
Julia Roberts and George Clooney
Ever since they starred as thieves in Ocean's Eleven together in 2001, Julia Roberts and George Clooney have maintained a tight-knit friendship. "What a relief we’re not Hollywood friends," Roberts told People. "I just said to him an hour ago, 'Thank God we really do like each other, or we’d be in hell.'"
Sanaa Lathan and Regina Hall
Sanaa Lathan and Regina Hall have been friends for more than 20 years, proving that two actresses can still support each other while competing for the same roles. They played pals in the 2013 movie, The Best Man Holiday. Union (Gabrielle) is also a part of their sister circle.
Busy Philipps and Michelle Williams
Busy Philipps and Michelle Williams first became friends in 2001 on the set of Dawson's Creek, and have been inseparable ever since. "I’m so in love with her," 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."
Taraji P. Henson and Mary J. Blige
When Taraji P. Henson received her long overdue star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2019, Mary J. Blige was there by her side to pay tribute to her. "She’s helped me through so many things and brought sunshine to my darkest day," Blige said at the ceremony, adding that Henson is "a true angel." In turn, Henson also revealed to OprahMag.com that the song that helps her to live her best life is Blige's hit single "Just Fine."
