Celebrity Friendships That People Don't Know Started Way Before Fame

Celebrity Friendships That People Don't Know Started Way Before Fame


July 3, 2025 | Jane O'Shea

Celebrity Friendships That People Don't Know Started Way Before Fame


No-Buzz Days

These aren’t your typical “we met on set” stories. We’re talking old-school connections—childhood classmates, party partners, summer camp buddies, and even pen pals. The kind of bonds that started long before paparazzi knew their names.

Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie

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Leonardo DiCaprio And Tobey Maguire

Auditioning for the same roles in 1980s Hollywood could have easily made them enemies, but Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire defied the odds by becoming lifelong buddies instead. It is said that both of these struggling teenage actors were constantly vying for identical parts.

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Leonardo DiCaprio And Tobey Maguire

Their friendship has weathered decades of A-list fame, with DiCaprio even helping Maguire secure his breakthrough role in The Cider House Rules. Today, they're still spotted together at basketball games and exclusive parties, proving that genuine friendship can survive the cutthroat world of stardom.

Leonardo DiCaprio And Tobey Maguire The Cider House Rules (1999) Official Trailer - Tobey Maguire, Charlize Theron Movie HD by Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers

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Paris Hilton And Nicole Richie

Since early childhood, these women have maintained a prominent, lifelong companionship. Both were raised in wealthy Los Angeles areas, attended the Buckley School, and, partly due to their parents' strong closeness, ended up as inseparable "partners in crime" as early as age two.

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Paris Hilton And Nicole Richie

According to sources, their bond was so strong that their mothers sometimes tried to keep them apart, believing that the duo together was a recipe for mischief. Their connection catapulted into the public eye with the launch of The Simple Life in 2003, a reality show.

Paris Hilton And Nicole Richie Top 10 Funniest The Simple Life Moments by MsMojo

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Tina Fey And Amy Poehler

In the early 1990s, Chicago's comedy scene was a breeding ground for future actors, and nowhere was this more evident than at the Improv Olympic theater. Two soon-to-be artists were grinding it out in the city's competitive improv world, taking classes and acting in cramped theaters.

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Tina Fey And Amy Poehler

What makes their partnership so special isn't just their comedic chemistry, but the genuine respect they developed through years of shared struggles. From co-anchoring “Weekend Update” on Saturday Night Live to their multiple Golden Globe hosting gigs, their success stems from a foundation built on mutual admiration.

Tina Fey And Amy Poehler Audience Q&A – SNL50 by Saturday Night Live

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Al Gore And Tommy Lee Jones

While Gore was attending Harvard University to study government and get ready for a career in politics, Jones was already displaying the zeal that would later make him a household name. Their camaraderie proved its strength when Jones spoke at the 2000 Democratic National Convention.

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Al Gore And Tommy Lee Jones

He had passionately endorsed his college roommate for President. "Al Gore has been one of my closest friends since the day we met on the first day of college 35 years ago," Jones declared. Initially, they lived across the hall from each other in Mower Hall.

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Ben Platt And Beanie Feldstein

Musical theater dreams often begin in childhood, but for Ben Platt and Beanie Feldstein, destiny struck at a Bat Mitzvah party during their teenage years. The upcoming Broadway and Hollywood stars randomly united over show tunes and theatrical aspirations at their mutual pal's celebration.

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Ben Platt And Beanie Feldstein

After reconnecting years later at a Los Angeles performing arts school, their amity turned into a creative partnership. They frequently support each other at opening nights, perform together at special events, and will soon co-star in the film adaptation of Merrily We Roll Along.

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Maya Rudolph And Gwyneth Paltrow

Nepotism in Hollywood mostly gets criticized, but sometimes it forms beautiful bonds that span generations. Maya Rudolph and Gwyneth Paltrow's rapport stems from their fathers, Richard Rudolph, a music producer, and Bruce Paltrow, a TV director and producer. They were besties in college.

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Maya Rudolph And Gwyneth Paltrow

The daughters first met when they were just seven years old and went to the same Santa Monica school, St Augustine by the Sea. Paltrow even referenced their relationship during a 2001 Saturday Night Live monologue, saying that she's super-funny and talented.

Maya Rudolph And Gwyneth Paltrow Mango: Gwyneth Paltrow - Saturday Night Live by Saturday Night Live

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Jamie Dornan And Andrew Garfield

Another pair of hustlers in early 2000s London found themselves sharing cramped apartments to make ends meet. Their living situation included a rotating cast of heroes like Charlie Cox, Robert Pattinson, and Eddie Redmayne, developing what was essentially a dormitory for Britain's next generation of leading men.

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Jamie Dornan And Andrew Garfield

Nearly two decades later, their fellowship has survived Garfield's transformation into Spider-Man and Dornan's controversial role in the Fifty Shades franchise. Both of them frequently speak about their early days of rejection and shared meals of cheap pasta, experiences that brought them close.

Jamie Dornan And Andrew Garfield First Meeting with Christian Grey | Fifty Shades of Grey | CLIP by Boxoffice Movie Scenes

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Matt Damon And Ben Affleck

Cambridge, Massachusetts, in the 1980s was hardly a Hollywood hotbed, yet it produced one of cinema's most famous writing partnerships. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck grew up just blocks apart and spent their teenage days working as extras in films shot around Boston.

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Matt Damon And Ben Affleck

This included uncredited appearances in Field of Dreams. They reached their peak with Good Will Hunting, a script they wrote combined, that not only launched their careers but earned them Academy Awards for Best Original Screenplay at ages 27 and 25, respectively.

Matt Damon And Ben Affleck Good Will Hunting | Official Trailer (HD) Robin Williams, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck | MIRAMAX by MIRAMAX

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BJ Novak And John Krasinski

Novak and John Krasinski have a long-standing friendship that started in their childhood and continued through high school. Both grew up in Newton, Massachusetts, where they played Little League baseball together and attended Newton South High School, graduating in the same class in 1997.

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BJ Novak And John Krasinski

Novak even gave Krasinski his first big break as the hero of a satirical high school play he wrote and cast. However, their contrasting personalities mirrored their characters' dynamic on The Office. Here, Novak played the ambitious temp Howard, and Krasinski portrayed the lovable salesman Halpert.

BJ Novak And John Krasinski The Best Jokes From Every B.J. Novak Written Episode - The Office US by The Office

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Lauryn Hill And Zach Braff

It all began at Braff’s Bar Mitzvah party in suburban New Jersey. The future Scrubs star has shared the amusing story of how his bar mitzvah featured a "musical theater theme," complete with games and activities that paired guests together for various competitions.

Lauryn Hill And Zach BraffScrubs Stars Zach Braff and Donald Faison Play Fast Money - Celebrity Family Feud by ABC

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Lauryn Hill And Zach Braff

Braff's companion for these musical activities was none other than Lauryn Hill. Both attended high school in Maplewood, New Jersey, and were reportedly active in school activities—Hill was on the track team, a cheerleader, and involved in performing arts, while Braff was passionate about acting.

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Nick Kroll And John Mulaney

Georgetown University's improv comedy scene was where they first discovered their shared sense of humor and timing. The two were members of the same campus improv group, honing the comedic abilities that would eventually make them two of the most sought-after comedy writers.

-Photo Call For Netflix's John Mulaney Presents: Everybody's in L.A.Amy Sussman, Getty Images

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Nick Kroll And John Mulaney

Their collaborative chemistry has resulted in the hit Netflix series Big Mouth, which Kroll started and Mulaney voices, alongside their joint stand-up tours that showcase their natural rapport. Kroll has described working with Mulaney as a "pure joy,” as they co-hosted the Film Independent Spirit Awards.

Nick Kroll And John Mulaney Nick Kroll & John Mulaney's Opening Monologue at the 2017 Film Independent Spirit Awards by Film Independent

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Lisa Kudrow And Conan O'Brien

In 1985, O'Brien made a life-changing decision to move to Los Angeles and try his hand at humor, starting with an ad-lib class. Kudrow, who had just graduated from Vassar College, was feeling out of place and nearly quit acting until she saw his commitment in class.

Lisa Kudrow And Conan O'BrienConan & Lisa Kudrow Visit The Theater Where They Met | CONAN on TBS by Team Coco

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Lisa Kudrow And Conan O'Brien

This very sight inspired her to stay. From that point, they became best friends and later joined The Groundlings troupe together. O'Brien has credited Kudrow with encouraging him to pursue hosting Late Night after David Letterman left the show.

Lisa Kudrow And Conan O'Brien Barack Obama's 2006 Interview | Late Night with Conan O’Brien by Conan O'Brien

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Scarlett Johansson and Jack Antonoff

Professional Children's School in New York City caters to young artists, balancing education with entertainment professions. Johansson and Antonoff not only attended this specialized high school but also took their teenage camaraderie to a great high school milestone: prom night.

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Scarlett Johansson and Jack Antonoff

Their romance didn't survive graduation, but both went on to gain success in their respective fields. Johansson became one of Hollywood's highest-paid actresses and the Marvel character Black Widow, while Antonoff transitioned into a highly demanding music producer, working with artists such as Taylor Swift.

Scarlett Johansson and Jack Antonoff Black Widow Trailer - SNL by Saturday Night Live

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Jonah Hill And Adam Levine

Their fathers met in junior high school, reportedly in the principal's office, and became close. This led to Hill and Levine growing up jointly, often spending time at each other's houses and even carpooling to school. Hill has described Levine as "like family" to him.

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Jonah Hill And Adam Levine

Their amity reached a meaningful level when Hill officiated Levine's 2014 wedding to model Behati Prinsloo. The two have supported each other through personal milestones and losses, including the passing of Hill's brother, Jordan Feldstein. He managed Maroon 5 and was a close friend of Levine.

Celebrity Sightings in New York City - July 11, 2016Alo Ceballos, Getty Images

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Carey Mulligan And Marcus Mumford

Talk about a real-life love story that began in childhood. They first met as pre-teens at a Christian summer camp—Mulligan was 12 and Mumford was 10—where they became friends and kept in touch as pen pals. Both exchanged handwritten letters and even faxes after camp ended.

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Carey Mulligan And Marcus Mumford

Mulligan has fondly recalled in interviews that she wrote in her diary about how kind Mumford was, giving him “9 1/2 out of 10,” though she didn’t initially see him as “boyfriend material”. Their reunion happened when Mulligan was 24, leading to a quick courtship.

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Jessie J And Adele

The BRIT School for Performing Arts (London) has made numerous careers. Yes, J and Adele were also part of those. In school, our superstars were already showing exceptional vocal talent, often singing together in school performances and supporting each other in competitions.

Jessie J And AdeleJessie J & Adele Go Wayyy Back by The Real Daytime

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Jessie J And Adele

What makes their bond particularly intriguing is the contrast between their musical styles. Adele's soul-baring ballads versus Jessie J's pop anthems—yet both have consistently praised each other's artistry in interviews. Fans continue to hope for the musical collaboration that has yet to materialize.

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Laura Linney And Brooke Shields

Linney and Shields were childhood buddies who met in grade school. They became very close during that time. Both have shared a now-famous throwback photo of themselves as children, sitting back-to-back on a swing, which highlights the depth of their early attachment.

Laura Linney And Brooke ShieldsLaura Linney & Brooke Shields Were Childhood BFFs - See The Photo! by The Kelly Clarkson Show

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Laura Linney And Brooke Shields

Linney has described their friendship as having a "deep connection" that persists even though they don't see each other often as adults. Shields became a teenage sensation with The Blue Lagoon before transitioning to television. Plus, Linney built her reputation through films like You Can Count on Me.

Laura Linney And Brooke Shields Please Never Leave Me Scene - The Blue Lagoon | Brooke Shields by Clip

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Timothee Chalamet And Ansel Elgort

NYC’s Fiorello H LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, which is the real-life inspiration for Fame, brought us two brilliant personalities. Here, they were not only classmates but also shared several experiences: they played on the same basketball team.

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Timothee Chalamet And Ansel Elgort

Apparently, their drama teacher has spoken highly of both, noting their exceptional talent and drive. This beautiful friendship has endured through Chalamet's art-house success in Call Me by Your Name and Little Women. Interestingly, both went on to become Golden Globe nominees in the same year.

Timothee Chalamet And Ansel Elgort Little Women (2019): Laurie proposes to Amy (HD CLIP) by Binge Society

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Andy Samberg And Chelsea Peretti

Peretti has shared old photos of the two, and both have spoken in interviews about their early connection. The star even admitted to having a crush on Samberg during their school days, often calling his house on "old-fashioned phones" before the era of texting or social media.

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Andy Samberg And Chelsea Peretti AI

Their real-life history added authentic chemistry to their roles on "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," where Peretti played Gina Linetti and Samberg starred as Jake Peralta. The show's writers cleverly incorporated their genuine camaraderie into the series' mythology, making their on-screen dynamic feel naturally lived-in.

Andy Samberg And Chelsea Peretti AIChelsea Peretti's Crush on Andy Samberg by FOX 5 New York

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Judd Apatow And Adam Sandler

Both of these stars were struggling stand-up comedians when they decided to split rent. Sandler worked the comedy club circuit while Apatow perfected his writing and producing instincts. Apatow once said that Sandler’s energy and comedic talent were immediately obvious.

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Judd Apatow And Adam Sandler

Their previous days involved making prank calls to businesses, which Apatow recorded and later used as inspiration for their work. Years later, they collaborated professionally on the 2009 film Funny People, which Judd Apatow wrote and directed, and his buddy starred in.

Judd Apatow And Adam Sandler Terrifying Accent - Funny People (5/10) Movie CLIP (2009) HD by Movieclips

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Rick Moranis And Geddy Lee

Although Lee moved away while they were still young, Moranis has recalled remembering him as he would any of his friends from that era. The future SCTV comedy star and Rush's legendary bassist and vocalist first met as children attending the same elementary school in Toronto.

Rick Moranis And Geddy Leephoto by Alan Light, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Rick Moranis And Geddy Lee

Their paths crossed again professionally in 1982, when Moranis and Dave Thomas, as their comedic duo Bob and Doug McKenzie, recorded the album Great White North on Anthem Records. Geddy Lee was invited to sing lead vocals on the single “Take Off,” featuring Moranis as Bob McKenzie.

Rick Moranis And Geddy Lee Bob & Doug McKenzie - Donut Shop Parking by overdog001

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Owen Wilson And Wes Anderson

Wilson and Anderson's creative partnership and companionship began as students at the University of Texas at Austin. They became roommates and started working together on film projects, most notably co-writing the script for what would become their breakout film, Bottle Rocket.

20th Century Fox, Fox Searchlight, And FX At The 72nd Annual Golden Globe AwardsMark Davis, Getty Images

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Owen Wilson And Wes Anderson

Initially conceived as a short film starring Owen and his brother Luke Wilson, it later expanded into a feature that marked Anderson’s directorial debut and Wilson’s first major acting role. He ultimately co-wrote Anderson’s next two films, Rushmore and The Royal Tenenbaums.

 Owen Wilson And Wes Anderson Rushmore - Trailer - (1998) - HQ by ryy79

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