When Hollywood Costars Become BFFs: Uncovering Surprising Celebrity Friendships

On-set couples have always been a fan favorite, and these celebrity pairs are no exception. From Mindy Kaling and B.J. Novak to Hilarie Burton and Sophia Bush, many stars have turned their on-screen chemistry into real-life friendships. Michelle Williams and Busy Philipps, for example, first met on the set of Dawson's Creek. While Williams played Jen Lindley throughout the show's six-season run, Philipps joined in the fifth season as Audrey Liddell.

In a March 2018 cover story for Entertainment Weekly’s Dawson’s Creek reunion, Philipps recounted the immediate connection she felt with Williams. “It was like love at first sight – that friend connection,” she shared. “We just clicked and started drinking wine, smoking cigarettes, and getting into bar fights together. Our love for each other has only grown stronger over the years.” Williams, on the other hand, was enamored with Philipps’ cool-girl vibe, complete with a nose ring, braids, overalls, and an unapologetic attitude. “I wanted to be like her,” Williams reminisced. “She was my first real friend.”

During a recent interview, one of the actresses reminisced about her time spent with her co-star off set. She explained that her memories of their friendship were not related to the show or work, but rather the time they spent talking on the porch all night, indulging in copious amounts of bread. However, another actress from the show revealed that their friendship was not always easy, as they had to fight against people pitting them against each other and constantly comparing them.

Scroll down to explore lasting friendships among castmates.

Credit: HBO/Kobal/Shutterstock

Celebrities Who Found Best Friends in Their Costars

On-set romances have always been a favorite among fans, and some of our favorite celebrities have even turned their on-screen chemistry into real-life friendships. Mindy Kaling, B.J. Novak, Hilarie Burton, and Sophia Bush are just a few examples of stars who have taken their bond off-set.

One perfect example of this is Michelle Williams and Busy Philipps, who first met while working on the set of Dawson's Creek. While Williams played the role of Jen Lindley throughout the show's six-season run from 1998 to 2003, Philipps joined the cast in season 5 as Audrey Liddell.

In a March 2018 interview with Entertainment Weekly for their Dawson's Creek reunion cover story, Philipps detailed her immediate connection with Williams. "We had that friend connection," she explained. "It was just an immediate: ‘Of course we’re drinking wine and smoking cigarettes and getting in bar fights.’ [Laughs] We just had an immediate love for each other that’s continued over the years." Williams, in turn, admired Philipps' individuality and confidence. "She had a nose ring. She wore her hair in braids. She wore overalls. And she had this attitude like, ‘I know who I am and don’t cross my line.’ I just thought, ‘I want to be this person when I grow up.’ She was my first real friend I ever had."

During a conversation with a reporter, Burton reminisced about her time with Bush, recalling how their friendship wasn't centered around their work on the show but rather the moments they spent off set. She fondly remembered staying up all night, chatting on the porch and indulging in copious amounts of bread. However, in a separate interview, Burton revealed that their relationship wasn't always smooth sailing, as they had to fight against people trying to pit them against each other and constantly compare them.

Scroll down to explore lasting friendships among castmates.

Credit: Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP/Shutterstock

Shay Mitchell and Troian Bellisario

After starring as Emily and Spencer on Pretty Little Liars, the actresses formed a close bond, particularly after both becoming mothers. Bellisario, who welcomed daughters Aurora and Elliot with husband Patrick J. Adams, and Mitchell, who gave birth to daughters Atlas and Rome with partner Matte Babel, leaned on each other for parenting advice. Mitchell even referred to Bellisario as an "incredible" mother figure and confidante.

"Shay Mitchell is more than just a friend; she's a true goddess among us. Even if she's just a block away, I feel lucky to have her as my coolest neighbor. But even when she's all the way up in Canadialand, I still feel grateful for her friendship. Happy birthday, babe, and come home soon please. Love you to the moon and back."

Credit: Shutterstock (2)

Shailene Woodley and Megan Park

In anticipation of the release of Park's film The Fallout in January 2022, former Secret Life of the American Teenager costars expressed their admiration for each other. Woodley took to Instagram to express her pride, stating, "I am truly in awe of the way you use your talents to tell stories that not only matter but are also conveyed in a unique, beautiful, and honest way." She went on to call Park her "ultimate babe" and "forever muse," while also playfully reminding him not to let his success go to his head and to continue their fun kitchen musical karaoke parties despite his new status as a highly successful writer, director, and creator.

Park expressed her gratitude towards their friendship in the comments section by saying, "I appreciate you so much. Thank you for joining me in playing and for being a supportive and inspiring friend. I cherish our bond that started when we were 15 and wore Keds. From singing in the kitchen to holding hands and shedding tears while watching numerous Broadway shows, I am excited to continue inspiring and creating together forever. Love you so much!"

Credit: Jordan Strauss/January Images/Shutterstock

Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox

Aniston and Cox's friendship has stood the test of time since they met on the set of Friends in 1994. In fact, the two have become lifelong friends. According to a March 2018 interview with Us, Cox revealed that she has a group chat with Aniston and their former Friends co-star, Lisa Kudrow. Aniston has spoken highly of Cox in the past, telling More magazine in 2014, "There’s absolutely no judgment in Court. You’ll never feel scolded. She’s extremely fair, ridiculously loyal and fiercely loving. I’ve slept in her guest bedroom a lot. Without giving away too much of my private stuff, all I can say is she’s been there for me through thick and thin."

Credit: HBO/Kobal/Shutterstock

Zendaya and Hunter Schafer

Zendaya looks back on her first meeting with fellow Euphoria cast member Hunter Schafer and reflects on the importance of their friendship. Despite Hunter's youth and inexperience, Zendaya took on the role of a big sister, prioritizing their bond above their shared profession. As she shares in a December 2021 interview with Harper's Bazaar, the connection they've fostered is more significant than any project they've worked on together.

Credit: Rob Grabowski/Invision/AP/Shutterstock

Stephen Amell and Emily Bett Rickards

Amell and Rickards played love interests on Arrow, but their relationship is purely platonic off screen. In fact, their friend group includes his wife, Cassandra Jean Amell.

Credit: Matt Baron/Shutterstock

Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet

In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, the former Disney star opened up about her experience filming Dune under the direction of Denis Villeneuve. She expressed feeling a strong sense of camaraderie among the cast and crew, emphasizing how welcoming everyone was towards her. Additionally, she revealed her close friendship with co-star Timothée Chalamet, noting how they often chat about the possibility of working together again. "I selfishly want to do another film with Timothée just so we can have fun and spend time together," she gushed.

Credit: Kristina Bumphrey/Starpix/Shutterstock

Alexandra Park and Tom Austen

The onscreen chemistry between Park and Austen was palpable, captivating audiences with their portrayal of star-crossed lovers on The Royals. However, their offscreen camaraderie was equally entertaining, as evidenced by their playful interactions on social media. In a heartfelt Instagram post in May 2021, Park praised Austen, calling her his best mate, the funniest person he knows and his absolute hero. Austen reciprocated the sentiment, responding with a simple yet meaningful "I love you babe."

Credit: Shutterstock (2)

Hilarie Burton and Sophia Bush

The bond between the One Tree Hill cast members extended beyond the show's 9-season run that began in 2002. The onscreen friendship between the alums turned into a real-life camaraderie that led to the launch of the "Drama Queens" podcast in 2021, alongside fellow OTH star Bethany Joy Lenz.

"We have gone through various phases of life as a family on One Tree Hill," Bush shared with Us in December 2020. "However, what we truly value the most - as Hilarie and I recently discussed - is the fact that our friendships have grown even deeper with age."

Credit: Joel Ryan/Invision/AP/Shutterstock

Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson

The bond between the stars of The Avengers franchise has only grown stronger over the course of eight movies. Despite their busy schedules, they have managed to maintain a close friendship that is apparent on and off-screen. Scarlett Johansson, who plays Black Widow, spoke to Entertainment Weekly in March 2020 about their strong chemistry, attributing it to the 10 years they have spent together and the level of intimacy that comes with such a long-term working relationship.

Credit: Shutterstock

Michelle Williams and Busy Philipps

Williams and Philipps may not have had much on-screen interaction on Dawson's Creek, but their friendship has endured long after the show's conclusion. According to the This Will Only Hurt a Little author, the key to maintaining lasting friendships is investing time and effort, as well as working through any challenges that may arise. As evidenced by their red carpet appearances together, Williams and Philipps have clearly put in the work to nurture their strong bond.

Credit: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/Shutterstock

Mindy Kaling and B.J. Novak

Kaling and Novak's romantic relationship may not have worked out, but their bond has only grown stronger. As Kaling shared with GoodHousekeeping.com in May 2019, Novak has become like family to her and her children, serving as the godfather to her daughter Katherine.

Credit: Broadimage/Shutterstock

Sophie Turner and Maisie Williams

Williams and Turner, who portrayed sisters on the popular TV series Game of Thrones, solidified their real-life bond by getting matching tattoos. Additionally, Williams served as Turner's maid of honor during her wedding to Joe Jonas in June 2019.

Credit: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP/Shutterstock

Zach Braff and Donald Faison

The Scrubs costars loved their time on the show so much that they started a podcast called “Fake Doctors, Real Friends With Zach and Donald.”

Credit: Broadimage/Shutterstock

Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio

Winslet and DiCaprio became pals while filming Titanic, and she gushed in February 2016 that the actor is “my closest friend in the world.”

Credit: Marion Curtis/Starpix/Shutterstock

Blake Lively, Amber Tamblyn, Alexis Bledel and America Ferrera

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants stars often reunite to support each other, in their personal lives and their career endeavors.

Credit: Broadimage/Shutterstock

Shailene Woodley and Miles Teller

They starred as love interests in The Spectacular Now and as adversaries in the Divergent series, but now they enjoy doing couple activities with their respective partners, including going on vacations together. Woodley considers Teller a lifelong friend and brother, saying in a 2013 interview with Vanity Fair, "We just naturally became friends and he became my brother for life. I want to do a movie a year with him."