Hollywood is a surprisingly small world. While we often see the glitz and glamour, many of our favorite stars have known each other long before the fame and fortune. This list continues our deep dive into the surprising childhood friendships formed in the spotlight’s shadows.
1. Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato
Before they were global superstars, Selena and Demi were child actors on Barney & Friends. Their shared experience on the show’s set forged a lasting bond. They navigated the tricky waters of the Disney Channel together, supporting each other through the highs and lows of early stardom. Friendships born in the pre-teen years often carry a special weight, and theirs is a testament to that early connection.
2. John Krasinski and B.J. Novak
Fans of The Office know the incredible chemistry between Jim Halpert and Ryan Howard. That chemistry didn’t come from nowhere. John Krasinski and B.J. Novak have been friends since the sixth grade. They met while performing in a school production of Annie, where Novak played the title role and Krasinski played a waiter. They remained close throughout high school and college, eventually reuniting on one of the most iconic TV shows of the century.
3. Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift
These pop icons met as teenagers in the late 2000s and hit it off immediately. Miley has recalled meeting Taylor during a Joe Jonas date, and they formed a friendship that transcended their respective mega-fame. They have supported each other through countless tours and milestones, a bond forged in the unique and strange world of early super-stardom.
4. Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber
Long before they ruled the runways of Paris and New York, Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber were simply kids growing up in the entertainment industry. Their families moved in the same circles, and they became fast friends as teenagers. They have navigated the trials of growing up in the public eye side-by-side, from fashion shows to magazine covers. Their friendship is a familiar story of shared experience and mutual support.
5. Emma Watson and Tom Felton
While their Harry Potter characters, Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy, had a famously contentious relationship, the actors playing them were quite the opposite. Emma Watson and Tom Felton grew up together on the set of the wizarding world. Watson has openly admitted to having a childhood crush on Felton, and the two have spoken fondly of their time filming together. They remain friends to this day, a sweet reminder of the friendships formed on the world’s most famous film set.
From the magical halls of Hogwarts to the competitive catwalks of fashion week, these childhood connections prove that stars are just like us—they hold onto the people who knew them before they were famous.