Top 10 TV Co-Stars Who Are Best Friends in Real Life
#10: Tyler Posey & Dylan O'Brien “Teen Wolf” (2011-17)
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These two played best friends Scott McCall and Stiles Stilinski on “Teen Wolf,” but they’ve got their own mini-wolf pack offscreen. The duo lived together for several years during filming and they’ve remained close even after they started living apart. Posey and O’Brien can frequently be seen being broffectionate in public, and when they aren’t goofing off, they’ve reportedly gotten real with one another in private. The duo have even promised to be each other’s best man at their hypothetical future weddings. Their bromance is such that it’s rather fitting that people call them “O’Brosey.”
#9: Ariana Grande & Elizabeth Gillies “Victorious” (2010-13)
Cat and Jade may have been opposites on “Victorious,” but their real life counterparts are even closer than the oddly complementary duo. Ariana Grande and Elizabeth Gillies have known each other since they were teenagers, and have remained close ever since starring on Broadway together. The duo are in frequent contact on social media, and Gillies has appeared in several of Grande’s music videos. Although Grande could not attend Gillies’ wedding this year because of COVID-19 restrictions, we have no doubt she would have been there for her friend on her special day.
#8: Busy Philipps & Michelle Williams “Dawson’s Creek” (1998-2003)
Teen shows are often built on drama, but what’s dramatic is how close these two former “Dawson’s Creek” stars are. Busy Philipps and Michelle Williams have frequently attended award shows together as each other’s date. Philipps is godmother to one of Williams’ children with the late Heath Ledger, and she was also there for her friend after her partner’s tragic death. The duo are so close that Williams has called Philipps the love of her life; proving that the great loves of our lives don’t always have to be romantic ones.
#7: Ashley Tisdale & Vanessa Hudgens “High School Musical” Franchise (2006-)
Yes, okay, they were in the “High School Musical” TV movies, but it’s our list, so we’re focusing on the TV part! Gabriella and Sharpay may not have gotten along in these films, but Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale are firm friends – and have been even before appearing in “High School Musical!” The two actually met while auditioning for a commercial the year before. The two East High School alums have remained close into adulthood, hanging out with each other, renovating each other’s houses, and even continuing to sing together.
#6: Seth Rogan & James Franco “Freaks and Geeks” (1999-2000)
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These days, this dude couple is one of Hollywood’s most recognizable bromances, with the pair of them collaborating on many films and projects together. But it can be easy to forget that their friendship began decades ago on the short-lived show “Freaks & Geeks.” Since meeting on-set, Seth Rogan and James Franco have been practically inseparable. Although the pair of them certainly engage in the kind of juvenile antics their body of work has made them famous for, they also have serious dedication to each other. For instance, Franco has written poetry about their friendship. No, really! Now that’s bromance.
#5: Tina Fey & Amy Poehler “Saturday Night Live” (1975-)
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These two hilarious comedians first met doing improv in Chicago. Fey and Poehler continued to broadcast their exceptional comedic chemistry to a wider audience on “Saturday Night Live,” and have collaborated on films, TV shows, and even hosted the Golden Globes together several times (with another gig planned for 2021!). They’re just as close offscreen, even taking part in a group text with other “SNL” alums. It’s really no wonder they were able to convincingly play sisters, as they’re close enough that they feel like they’re family. Speaking of which, they apparently have plans for their kids to marry each other.
#4: Mindy Kaling & BJ Novak “The Office” (2005-13)
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As adorable as BFFs Angela Kinsey and Jenna Fischer are, we had to give this entry to two other besties from “The Office.” Mindy Kaling and BJ Novak’s characters were in a tempestuous relationship on the show, and their real-life relationship paralleled that in some ways. Although they dated on and off for several years during the show’s run, unlike their toxic characters, the two of them have remained close friends, even though they’re no longer together. The pair have collaborated on TV shows as well as books. The pair reportedly talk on a weekly basis and Novak is godfather to Kaling’s children. They may have a hard time categorizing their friendship, but it’s sweet nonetheless.
#3: Donald Faison & Zach Braff “Scrubs” (2001-10)
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On “Scrubs,” J.D. and Turk’s bromance is the stuff of legends…and song! And in real life, Zach Braff and Donald Faison’s friendship is just as close…well, almost. Like their onscreen counterparts, the pair have lived together, which helped solidify their bond. While they don’t live under one roof anymore, they are just a few streets away from each other. Faison and Braff have remained close for the last two decades, with Braff hosting Faison’s wedding at his house. This year, the dynamic duo have started a podcast, “Fake Doctors, Real Friends,” in which they rewatch “Scrubs” together, which is a must for any true fan of the show...or their “guy love.”
#2: Jensen Ackles & Jared Padalecki “Supernatural” (2005-20)
Jensen and Jared. They call ‘em J2, ya’ll… or just “the boys.” Because that’s who they’ve been on “Supernatural” for the last 15 years! As Sam and Dean Winchester, Ackles and Padalecki have made us love their brotherly bond on screen, and that same closeness has occurred between them offscreen as well. Like some of our other entries, they lived together during filming. J2 were also in each other’s wedding parties. Oh, and there’s the small matter of their ongoing prank war on-set! We don’t think “Supernatural” could have gone on as long as it did if the brotherly bond at the heart of it wasn’t bolstered by their strong friendship. Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: Candace Cameron Bure/Andrea Barber/Jodie Sweetin, “Full House” (1987-95) This Trio of Onscreen Friends/Sisters Are Like Real Sisters Offscreen Lili Reinhart & Madelaine Petsch & Camila Mendes, “Riverdale” (2017-) These Three Have a Joint TikTok Account Millie Bobby Brown & Noah Schnapp, “Stranger Things” (2016-) These Two “Stranger” Teens Are Adorable Besties Tori Spelling & Jennie Garth, “Beverly Hills, 90210” (1990-2000) These Beverly Hills Stars Have Been BFFs for Decades Sophie Turner & Maisie Williams, “Game of Thrones” (2011-19) These Stark Sisters Are So Close They’re Frequently Mistaken For a Couple
#1: Jennifer Aniston & Courteney Cox & Lisa Kudrow “Friends” (1994-2004)
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If we’re talking best friends, of course it has to be “Friends” stars! Rachel, Monica, and Phoebe were always “there” for each other on the show, and behind the scenes they became close as well, eating lunch together every day and hanging out. Since the show concluded, they’ve remained as close as their busy schedules will allow, going out to dinner together, and even appearing together on the Emmys as a group. While they’ve shared screen time a few times since 2004, we’re still hoping their friendship can return to its roots, so to speak, at some point.
