--- title: Celebrity Friends You Wouldn't Expect description: You know about Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. But you might not know about these surprising pairings of celebrity pals. canonical: https://time.com/4603986/12-unexpected-celebrity-friendships/ author: Raisa Bruner article:opinion: false article:content_tier: free article:published_time: 2016-12-23T12:02:38.000Z article:modified_time: 2023-12-14T16:23:47.000Z og:title: 13 Unexpected Celebrity Friendships og:description: Everyone knows Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are buds. These duos might surprise. og:url: https://time.com/4603986/12-unexpected-celebrity-friendships/ og:site_name: TIME og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltde093bcdab65f2d0/6988d9b9bc6cfc69913e2a3c/time-logo.jpg?branch=production og:image:width: 1200 og:image:height: 675 og:image:alt: TIME og:type: article twitter:card: summary_large_image twitter:title: 13 Unexpected Celebrity Friendships twitter:description: Everyone knows Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are buds. These duos might surprise. twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltde093bcdab65f2d0/6988d9b9bc6cfc69913e2a3c/time-logo.jpg?branch=production --- # 13 Unexpected Celebrity Friendships > Sponsored content. Supplied in partnership with TIME. 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Every edition is assembled by TIME editors rather than generated automatically.  by [Raisa Bruner](https://time.com/author/raisa-bruner/)  ## Raisa Bruner Updated: Dec 14, 2023 4:23 PM UTCPublished: Dec 23, 2016 12:02 PM UTC  by [Raisa Bruner](https://time.com/author/raisa-bruner/)  ## Raisa Bruner Updated: Dec 14, 2023 4:23 PM UTCPublished: Dec 23, 2016 12:02 PM UTC Fame makes the world small. In no way is that more obvious than when you consider the unexpected celebrity friendships that spring up, thanks to the overlap of Hollywood and the worlds of music, politics, and business. From Martha Stewart’s surprisingly chummy relationship with [Snoop Dogg](http://time.com/4517332/martha-stewart-snoop-dog-premiere-date/) to Lena Dunham’s connection with [Taylor Swift](http://time.com/4578116/drake-apple-taylor-swift-ad/)—and, of course, Barack Obama’s bromance with [Richard Branson](http://time.com/4662699/obama-vacation-reactions/?iid=sr-link1)—here are some of the duos whose relationships might surprise. ### Martha Stewart + Snoop Dogg  LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 14: TV personality Martha Stewart (L) and recording artist Snoop Dogg attend The Comedy Central Roast of Justin Bieber at Sony Pictures Studios on March 14, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. The Comedy Central Roast of Justin Bieber will air on March 30, 2015 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. (Photo by Lester Cohen/WireImage) Lester Cohen—Getty Images Taste mogul Martha Stewart and savvy rapper Snoop Dogg [have a long history](http://time.com/4483943/martha-stewart-snoop-dogg-interview/?iid=sr-link1) as one of the most unlikely celebrity pairings in the game, regularly professing their mutual respect and admiration for each other. This fall, the two took their relationship to the next level with the debut of “[Martha and Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party,”](http://time.com/4517332/martha-stewart-snoop-dog-premiere-date/?iid=sr-link2) a raucous cooking show and chill session where they get to put their chemistry on display. ### Channing Tatum + Jonah Hill  WESTWOOD, CA - JUNE 10: Actors Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill arrive at the Los Angeles Premiere "22 Jump Street" at Regency Village Theatre on June 10, 2014 in Westwood, California. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic) Jon Kopaloff—Getty Images _21 Jump Street_ costars Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum have admitted to a serious bromance, with even their director verifying the relationship status: “They love each other – they have a for-real romance,” _21 Jump Street’s_ [Christopher Miller said](http://people.com/celebrity/21-jump-street-channing-tatum-jonah-hill-have-real-life-bro-mance/). Plus, Tatum has made it Instagram official with [plenty](https://www.instagram.com/p/vjVltxACKW/) of [duo photos.](https://www.instagram.com/p/%5FnNUpmns2t/) ### Kevin Hart + The Rock  BURBANK, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 09: Hosts Kevin Hart (L) and Dwayne Johnson pose backstage during the 2016 MTV Movie Awards at Warner Bros. Studios on April 9, 2016 in Burbank, California. MTV Movie Awards airs April 10, 2016 at 8pm ET/PT. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for MTV) Frazer Harrison—Getty Images Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is (literally and figuratively) one of the biggest men in show business. Meanwhile, comedian Kevin Hart is no slouch when it comes to fame—he’s one of [Forbes’ richest celebrities](http://www.forbes.com/forbes/welcome/?toURL=http://www.forbes.com/sites/maddieberg/2016/09/27/the-highest-paid-comedians-2016-kevin-hart-out-jokes-jerry-seinfeld-with-87-5-million-payday/&refURL=https://www.google.com/&referrer=https://www.google.com/) of the year—but his stature is, well, more diminutive. But the _Central Intelligence_ and _Jumanji_ costars have a genuine bromance going, onscreen and off; just watch them [try to impersonate each other](http://time.com/4393341/the-rock-kevin-hart-laugh-cry-impersonate/?iid=sr-link1). Johnson [originally requested Hart](http://www.ew.com/article/2016/06/17/central-intelligence-dwayne-johnson-kevin-hart) as his costar because of the comic potential in their physical differences, despite never having worked with him before. Since then, the practical jokers [have played pranks on each other](http://www.popsugar.com/celebrity/Dwayne-Johnson-Scaring-Kevin-Hart-Instagram-Video-2016-42579210) that would annoy most friends, but seem to keep getting a kick out of their relationship. ### Lena Dunham + Taylor Swift  BEVERLY HILLS, CA - JANUARY 11: Actress/director Lena Dunham (L) and singer/songwriter Taylor Swift attend HBO's Official Golden Globe Awards After Party at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 11, 2015 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic) Jeff Kravitz—Getty Images When renegade _Girls_ writer and director Lena Dunham befriended pop’s princess Taylor Swift by sliding into her Twitter DMs like a true millennial hero, their unlikely status as a duo also led to Swift’s public pronouncement [of her feminist awakening](http://time.com/3165825/taylor-swift-feminist-lena-dunham/?iid=sr-link1). Meanwhile, Dunham [stood up for Swift](http://motto.time.com/4384355/lena-dunham-kanye-west-famous/) in the wake of Kanye West’s controversial “Famous” music video. ### Ruby Rose + Taylor Swift  BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 02: Actress Ruby Rose (L) and singer-songwriter Taylor Swift attend the 27th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on April 2, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for GLAAD) Jason Kempin—Getty Images While their images might be opposite— _Orange Is the New Black’s_ Aussie actor [Ruby Rose](http://time.com/3656430/orange-is-the-new-black-ruby-rose/?iid=sr-link7) vs. demure country starlet Swift—the actress and pop icon are close friends. Rose has [stood up for Swift](http://people.com/celebrity/kanye-wests-famous-ruby-rose-defends-taylor-swift-on-twitter/) on social media, and Swift returned the favor by introducing her friend [at an awards show](http://www.mtv.com/news/2861538/taylor-swift-surprised-ruby-rose-glaad-awards/), solidifying her acceptance into the all-important squad. ### Ryan Gosling + Ryan Reynolds  SANTA MONICA, CA - DECEMBER 11: Actors Ryan Reynolds (L) attend Ryan Gosling attend The 22nd Annual Critics' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on December 11, 2016 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic) Jeff Kravitz—Getty Images Two Ryans. Two Canadians. Two A-list actors with male-model good looks, adoring fan clubs, talented wives, and enviable young families. It would be easy to think that Ryan Reynolds and Ryan Gosling would view each other as the competition, given their similarities. But instead, they’re completely friendly, joking about their similarities and further proving that we simply don’t deserve these two. ### Nicole Richie + Kim Kardashian  PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 03: Nicole Richie and Kim Kardashian attend the Givenchy Fall/Winter 2013 Ready-to-Wear show as part of Paris Fashion Week on March 3, 2013 in Paris, France. (Photo by Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/GettyImages) Bertrand Rindoff Petroff—GettyImages Pioneering reality star Nicole Richie grew up as a family friend with Kim Kardashian West in Beverly Hills. While the now-infamous Kardashian may have eclipsed Richie in reality fame, the two L.A. moms clearly still get along, Kardashian [even posting a video](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/16/kris-jenner-nicole-richie-rap%5Fn%5F4609118.html) of Richie hanging out with her and her own mom, Kris Jenner, at home. ### Gwyneth Paltrow + Beyoncé + Jay Z  LONDON - SEPTEMBER 27: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK TABLOID NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 48 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) (L-R) Singer Beyonce Knowles, rapper Jay-Z and actress Gwyneth Paltrow attend the after party following the concert by Jay-Z at The Royal Albert Hall, at Movida on September 27, 2006 in London, England. (Photo by Dave M. Benett/Getty Images) Dave M. Benett—Getty Images American royalty Jay Z and Beyoncé and actress/lifestyle maven Gwyneth Paltrow have been friends for a while—really. After appearing at a number of events together, Beyoncé and Gwyneth Paltrow seem tight, and have been open about their mutual admiration, with Paltrow [regularly attending](https://twitter.com/GwynethPaltrow/status/208693551163379712?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw) Jay Z concerts and gushing about her friend Queen Bey [in interviews](http://www.vogue.com/865260/beyonce-knowles-the-queen-b/). ### Bette Midler + 50 Cent  NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 03: (L-R) Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson and Bette Midler attend the opening of the Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson Community Garden in Jamaica, Queens on November 3, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage) Johnny Nunez—Getty Images From working together to restore a community garden to joking about collaborating on musical endeavors, the iconic performer and the rapper [have proven](http://people.com/celebrity/50-cent-collaborates-with-bette-midler/) they are true longtime pals who just get each other. ### Elton John + Eminem  Elton John and Eminem perform at the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards at Staples Center, Los Angeles, Ca. 2/21/01\. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) Kevin Winter—Getty Images Detroit’s fiery rapper and the British music legend may seem like an odd pairing, but the two have been fast friends [ever since a duet performance](http://www.mtv.com/news/1629030/eminem-talks-about-his-friendship-with-elton-john/) in 2001 at the Grammy’s. That performance came in the wake of accusations leveled at Eminem for purportedly homophobic lyrics in the _The Marshall Mathers LP_. (It was a controversial duet; GLAAD was one of the groups [protesting the rapper](http://www.mtv.com/news/1439705/eminem-performance-with-elton-was-statement-enough/), while Elton John is also a GLAAD honoree.) Later, Eminem reportedly [reached out to Elton John](https://www.theguardian.com/global/2010/jan/03/eminem-elton-john-drugs) first when he was confronting his own substance abuse issues, and [sent John a gift](http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/the-rolling-stone-interview-elton-john-20110217) for him and his partner following their civil union. ### Tom Cruise + Dakota Fanning  Dakota Fanning and Tom Cruise during War of the Worlds New York City Premiere - Outside Arrivals at Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City, New York, United States. (Photo by Jim Spellman/WireImage) Jim Spellman—Getty Images After working together on _War of the Worlds_ eleven years ago, Cruise and Fanning have remained close; [Fanning has said that](http://time.com/4541122/dakota-fanning-tom-cruise-birthday-gifts/) she considers Cruise a “lifelong friend” and that the thoughtful actor sends her a birthday gift every year. (Usually, it’s shoes.) ### Blake Lively + Florence Welch  (EXCLUSIVE, Premium Rates Apply) (EXCLUSIVE) Actress Blake Lively and singer Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine attend The Cosmopolitan Grand Opening and New Year's Eve Celebration with Jay-Z and Coldplay at Marquee Nightclub in The Cosmopolitan on December 31, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Kevin Mazur—Getty Images Hollywood golden girl Blake Lively and folk-rock music favorite Florence Welch have a sweet friend thing going, despite the fact that they seem to exist in separate celebrity spheres (especially considering Lively’s [known relationship](http://time.com/4393176/july-4th-taylor-swift-celebrities/?iid=sr-link2) with pop icon Taylor Swift). But Welch and Lively are true-blue pals who have celebrated [New Year’s Even in Vegas together](http://www.glamour.com/story/ooh-la-la-blake-lively-talks-to-florence-welch-about-clothes-men-and-more), with Lively even receiving an once-in-a-lifetime gift from Welch [on her wedding day](http://newsfeed.time.com/2012/09/10/ryan-reynolds-and-blake-lively-got-married-this-weekend/?iid=sr-link2) to Ryan Reynolds: [a live performance](http://people.com/celebrity/blake-lively-married-ryan-reynolds-florence-welch-sang/) from the Florence and the Machine frontwoman. ### Barack Obama + Richard Branson  Jack Brockway/Virgin.com It was a bromance that left the country breathless: Barack Obama, just weeks after leaving the White House, [was documented hanging out](http://time.com/4662699/obama-vacation-reactions/?iid=sr-link1) with Virgin founder Richard Branson at his private island in the British Virgin Islands in early February. In a blog post, Branson shared details about their sun-and-surf activities, including their face-off in a friendly watersport competition—which Obama won with his newfound kitesurfing skills. “On his next visit, we plan to do the long kite over to Anegada together,” [Branson mused.](https://www.virgin.com/richard-branson/richard-vs-barack-kiteboard-and-foilboard-challenge) Looks like this is one budding friendship that’s here to stay. ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/4603986/12-unexpected-celebrity-friendships/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/4603986/12-unexpected-celebrity-friendships/"},"headline":"13 Unexpected Celebrity Friendships","datePublished":"2016-12-23T12:02:38.000Z","dateModified":"2023-12-14T16:23:47.000Z","description":"Opposites attract, even in the worlds of the rich and famous","url":"https://time.com/4603986/12-unexpected-celebrity-friendships/","keywords":["Newsfeed","Entertainment","celebrities"],"thumbnailUrl":"","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Raisa Bruner","jobTitle":null,"url":"https://time.com/author/raisa-bruner/"}],"articleSection":"","image":[],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"/tag/time-section-newsfeed/","name":"Newsfeed"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/4603986/12-unexpected-celebrity-friendships/","name":"13 Unexpected Celebrity Friendships"}}]}] ```