Best friends hold a unique and special place in our lives, enriching our experiences and often providing crucial support. Acknowledging the importance of these bonds, the U.S. Congress declared June 8 as National Best Friends Day in 1935, as highlighted by National Today. This day encourages people worldwide to celebrate their best friends and show their appreciation.
To honor this holiday, we’ve curated a list of our favorite celebrity best friend duos.
Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes & Natina : They shared a close friendship that began when Reed auditioned for Lopes’ production company, Left Eye Productions. Reed was just 19 when the trio, Blaque, was signed by Left Eye Productions, marking the start of their collaborative and supportive relationship.
Melissa Ford and Rihanna : They have maintained a close friendship for many years, with Ford often seen as Rihanna’s confidante and support system. Their bond is evident in their frequent public appearances together, and Melissa’s support of Rihanna’s career and personal endeavours.
Jada Pinkett Smith and Queen Latifah : have shared a close friendship since the 1990s, marked by mutual respect and loyalty. They have consistently supported each other’s careers and personal lives, demonstrating a strong bond that has endured over the years.
Aaliyah and Kidada Jones: There friendship began in the late 1990s, marked by their close connection and time spent together. The tragic loss of Aaliyah in a plane crash in 2001 left a profound impact on Kidada and many others, but their bond remains a cherished memory of Aaliyah’s lasting influence.
Mary J. Blige and Taraji P. Henson : They frequently praise each other’s talents and accomplishments. Their relationship is defined by deep respect and encouragement, both personally and professionally. The pair starred together in Tyler Perry’s I Can Do Bad All by Myself, and since then, they’ve supported each other through various ups and downs. Last year, Mary J. Blige was Taraji P. Henson’s biggest cheerleader when Henson received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, as reported by Essence.
Janelle Monáe and Tessa Thompson : Monáe is known for her squad of celebrity friends, but her bond with Tessa Thompson stands out. Thompson revealed in 2018 to Entertainment Tonight that they had been close friends for about three and a half years and expressed feeling “so lucky” to have Monáe in her life. Their strong connection even led to romance rumors, which Monáe addressed by expressing her love and appreciation for all women, as reported by The New York Times.
Serena Williams and Meghan Markle’s : There friendship began in 2010, but it truly blossomed when they reconnected in 2014. Their relationship has been a source of constant support and encouragement, reflecting their deep personal connection over the years.
Gabrielle Union and Regina King : They share a deep friendship that goes beyond professional ties. In a 2019 Vanity Fair interview, Union revealed that King saved her life during a snorkeling accident, emphasizing King’s extraordinary character. Union has also praised King’s impact on her career, particularly noting how King’s role in “227” offered representation for Black teenagers when it was scarce.
Kelly Rowland and Beyoncé : There deep bond is rooted in their shared upbringing as ‘sisters.’ Kelly moved into Beyoncé’s family home at age 11 and was raised alongside Beyoncé and her younger sister, Solange, by Beyoncé’s parents, Tina and Matthew Knowles.
Spike Lee and Samuel L. Jackson : They share a long-standing friendship that began in the late 1980s. Their relationship is marked by frequent collaborations, including Jackson’s memorable roles in several of Lee’s films. Their bond extends beyond professional ties, reflecting mutual respect and personal connection.
Sanaa Lathan and Regina Hall have mastered the art of enduring friendship, having been close for over two decades. They’ve openly celebrated their bond, with Lathan presenting Hall an award at the 2019 Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards, where they referred to each other as their “human diaries.” Lathan later shared that their friendship remains strong even amidst competition for roles, showcasing their deep connection and support for one another.
Lil Durk and King Von: They were lifelong friends, even serving time together in an Atlanta state jail in 2019. They referred each other as “Twin,” were deeply connected. King Von was tragically killed in November 2020 by gun violence. Since then, Lil Durk has paid tribute to Von by playing his songs at his shows and mentioning him in his own music, ensuring that his memory lives on.
Krayzie Bone and Layzie Bone : They are best friends and founding members of the group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, started the group together and have maintained a close bond throughout their career.
Key Glock and Young Dolph: They are cousins-in-law, shared a close relationship and frequently collaborated on music. Key Glock is signed to Young Dolph’s record label, Paper Route Empire, under which he released his commercial mixtape Glock Season in 2017. Tragically, Young Dolph was killed in November 2021, a loss that deeply affected Key Glock and the music community.
