Can celebrities really manifest their dream roles through style choices?
Taylor Swift enlisted her ex Taylor Lautner, whom she dated for a few months in 2009, for her music video for 'I Can See You,' in which Lautner and Joey King are on a mission to save the pop star. The track is one of six tracks contained in her re-recorded 'Speak Now (Taylor's Version)' album, the original of which of course contains the track 'Back to December,' a breakup song Swift wrote about Lautner. Everything seems to be water under the bridge, however, as Swift and Lautner even recreated a funny meme with Lautner's wife, who also happens to be named Taylor but goes by Tay, for obvious reasons.
Swift posted a photo of the three behind the scenes of the music video pointing fingers at each other in the style of the famous 'Spider-Man' pointing meme and wrote, "Taytay is INCREDIBLE in this (didn't have a stunt double!)," referring to Lautner. She added, "and shout out to @taylautner for being so awesome to hang with on set. The Tale of 3 Taylors."
Swift also brought Lautner onstage at her Kansas City tour stop where he did a flip and then said, "I just want to say one thing quick. I respect you so much, not for the singer you are, the songwriter, the performer, but truly for the human you are. You are gracious, humble, you are kind, and I am honored to know you. So thank you for having me be a part of this and for being a part of your life," he said as the audience cheered.
In January 2023, Robin Wright and Sean Penn attracted attention when they were seen together in public for the first time in six years. According to 'House of Cards' actress Robin Wright, they were attending an event for their children. "We're always gonna be a family, whether we're together or apart, you know, and I think that's beautiful and I wish that for everybody." The pair share two kids, Dylan and Hopper Penn, whom they've also worked with on various film projects.
Wright said maintaining a friendship with Penn, whom she officially split from in 2010 after filing for divorce in 2007, is "a gift." She noted, "We know divorce with children is one of the most difficult things in life." She said she would even consider all four of them working together in the future. "This is a family unit. We've always been a unit, and I hope that we'll always work together, one of us with the other or three of us or four."
During The Hollywood Reporter Actors Roundtable in January 2023, Austin Butler revealed that he received encouragement from a "friend" to take on the role of Elvis Presley, which ultimately led to his Oscar nomination. He recounted the incident, stating that it occurred a month before Baz Luhrmann announced he was making the movie. Butler and his friend were enjoying the festive season by looking at Christmas lights when an Elvis Christmas song came on, prompting his friend to exclaim, "You've got to play Elvis." Although Butler initially thought it unlikely, his friend's words stuck with him. Several weeks later, after witnessing Butler's singing and piano skills, the friend insisted that he should find a way to secure the rights to a script. Not long after this conversation, Butler's agent contacted him with news about the film.
In a later interview with the Los Angeles Times, Butler verified that the "friend" referred to in the previous statement was in fact his ex-girlfriend Vanessa Hudgens. "We'd been together for so long and she had this sort of clairvoyant moment and so I really, I owe her a lot for believing in me," he said.
Bradley Cooper and Irina Shayk parted ways in 2019 following a four-year relationship. Nevertheless, their commitment to co-parenting their daughter, Lea De Seine, remains strong. Demonstrating their friendly rapport, the couple embarked on a tropical getaway, highlighting their dedication to their daughter. Shayk took to Instagram, posting a photo showing the pair with joyful smiles, her head resting on Cooper's shoulder. While rumors of a potential reunion persist, no official confirmation has surfaced as of yet.
After nearly eight years together, Natasha Lyonne and Fred Armisen officially called it quits. “I had been [in Los Angeles] living with Fred and during COVID. I honestly think we broke up because I wanted a swimming pool,” the 'Russian Doll' star told The Hollywood Reporter in a profile published on April 15, 2022. “We love each other just about as much as two people can love each other and we’re still talking all the time, but Freddy doesn’t like a swimming pool.”
She continued, “It might seem like a mundane reason for a breakup, but during that pandemic, you’ve got to get your laps—I’m like Burt Lancaster in The Swimmer. So, I got myself a house with a pool out in Los Angeles. So that’s the real scandal,” she joked. The actors were first linked in 2014 after they'd attended several pre-Emmy Awards events together, and in 2019 Lyonne told Glamour it was actually Armisen's 'SNL' co-star Maya Rudolph who had introduced the pair.
Demi Moore and Bruce Willis were married from 1987 until 2000. Despite their divorce, they have managed to remain good friends even after more than two decades. Moore demonstrated their amicable relationship by sharing a heartfelt post on Instagram on March 19, 2022, in honor of Willis' 67th birthday. Moore captioned the post with "Happy birthday, Bruce! Thankful for our blended family," accompanied by a heart emoji. The photo shows them standing next to each other in a kitchen, both wearing big smiles.
The actors also shared pictures of themselves and their children, including their three daughters Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah, spending time in quarantine together during the COVID-19 outbreak. They even wore matching pajamas! Despite Willis' heartbreaking struggle with aphasia and dementia, Moore has remained a steadfast source of support for him and the entire family during this challenging period.
Nick Cannon has been making headlines with news of one pregnancy after another, each with a different woman. Meanwhile, many have been wondering where he stands with his most famous ex and the mother of his first two children: Mariah Carey. The two were married for eight years and share twins Morrocan and Monroe. Despite Cannon's busy procreating schedule, he says that he and Carey still co-parent really well. "We're really great friends and she's kind of taught me so much—so that's family." He even released a new song on Valentine's Day called 'Alone' which sampled Carey's song 'Love Takes Time.' The song clearly states that Cannon regrets losing his relationship with Carey and wishes he could get her back, although he's being respectful of her relationship with boyfriend Bryan Tanaka. So, it might be a bit more complicated than friendship for him!
Hilary Duff's past relationship with Joel Madden, the lead singer of Good Charlotte, began in 2004 when Duff was 16 years old and Madden was 25. Their romance had mostly faded from our memories until the former couple recently got together for a double date. A photo of the reunion quickly went viral, capturing a smiling Duff with her husband Matthew Koma embracing her from behind. Madden was also seen standing beside his wife Nicole Richie. They were joined by Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz and his girlfriend Meagan Camper, as well as record producer Josh Abraham and his longtime partner Gina Abraham. The four couples enjoyed a meal at Scratch|Bar & Kitchen in Los Angeles.
When Emma Stone asked her ex-boyfriend and good friend, Andrew Garfield, if he'd be making an appearance in the new Spider-Man movie, he kept her in suspense saying, "I don't know what you're talking about." Both Garfield and Toby Maguire made surprise appearances in the 2021 movie 'Spider-Man: No Way Home,' to the delight of all Spider-Man fans. Garfield shared a laugh with an interviewer as he recounted this amusing incident. Upon seeing him onscreen, Stone couldn't resist sending him a playful text, declaring, "You're a jerk."
Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux made it clear that they were going to continue their friendship after ending their marriage in 2018. As they said in their joint statement, "We are two best friends who have decided to part ways as a couple but look forward to continuing our cherished friendship." They have proven true to their word and are always publicly expressing their support of one another. They also got the opportunity to reunite in person while working on a joint project. Theroux served as executive producer of a TV special that Aniston starred in, alongside actress Anne Dowd. Theroux later posted a photo of the three of them embracing, calling it an "Anne-sandwich.
From their wedding in 2015 until well beyond their separation in 2018, the couple was a constant target of gossip. In a recent interview with Esquire in 2021, Theroux addressed the rumors. "Look, people create narratives that make themselves feel better or simplify things for them," he explained. "Like it or not, we didn’t have that dramatic split, and we love each other. I’m sincere when I say that I cherish our friendship." Theroux explained, "We don’t talk every day, but we call each other. We FaceTime. We text."
Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco, co-stars of 'The Big Bang Theory,' began dating shortly after the show's launch in 2007. Their romantic relationship came to an end in 2009, but they continued to portray an on-screen couple until 2019. Remarkably, they have maintained a strong friendship and remain close. On November 30, Cuoco celebrated her 36th birthday, prompting Galecki to jokingly tweet, "Happy belated 48th birthday to my / worldwide adored, Mooks. @kaleycuoco." Cuoco responded with laughter and shared the tweet on her Instagram stories, expressing her excitement to reunite with Galecki. Their ability to maintain a positive relationship after the breakup is truly inspiring.
In November 2021, the unexpected news of Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes' breakup left fans in shock. Both of them shared their decision to end their romantic relationship through matching social media posts, emphasizing their continued friendship. "We've decided to end our romantic relationship but our love for one another as humans is stronger than ever," they wrote.
Despite reports of Adele's discontent in her marriage and her current relationship with Rich Paul, the singer still holds her ex-husband Simon Konecki in high regard. Shortly after their divorce was finalized, Adele commended Konecki for bringing much-needed stability into her life. "Especially at that time in my life. I could've easily gone down some dodgy paths, [or been] sort of self-destructive from being so overwhelmed by all of it. And he came in and he was stable, the most stable person I've ever had in my life up until that point." She explained that Konecki remains close to her heart. "Even now I trust him with my life," she said, adding, "I feel like him and Angelo were angels sent to me."
Kopelman and Barrymore were married for four years, from 2012 to 2016, and during that time, they had two children. Kopelman got remarried in 2021 to Allie Michler. Barrymore shared that she spent Halloween with the couple and their kids in 2022. They all enjoyed trick-or-treating together and had a great time, as per Barrymore. Not only is she maintaining a positive friendship and co-parenting dynamic with her ex-husband, but she is also embracing his new wife as part of their blended family.
Angelina Jolie garnered attention when she paid a visit to her former spouse, Jonny Lee Miller, in 2022 during her family's trip to New York City. The two had worked together on the film 'Hackers' (1995) and were married from 1996 to 1999. Fans were hopeful for a possible rekindling of their relationship, but according to E! News, they have remained good friends, as have their children. Apparently, Miller's son and Jolie's youngest son, Knox, are friends and were also in attendance that night. Jolie told BuzzFeed that Miller was "still a great friend."
Amidst the media frenzy surrounding the rekindled romance of Bennifer 2.0, Diddy, one of Lopez's former partners, playfully threw his hat into the ring. Back in 2001, after two years of dating, Diddy and J.Lo called it quits, coincidentally the same year she crossed paths with Ben Affleck on the set of 'Gigli.' With Bennifer now back together, Diddy shared a throwback photo featuring himself and Lopez hand in hand from the year 2000, simply captioned "#tbt." This gesture sent comment sections into a frenzy, with many interpreting it as Diddy attempting to win back J.Lo's affection or at least liven things up. It should be noted that Diddy and J.Lo have remained amicable over the years, as evidenced by their virtual reunion in March 2020 for Combs' dance-a-thon on Instagram Live, raising funds for Direct Relief.
After being married for seven years, the couple separated in 2011. Despite the split, they maintained a friendly relationship and continued working together on their reality show 'Q'Viva'.
While accepting the Best Actor in a Comedy Series award for his role in 'Ted Lasso' at the Critics Choice Awards in 2022, Jason Sudeikis made a surprising mention of his ex, Olivia Wilde, "who had the initial idea to do this as a TV show." He recalled that he initially turned down the idea, but that ultimately "She was right." Wilde responded to his show's win on Twitter, "So happy for you guys." The pair ended their relationship in 2020, after 10 years together, and after some hiccups involving a custody battle they reportedly remain friends.
Elliot Page, known for his role in the film 'Juno,' and choreographer Emma Portner shared their decision to end their marriage in 2021 after being together for three years. The Canadian couple said in a statement, “We have the utmost respect for each other and remain close friends.” Through their separation, Portner has supported Page publicly after he came out as transgender.
The actress shared a photo celebrating her ex, Tom Brady, whom she separated from in 2006, on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' advancement to Super Bowl 2021. In the picture, he is seen embracing their son, and she captioned it, "Could not be more proud. @tombrady said he would do it, and he did." Brady and Moynahan ended their relationship in 2006, and she gave birth to their child a year later.
Following a public display of intoxication, Ben Affleck was seen visiting his ex-wife Jennifer Garner's residence the following day. Affleck, who was facing challenges with his sobriety, believed he owed Garner an explanation after this latest setback, as the mother of their three children. Despite previous discussions about infidelity surrounding their divorce, Garner revealed to Vanity Fair that seeing their children's unwavering love for someone fosters a lasting friendship.
In August 2019, Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin were seen spending a day at the beach with Paltrow's current spouse, screenwriter Brad Falchuk, and Martin's girlfriend, actress Dakota Johnson. This is not the first instance of the divorced couple socializing.
Aniston's 50th birthday celebration in February 2019 brought her and her exes back together. Almost 14 years after their breakup, the reunion between Aniston and Pitt reportedly ignited nostalgia and hope among fans. John Mayer, another one of Aniston's former partners, was also in attendance at the event.
The former married couple have a son and maintain a positive relationship. Faris openly praised Pratt when he announced his engagement and subsequent marriage to Katherine Schwarzenegger.
Despite their divorce in 2013, the couple maintains their love and family bond. Kerr has even spent time with Bloom's fiancée, Katy Perry, and the two women have praised each other publicly.
They first crossed paths while working on 'The Office,' and dated before becoming close friends. Their bond is so strong that Novak is the godfather to Kaling's daughter.
The actors ended their relationship in 2016 after being together for more than a year, however, they were still socializing as of February 2019.
The actors, who first crossed paths while filming 'Scream', tied the knot in 1999 and called it quits in 2013. Despite their separation, they maintained a friendly rapport and continue to spend time together alongside their daughter, Coco.
The 'Twilight' pair broke up in 2012, but met again in a cordial manner at Lily-Rose Depp's birthday celebration in 2018. Pattinson stated in April 2019 that he maintained a positive relationship with multiple former partners.
Between 1996 and 1998, there were rumors of a romantic relationship (Bullock did not deny it in a 2003 interview with Cosmopolitan). Despite their breakup, Bullock and McConaughey maintained a friendship, and Bullock is now on friendly terms with McConaughey's wife, Camila Alves.
Married between 1985 and 1989, these two individuals have maintained a friendly relationship. In 2018, Penn openly expressed his affection for his first wife, and Madonna has only ever had positive things to say about Penn, despite rumors of physical abuse in their marriage.
The actress maintains a strong friendship with her ex-husband, entrepreneur Arun Nayar. In 2018, she and her son, Damian, who shares a close bond with the businessman, went on a vacation with Nayar and his then-girlfriend.
Despite the challenges, the couple successfully navigated their breakup and currently maintain a healthy friendship.
After dating for three years, Timberlake and Diaz decided to go their separate ways. Despite their split, they maintained a friendly relationship and were frequently spotted attending events together.
After a two-year relationship, the couple decided to part ways. However, they continued to attend events together. In an interview, Nick Jonas openly expressed his continued affection for his former partner.
Although their marriage ended in 2015, the former couple has managed to maintain a strong friendship and affection towards each other.
The decision to mutually end their five-year relationship was made with the best intentions for each other's well-being.
The breakup between this former couple ended amicably, and they subsequently appeared jointly for photographs on the red carpet.
Following an eight-year-long marriage, the couple publicly declared their separation in 2019, assuring People magazine that they would continue to provide emotional and familial support with immense affection and admiration.
Friends of the couple claimed that they remained close after calling it quits.
Their relationship ended due to distance, but A$AP Rocky explained in an MTV interview that Chanel remained his closest friend.
Following their breakup, Khloé Kardashian stated in an interview with Complex that she and her former partner remained friends. Nevertheless, in recent years, Odom has subtly suggested that he might desire a deeper connection.
The couple stayed married for seven years and had two children. They remained friends after their divorce in 2006.
In 2016, Gaga ended her relationship with the 'Chicago Fire' actor. Despite this, she emphasized that they remained close friends.
Despite the ups and downs, the couple maintained communication following their separation.
They were in a relationship for three years and have a child. They parted ways in 2011, but maintain a friendly relationship.
After being married for seven years, the couple decided to get a divorce. However, they have managed to maintain a strong friendship, and are often seen together with their daughter, Zoe Kravitz.
The actors from 'The Vampire Diaries' broke up in 2013 after being together for three years. However, they continue to maintain a friendly relationship on social media. Dobrev is even friends with Somerhalder's wife, actress Nikki Reed.
Their romantic involvement started while working on the TV show 'Dexter', yet sadly concluded in 2011. Following their breakup, Carpenter expressed that Hall would forever remain one of her closest companions.
Sarah Ferguson and her ex-husband Prince Andrew have remained close since their divorce in 1996, despite a number of scandals.
See also: Royal couples who have been divorced
Breaking up is never easy, especially when you're in the spotlight. However, these famous couples managed to handle their breakups gracefully and remain on good terms.
Click through the gallery to see which celeb couples successfully transitioned from lovers to friends.
Famous former couples who are still friends
These celeb exes ended things on good terms
CELEBRITY Couples
Breaking up is never easy, especially when you're in the spotlight. However, these famous couples managed to handle their breakups gracefully and remain on good terms.
Click through the gallery to see which celeb couples successfully transitioned from lovers to friends.