12 Actors Who Were Roommates Before They Were Famous

Many of today’s biggest stars started their journeys to fame in humble circumstances, often sharing a living space with fellow aspiring actors. Before they became household names, these actors navigated the struggles of Hollywood together, bonding over auditions, small gigs, and the hustle of making it in the industry. Their time as roommates not only shaped their friendships but also played a significant role in their later success.

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Ryan Gosling and Justin Timberlake

Ryan Gosling and Justin Timberlake shared a living space in the early 1990s while both were part of The Mickey Mouse Club cast. At the time, neither had yet reached the level of fame that would later define their careers. Gosling had just moved from Canada, and Timberlake, a Southern boy from Tennessee, was also finding his way in the entertainment world. Their shared experiences as young, aspiring entertainers allowed them to bond over their struggles, from the pressures of being on a kids’ television show to the challenges of living away from their families. This period marked a time of growth for both of them, learning the ropes of show business and forming a friendship that would last long beyond their time on the show.

Although they would eventually go on to achieve immense success in their respective fields, the pair’s time as roommates was a humble start. Gosling would rise to fame with critically acclaimed roles in films like La La Land and Drive, while Timberlake became a global pop sensation with his music career and acting roles. Their early bond as roommates is often seen as a reminder of the close-knit community that forms between young stars trying to break into the industry, and how the friendships made during this time can last a lifetime.

Connie Britton and Lauren Graham

Long before Connie Britton became known for her role on Friday Night Lights and Lauren Graham became a household name on Gilmore Girls, the two were roommates in Los Angeles. Both women were struggling actresses at the time, taking on small roles while working to establish themselves in Hollywood. Living together, they navigated the ups and downs of the entertainment world, from auditioning for roles to balancing various side jobs. The two shared an apartment in the late 1980s or early 90s, both hopeful that one day, they would find success in a competitive industry that often felt unwelcoming.

Their bond during these formative years remained strong even after they became famous. Both Connie Britton and Lauren Graham continued to support each other in their careers, and their friendship remains one of the most heartwarming examples of how Hollywood can foster lasting relationships. Britton and Graham were there for each other during the toughest times, and their time as roommates helped shape their careers in a way that they often look back on fondly. They have spoken in interviews about their early days of struggling together, a testament to their determination and mutual support.

Robin Williams and Christopher Reeve

Robin Williams and Christopher Reeve, two of the most beloved actors in Hollywood history, were roommates during their time at Juilliard in New York City. Both were incredibly talented and driven, but their paths to fame were not guaranteed. Reeve, a young man from a wealthy family, had dreams of becoming a serious actor, while Williams, known for his quick wit and comedic genius, was trying to figure out where his talents fit within the realm of acting. Their bond formed as they navigated the rigorous training at the prestigious Juilliard School, both of them pushing each other to succeed while remaining grounded in the realities of their situation.

Though their paths would diverge after their time together in Juilliard, Reeve going on to star in Superman and Williams achieving fame with iconic roles in films like Dead Poets Society and Good Will Hunting, their friendship never wavered. Reeve and Williams were close friends for the rest of their lives, supporting each other through both professional triumphs and personal struggles. Their time as roommates not only shaped their acting careers but also provided a strong emotional foundation for their lifelong friendship, which is remembered fondly by their fans.

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are another pair of Hollywood stars who lived together before their rise to fame. The duo, who grew up in Boston, moved to Los Angeles in the early 1990s to pursue acting careers. With little money and no guarantees, they shared an apartment while attending auditions and working on smaller acting gigs. During this time, they honed their skills and supported each other through the ups and downs of the industry. They even co-wrote Good Will Hunting together, a project that would later earn them both an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

Their time as roommates was instrumental in shaping their careers and solidifying their partnership in Hollywood. After the success of Good Will Hunting, both Affleck and Damon went on to become A-list actors, with Affleck starring in blockbuster films like Armageddon and The Town, and Damon gaining worldwide recognition for his role in the Bourne series. Despite their individual success, the two remained close friends, often collaborating on films and supporting each other’s projects. Their time as roommates laid the groundwork for a lasting friendship that remains one of the most enduring in Hollywood.

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, two of the most successful and influential women in comedy, were roommates in the late 1990s when they were both struggling to make a name for themselves in New York City. They lived together while they were both working on the Chicago-based improv comedy scene before they found fame on Saturday Night Live. Their bond was forged over long hours of writing sketches, performing on stage, and navigating the highly competitive world of comedy. Living in a small apartment, they shared a sense of humor and a passion for comedy that helped them get through some of their toughest times.

As roommates, Fey and Poehler were more than just friends; they were creative partners. This partnership translated into their careers, as they went on to collaborate on major projects like Parks and Recreation and Mean Girls, becoming two of the biggest names in comedy. Their friendship is an example of how shared living arrangements can fuel collaboration and inspire creative breakthroughs, with Fey and Poehler still supporting each other’s endeavors in the industry to this day.

Kirsten Dunst and Claire Danes

Before they became famous actresses, Kirsten Dunst and Claire Danes lived together in New York City. Both were young and eager to break into the acting scene when they first met while working on the TV show My So-Called Life. Dunst, who was a rising star, and Danes, who was already gaining attention for her role on the show, found common ground in their shared experiences. They became roommates in the mid-1990s, living in a modest apartment as they navigated the challenges of balancing their personal lives with their budding careers.

Their time as roommates was filled with both challenges and triumphs. Despite the pressure of being young actresses in a demanding industry, Dunst and Danes found comfort in each other’s company. After their time living together, both went on to achieve significant success, with Dunst starring in films like Spider-Man and Interview with the Vampire, while Danes gained fame for her roles in Romeo + Juliet and Homeland. Their early days together as roommates helped to solidify a lasting friendship that continues to this day.

Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore

Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore’s friendship started when they were both young actresses trying to make their mark in Hollywood. They shared an apartment in Los Angeles during the early years of their careers, both balancing auditions and small roles while trying to break into the industry. At the time, neither had yet achieved the level of fame they would later experience. Their bond grew stronger as they navigated the ups and downs of Hollywood together, supporting each other through the tough times.

Although their paths to fame were different, Barrymore, a child star turned actress, and Diaz, a model-turned-actress, their time living together formed the foundation for a lifelong friendship. Both actresses would go on to become major stars, with Diaz starring in The Mask and Shrek and Barrymore in E.T. and Never Been Kissed. Their deep friendship has endured the test of time, and they have often supported each other’s professional endeavors, including starring together in the Charlie’s Angels series.

Elizabeth Banks and Busy Philipps

Elizabeth Banks and Busy Philipps, both of whom rose to fame through their roles in Freaks and Geeks, lived together in Los Angeles while they were struggling actresses. They became fast friends during their time on the show, and their bond extended beyond their professional lives. As roommates, they shared the highs and lows of the entertainment industry, attending auditions and figuring out how to make ends meet. Their time living together in their early years in Hollywood was marked by the challenges of balancing work with personal growth.

Their friendship grew stronger as they both found success in their careers. Banks went on to star in films like The Hunger Games and Pitch Perfect, while Philipps gained fame through roles in Cougar Town and Dawson’s Creek. Their enduring friendship is a testament to how shared experiences and mutual support can lead to long-lasting connections in the industry. Banks and Philipps continue to collaborate on projects and remain close friends to this day.

Ellen DeGeneres and Anne Heche

Before their high-profile relationship, Ellen DeGeneres and Anne Heche were roommates in the early 1990s. At the time, DeGeneres was just starting her stand-up comedy career, and Heche was an aspiring actress trying to make a name for herself in Hollywood. Their living situation came at a time when both women were just beginning to find their way in the industry. They bonded over their shared experiences of navigating the entertainment world while also building a personal connection that would later blossom into a romantic relationship.

Although their romantic relationship ended, their time as roommates was significant in shaping their careers. DeGeneres went on to become a beloved talk show host, while Heche achieved fame with roles in films like Six Days, Seven Nights and Donnie Brasco. Their time together helped forge a lasting friendship and mutual respect that continues to be a part of their professional lives, even after their romantic relationship ended.

Gwen Stefani and No Doubt Bandmates

Before Gwen Stefani became a global icon with her solo career, she lived with her No Doubt bandmates in the early days of the band’s success. Stefani, who was still establishing herself as a lead singer, and the band members shared living spaces as they struggled to make ends meet while working on their music. The band’s breakthrough album, Tragic Kingdom, was in the works during this time, and the living arrangements helped foster a sense of community and collaboration among the group. Their time as roommates allowed them to bond and support one another through the stresses of being a young band on the cusp of fame.

The shared living experience played a significant role in No Doubt’s success. Stefani’s time living with her bandmates helped shape the chemistry and creativity that would later lead to No Doubt’s rise to fame. As the band’s frontwoman, Stefani went on to become one of the most successful solo artists in music, but she has often credited her band’s close-knit dynamic and their early days together as key factors in their success.

Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters

Before they became iconic stars of American Horror Story, Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters lived together in Los Angeles, both trying to break into the industry. Their bond started early in their careers, and they often talked about the struggles of auditioning for roles while living in a competitive city. As roommates, they faced the ups and downs of Hollywood, from rejection to the excitement of landing their first roles. Their time together helped them form a close friendship, and their shared experiences brought them even closer as they navigated the challenges of the industry.

After years of perseverance, both Paulson and Peters became major stars. Paulson’s breakout roles in 12 Years a Slave and The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story earned her critical acclaim, while Peters gained recognition for his work on American Horror Story and films like Kick-Ass. Their time as roommates became a pivotal part of their friendship, and their collaborations on American Horror Story showcased their enduring bond. The pair continues to support each other professionally and personally, with their friendship being a significant part of their Hollywood journey.

Kendall Jenner and Hailey Baldwin (Bieber)

Kendall Jenner and Hailey Baldwin (now Bieber) were roommates before both found fame in the fashion world. At the time, they were just starting their careers and shared an apartment in Los Angeles while navigating the challenges of the modeling industry. Both came from high-profile families, but they were still working hard to establish their individual identities in the highly competitive world of fashion. Living together, they supported each other through the ups and downs of auditions, castings, and industry pressure.

As their careers took off, Kendall Jenner became a top model with a massive presence in the fashion industry, walking for high-end brands like Victoria’s Secret and Chanel. Hailey Baldwin also achieved great success as a model and eventually married pop superstar Justin Bieber. Though they are both internationally recognized figures now, their time as roommates laid the foundation for a strong and supportive friendship that has lasted throughout their careers. Their bond continues to be evident, as they are often seen supporting each other’s work and personal milestones.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.