Did You Know That These Black Celebrities Were BFFs?

It’s hard enough to find good friends without the added trouble of being famous in the mix. But some celebs have found (and maintained) strong bonds throughout their careers – celebrating the wins and losses together along the way.

Whether they’re cheering for each other on the court, on the screen, or on the stage, these Black celebrities have proven that they are unconditionally ride or die. In honor of National Best Friends Day, check out a few of our favorite Black celebrity BFFs.

Oprah Winfrey & Gayle King

When it comes to celebrity BFFs, Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King are considered among the OGs. The pair have been close for nearly 50 years after they met while working together at a Baltimore news station in 1976. The two have remained close, and as best friends do, continue to rely on each other for advice and support. But if you think Gayle gets tired of people asking her about her uber-famous bestie, think again.

“I never get sick of being asked about Oprah because I so love that she is loved the way she is,” King told Newsweek in a March 2024 interview.

Tyler, The Creator & A$AP Rocky

They may have collaborated on hits like “Telephone Calls” and “Potato Salad,” but Tyler, The Creator and A$AP Rocky weren’t always friends. Thankfully, what started as a beef between their crews evolved into a beautiful friendship that resulted in some great music.

“WE USED TO HATE EACH OTHER AND I HAVE TO SAY YOU CHANGED THE COURSE OF MY SH*T AS SOON AS WE REALIZED THAT WAS STUPID,” Tyler wrote about Rocky in a 2019 Instagram post.

Beyoncé & Kelly Rowland

Music superstars Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland have a friendship that has lasted over 30 years. When asked to describe their relationship, Bey told Oprah Winfrey in 2004 that their love for one another almost can’t be put into words.

“We grew up together, and we’ve been in this group since we were 9 years old,” she said. “We’ve shared our best memories and moments and some of our hardest moments. And that forces you to get so close that you can’t explain it to people.”

Ciara & LaLa Anthony

Whether they’re dancing together on TikTok or sharing their favorite foods, singer Ciara and actress-television personality LaLa Anthony have a genuine love for each other that shows.

“Always there, loving, thoughtful, beautiful inside and out, and you a Boss! God made a special girl on this day, and I’m so grateful she’s my friend. I love you so much! ” Ciara wrote to Anthony in a beautiful birthday tribute post on Instagram.

Tichina Arnold & Tisha Campbell

Tichina Arnold and Tisha Campbell first met as tweens while auditioning for acting roles in New York City. As their careers flourished, so did their friendship. The pair have been there for each other through the good and the bad, including the birth of their children and their respective divorces.

Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony & Dwyane Wade

NBA superstar LeBron James has played with many of the greats on the basketball court. But when it comes to the people he considers friends, the list is pretty exclusive.

“I’ve got three very good friends in this league, and that’s Carmelo (Anthony), and that’s C.P. (Chris Paul), and that’s D-Wade. And after that I have a bunch of teammates. I have guys I ride for every day,” James said in an interview.

Sanaa Lathan & Regina Hall

Actresses Sanaa Lathan and Regina Hall have been friends for decades, and while they have likely competed for some of the same roles, they have always been supportive of one another.

“She’s a pro. She’s an amazing comedienne, she’s an amazing dramatic actress, and we just celebrate each other. That’s the true test of a female friendship. It’s not easy to be females and be friends and be actresses in the same genre and the same world,” Lathan said about Hall in an interview.

Lizzo & SZA

One of the best qualities of a good friend is someone who is constantly in your corner, cheering you on. That’s exactly what makes singers Lizzo and SZA #FriendGoals. When Sza won the Grammy for Best R&B song at the 2024 awards, it was her girl Lizzo who presented her with the award, and the way they hugged and squealed on stage together showed just how happy the pair were to be sharing such a special moment.

Yvette Nicole Brown & Janet Jackson

In an interview with Hollywood Unlocked, Yvette Nicole Brown said she’s been a long-time fan of Janet Jackson. Her dreams came true when she finally met the “Control” singer when she was a guest on The Real.

Brown says the pair’s friendship was solidified when Jackson reached out to her with words of comfort after her mother’s passing.

“She can get a kidney,” Brown said. “Anyone who’s going to find me in an Ireland apartment building at 11:00 on my darkest day. She is so accessible, and the best thing about her is that she’s kind.”

Redman & Method Man

Rappers Method Man and Redman have a genuine friendship based on respect for each other’s skills.

“The first time I heard Meth spit on ‘Protect Ya Neck,’ I knew he stood out,” Redman told Hip Hop DX. “And off of that, I knew I didn’t want to be a fan, I kind of wanted to be part of the fam,”

Queen Latifah & Jada Pinkett Smith

“Set It Off” and “Girls Trip” co-stars Queen Latifah and Jada Pinkett Smith have a decades-long friendship that began when they met in a Baltimore club as teenagers, the pair told PEOPLE. Although their schedules are busy with work and families these days, their love for each other is just as strong.

“You’re one of the only people on this planet I’d press my hair for to hop on a Zoom call,” Latifah captioned a birthday post for Pinkett Smith on Instagram.

Meghan Markle & Serena Williams

The guest list for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal wedding was pretty exclusive, but one person who did get an invite was tennis superstar Serena Williams. She and Markle have been friends since they met at the Super Bowl in 2010.

“We are both the same age, have a penchant for hot sauces and adore fashion, but what connects us more than those things is perhaps our belief in exceeding expectations – our endless ambition,” Markle wrote about Williams on her blog.

Kevin Hart & Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

Kevin Hart and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson have starred together in several movies, including the ‘Jumanji’ series and ‘DC League of Super Pets.’ Not surprisingly, they maintain a close relationship when the cameras are off.

But in an interview with GMA in 2022, Hart said he hates the idea of calling their bond a “bromance.” Instead, he prefers to refer to it as a “beautiful friendship.”