11 Celebrity Couples Who Split But Stayed Close Friends
Breaking up is never easy, yet some celebrity couples prove that the final scene of a romance doesn’t have to roll the credits on friendship. When love stories fade, most people walk away for good.
A few famous pairs, though, rewrote the script, choosing respect, maturity, and genuine care over bitterness, turning former partners into lifelong allies who cheer each other on through every new chapter. Step into these feel good Hollywood stories that show friendship can be the best sequel of all.
1. Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin
When these two announced their “conscious uncoupling” back in 2014, people scratched their heads wondering what that even meant. Turns out, it was their way of saying they’d remain best friends while ending their marriage.
Paltrow and Martin share two children and have mastered the art of co-parenting. They vacation together, celebrate holidays as a blended family, and genuinely seem to enjoy each other’s company.
Paltrow has even said their relationship is better now than when they were married, proving that sometimes friendship fits better than romance.
2. Bruce Willis and Demi Moore
Though their marriage ended in 2000, Willis and Moore rewrote the rulebook on how divorced couples should treat each other. They’ve raised three daughters together while maintaining a friendship that makes other exes jealous.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Willis actually quarantined with Moore and their kids, showing just how close they’ve remained. Their blended family includes Moore’s current husband and Willis’s wife, creating one big happy crew.
If that’s not friendship goals, what is?
3. Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt
After one of Hollywood’s most talked-about splits in 2005, fans wondered if these two would ever speak again. Fast forward nearly two decades, and Aniston calls Pitt a “buddy” and genuine friend.
Time really does heal wounds, and these two prove that you can move past hurt feelings to find friendship on the other side. No drama, just mutual respect and kindness between two people who once meant the world to each other.
4. Hugh Grant and Elizabeth Hurley
Thirteen years of dating ended for Grant and Hurley, but their friendship has lasted even longer. They’ve become each other’s chosen family, with Grant serving as godfather to Hurley’s son and Hurley as godmother to one of Grant’s children.
Hurley once said Grant is one of her best friends in the entire world, and their social media exchanges prove it. They support each other’s careers, celebrate milestones together, and show up when it matters most.
Sometimes your greatest love story transforms into your greatest friendship story instead.
5. Mindy Kaling and B.J. Novak
These former “The Office” co-stars dated on and off while working together, which sounds like a recipe for disaster. Instead, they’ve created one of Hollywood’s most endearing friendships that has everyone confused about their relationship status.
Novak is the godfather to Kaling’s daughter, and they’re constantly in each other’s lives. Kaling describes him as family, and their bond goes way beyond typical friendship.
However, they’ve made it clear they’re not romantically involved anymore, just incredibly close friends who genuinely adore each other and always will.
6. Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon
After a 2016 split, Carey and Cannon showed how prioritizing children can coexist with a genuine friendship. Shared twins remain at the center, and co parenting looks refreshingly smooth.
Cannon often speaks warmly about Carey in interviews, calling the bond family forever. Birthdays get celebrated together, holidays stay coordinated, and interactions reflect steady respect and kindness.
The connection highlights a meaningful truth: deep care for someone’s happiness can let romantic love evolve into a lasting, beautiful friendship over time.
7. Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom
When these two ended their marriage in 2013, they committed to staying friends for their son Flynn. Kerr even gets along wonderfully with Bloom’s current partner, Katy Perry, creating a modern blended family that works beautifully.
Bloom and Kerr communicate constantly about their son and genuinely support each other’s new relationships. Kerr has said they love and respect each other deeply, just not as husband and wife anymore.
Their maturity and kindness toward each other sets an incredible example for their son about healthy relationships.
8. Drew Barrymore and Tom Green
Their marriage lasted less than a year back in 2001, but Barrymore and Green have remained surprisingly close friends. Green has appeared on Barrymore’s talk show multiple times, and their chemistry as friends is undeniable.
Barrymore has spoken fondly about Green over the years, showing no hard feelings about their brief marriage. They joke around, reminisce about old times, and genuinely seem to enjoy catching up whenever possible.
Just because a marriage doesn’t last doesn’t mean the connection has to disappear completely forever.
9. Courteney Cox and David Arquette
After 14 years of marriage, Cox and Arquette separated in 2010 but kept their friendship intact for their daughter Coco. They’ve been spotted together at family events, always smiling and supporting each other through life’s ups and downs.
Arquette has called Cox his best friend, and the commitment to peaceful co-parenting remains admirable. Both have moved on romantically yet never lost the friendship that started it all.
The story shows that some relationships thrive once romantic pressure fades, leaving genuine appreciation and respect behind.
10. Kris Jenner and Caitlyn Jenner
A 23 year marriage ended in 2015, and the road turned rocky for a while. Over time, shared children helped rebuild a bond rooted in friendship and mutual respect.
Public disagreements made headlines, yet steady effort and family focus brought progress. Showing up for kids and grandkids together proves even complicated relationships can grow into something peaceful.
The journey highlights a hopeful truth: friendship after divorce rarely happens overnight, but patience and forgiveness can make it possible in the end.
11. Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe
A split came in 2007 after nearly a decade together, yet a respectful friendship remained while raising two children. Co parenting stays private, supportive, and free of drama.
Both moved on romantically while keeping interactions civil for Ava and Deacon. Phillippe has publicly praised Witherspoon’s parenting, and schedules stay well coordinated.
The ability to put kids first while honoring clear boundaries reflects maturity and genuine care for everyone’s wellbeing, allowing a modern family dynamic built on respect to move forward peacefully.
