15 Celebrity Couples Who Fell in Love After Being Friends First

Almost 70% of romantic relationships begin as friendships, according to new research. This type of relationship is more likely to be the rule than the exception, and it is definitely the best way to start a romance with your crush. That’s why, when a celebrity becomes friends with another, it is only a matter of time before rumors start to spread about a “thing” happening between them.

So, here at Bright Side, we are bringing you a long list of celebrities who turned their friendship into a relationship.

1. Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton

Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton first met as co-judges on The Voice in 2014. They were both processing divorces at the time, and their support of each other led to a great friendship that got stronger and stronger over time. This bond eventually got them together — in 2015 they started dating and later on, in 2020, they finally got engaged. They are happier than ever.

2. Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka

Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka met while they were both performing on Broadway. At first, they began hanging out as friends. Harris didn’t expect to find a special person to spend his life with, however, he fell in love fast with Burtka.

Unlike Harris, for Burtka it took some time to catch up with his friend’s feelings, but eventually the lovebirds ended up together. They moved in together in New York City and later on moved to Los Angeles, because Harris landed a role in the famous sitcom How I Met Your Mother.

3. Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher

The famous relationship of Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher goes back to That ’70s Show. They stayed friends for many years after they met and were even dating other people, both actors had serious relationships before they rekindled in 2012, where they caught up at the Golden Globes. The couple got married in 2015, and now they have 2 kids together, a daughter named Wyatt and a son named Dimitri.

4. Beyoncé and Jay-Z

Beyoncé and Jay-Z have successfully kept most of their private life hidden from the spotlight. Though they have known each other since 2000, they chose to remain friends due to their age difference. But, after around one and a half years they started seriously dating, and many years later they got married in 2008.

5. Chrissy Tiegen and John Legend

The duo met in 2006 on the set of Legend’s “Stereo” music video. They kept in touch, but Legend was often seen on red carpets and at events with other women. Although, he previously was against marriage, the couple found their way back together and tied the knot in 2013.

6. Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes

Camila and Shawn were only 2 songs away from becoming lovers. After recording their first song, “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” they remained friends.

However, soon after recording their second song, “Señorita,” they officially coupled up. Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello dated for 2 years, but were friends for much longer. Unfortunately, in November 2021 the couple announced that they were back to being just friends.

7. Jessica Alba and Cash Warren

Jessica Alba and his husband Cash Warren celebrated their 14th year of marriage this year. Jessica also referred to their relationship as 18 years of life.

She wrote this in an Instagram post, “18 years of life 14 years of marriage — through thick and thin we’ve always found our way back to each other.” She also said, “Can’t think of anyone else I would want to share this life with.” They met in 2004, 18 years ago. They stayed friends for 4 years, before committing to each other.

8. Samira Wiley and Lauren Morelli

Their connection all started while filming Orange is the New Black, when Lauren Morelli, the writer, was coming to a new understanding about her sexuality. During which, she was totally supported by Samira. Lauren wrote an episode about Samira’s character and when they met to discuss it they had an instant bond. Soon after becoming friends, they fell in love and have been married since 2017.

9. Kate Middleton and Prince William

It was the college that started The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s relationship. They remained friends for a long time, going out together with groups of friends months before the prince finally made his first move.

They are one of the most beloved royal couples in history. As it turns out, it was the strong bond they formed as friends that made their union so solid. William said, “I do genuinely believe now that being friends with each other is a massive advantage.”

10. Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds

This couple became fast friends after they worked together on the Green Lantern. Ryan stated that, “We were friends and buddies, and then about a year and a half later, we actually went on a double date, but we were dating separate people.” They were such good friends that they went on double dates together. The now married couple has 3 daughters together.

11. Kim Kardashian and Kanye West

The moment this couple met, West was not able to pronounce the word “Kardashians.” However, West maintained a friendship with Kim even through her marriage to someone else. He finally won her heart, and they were married from 2013 until 2022 and have 4 children together. Unfortunately, they broke up recently.

12. Reese Witherspoon and Jim Toth

Reese and Jim met at a party shortly after Reese’s breakup in 2010. They kept their friendship and love low-key until they got married. The actress and the talent agent began dating in 2010 and became engaged soon after. They got married in 2011.

13. Mary Steenburgen and Ted Danson

The 2 first met on the set of the 1994 film Pontiac Moon, in which they played a married couple. At that point, Steenburgen had 2 children from her previous marriage, and Danson was also a father of 2 from his second marriage. They supported each other until they fell in love and got married in 1995.

14. Nikki Reed and Ian Somerhalder

A friend introduced them both to each other, and they’ve been friends ever since. Rumors about them dating started in 2014, and they confirmed their relationship by getting engaged in 2015 and married only a year later.

Ian and Nikki felt confident about their relationship, that’s why they jumped into marriage because they already had the ultimate foundation: friendship. “They were friends before, the groundwork had been laid,” their insider said.

15. Jada Pinkett and Will Smith

This couple first met when Jada auditioned for The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Although Jada did not get the role, she gained a valuable friendship with Will. Soon after, Will decided to end his marriage to pursue a romantic relationship with Jada.

Do you know a story about a couple who started out as friends and then fell in love? Feel free to share it with us in the comment section below.