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11 Politicians & Celebrities You Had No Freaking Idea Were BFFs
Now, Hollywood and Washington have always been intertwined, whether it's actors who dabble in politics or politicians who rely on the support of entertainers to raise funds and boost their campaign. Either way, the mutual admiration between celebrities and politicians has formed countless crossover friendships over the decades.
There were the classic pairings, like Frank Sinatra and John F. Kennedy, and more controversial ones, like Marilyn Monroe and, again, the ever-popular JFK. Today, our own president, Barack Obama, has so many celebrity friends and endorsers that his Rolodex probably resembles an award show invitation list. Everyone from Beyoncé and Jay Z to George Clooney has fraternized with Obama, while his better half, Michelle, could probably claim even more celeb pals.
Then there are the unexpected friendships that you would have never expected in a million years (Tommy Lee Jones and Al Gore were roommates?!). Somehow, whether it's through a shared love of a specific cause like climate change or sincere fandom (sometimes politicians get starstruck too), these unlikely pairs have gravitated toward each other, making the world a more interesting place.
Take a look at some of the celebrities and politicians you had no idea even knew each other, but are basically BFFs.
Ted Danson & Mary Steenburgen and the Clintons
Ted Danson and his actress wife, Mary Steenburgen, call the Clintons “best pals.” In fact, Bill Clinton walked Steenburgen down the aisle during her wedding to Danson in 1995.
Michelle & Jim Bob Duggar and Ken Cuccinelli
The stars of 19 Kids and Counting campaigned for Republican Ken Cuccinelli last year when he was running in the Virginia gubernatorial election. He did not win.
Tommy Lee Jones and Al Gore
Tommy Lee Jones and Al Gore used to be roommates at Harvard! Mind. Blown.
Eva Longoria and Henry Munoz
Earlier this year, the former Desperate Housewives actress launched a new political action committee with Texas political activist Henry Munoz called The Victory Project.
Dennis Rodman and Kim Jong-un
And this one continues to baffle me. But yes, the former NBA star is tight with the basketball-loving North Korean dictator.
Meryl Streep and Hillary Clinton
The fact that they’re besties makes me so happy. Hillary Clinton has proudly stated that if she could pick anyone to play her in a movie, ”it would be Meryl Streep, of course!”
It would be my favorite movie.
Clint Eastwood and Mitt Romney
Clint Eastwood appeared in campaign ads backing Mitt Romney, and the actor had also made headlines with that empty chair dialogue before Romney’s presidential nomination acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention in 2012.
Leonardo DiCaprio and Ban Ki-moon
Leonardo DiCaprio, who Ban Ki-moon appointed as the UN’s Messenger of Peace, recently joined the UN Secretary General at both the UN Climate Summit and the People’s Climate March in NYC.
George Clooney and Walter Veltroni
George is so close with the former mayor of Rome that he asked him to officiate his wedding to Amal Alamuddin last weekend.
Oprah and Michelle Obama
Despite reports of a fallout, Michelle Obama was seen vacationing with Oprah in Maui this January.
Jay Z & Beyoncé and President Obama
Hip-hop’s royal couple have been friends with the First Couple for years, with Obama calling them “good friends” and Jay Z revealing that he “texts with Obama.”
