Famous Exes Who Stayed Friends (Surprisingly!)

Famous Exes Who Stayed Friends (Surprisingly!)

Breaking up is hard to do, especially when the whole world is watching. Most celebrity relationships end with drama, gossip, and awkward award show encounters. But some famous couples have figured out how to turn their romantic endings into lasting friendships. These stars prove that love can transform into genuine respect and support, showing us that not all breakups have to be messy or filled with regret.

1. Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin

When Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin announced their “conscious uncoupling” in 2014, the phrase became instantly famous. Their approach to ending their marriage was refreshingly mature and focused on their two children, Apple and Moses.

Paltrow has openly described Martin as being “like my brother” in interviews. They vacation together as a blended family and celebrate holidays side by side. Their commitment to co-parenting has set a new standard for celebrity divorces.

Both have moved on romantically but maintain deep respect for each other. Their friendship shows that prioritizing your children’s happiness can create beautiful outcomes even after romance fades.

2. Demi Moore and Bruce Willis

Few celebrity friendships after divorce are as legendary as Demi Moore and Bruce Willis. Married for thirteen years before divorcing in 2000, they never let their split damage their bond. Their three daughters—Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah—have always been their top priority.

During the pandemic, the former couple even quarantined together with their family. Photos showed them celebrating birthdays, wearing matching pajamas, and genuinely enjoying each other’s company. Willis’s current wife Emma has embraced Moore as part of their extended family.

Their story proves that with maturity and mutual respect, former spouses can become lifelong friends and co-parenting partners.

3. Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony

Music brought Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony together, and even after their 2014 divorce, it keeps them connected. The singers share twins Max and Emme, born in 2008, and have worked hard to maintain a positive relationship.

They’ve continued collaborating on music projects long after their romantic relationship ended. Lopez has praised Anthony publicly for being an amazing father. Their ability to separate personal feelings from professional respect is truly admirable.

At family events, they’re often spotted chatting comfortably and supporting their children together. Their friendship demonstrates that shared passions and children can create bonds stronger than romantic love.

4. Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan

After meeting on the set of “Step Up” in 2006, Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan seemed like Hollywood’s perfect couple. Their 2018 separation shocked fans, but they handled it with remarkable grace and maturity.

Their daughter Everly remains their number one priority. Both stars have spoken about the importance of maintaining friendship for her sake. They attend her school events together and coordinate holidays to ensure she feels loved and secure.

Though their romantic spark faded, they’ve built something equally valuable—a respectful co-parenting partnership. Their example shows that choosing kindness over bitterness creates healthier outcomes for everyone involved.

5. Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet

Rock star Lenny Kravitz and actress Lisa Bonet were the ultimate cool couple of the late 1980s. Though they divorced in 1993, their friendship has only grown stronger with time. Kravitz has repeatedly called Bonet his “best friend” in interviews.

Their daughter Zoë Kravitz has benefited immensely from their positive relationship. Family gatherings include both parents, and they genuinely enjoy spending time together. Kravitz even maintained a close relationship with Bonet’s late partner Jason Momoa.

Their decades-long friendship proves that true connection transcends romantic relationships and that family can take many beautiful forms.

6. Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom

Supermodel Miranda Kerr and actor Orlando Bloom were married from 2010 to 2013, sharing a son named Flynn. Despite their divorce, they’ve created a remarkably harmonious blended family situation that many admire.

Kerr has spoken warmly about Bloom’s fiancée Katy Perry, even sending her flowers and gifts. The adults prioritize Flynn’s wellbeing above any awkwardness or past hurt. They celebrate milestones together and maintain open, respectful communication.

Their modern family approach shows incredible emotional maturity. By putting their son first and treating each other with kindness, they’ve transformed a potentially difficult situation into something genuinely positive and loving.

7. Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon

Pop icon Mariah Carey and comedian Nick Cannon married in 2008 and welcomed twins Moroccan and Monroe in 2011. Their 2016 divorce could have turned ugly, but instead, they chose friendship and cooperation.

Cannon has consistently praised Carey in interviews, calling her an amazing mother. They spend holidays together with their children and maintain regular communication. Their twins get to experience both parents’ love without tension or conflict.

Both have moved on romantically but never let new relationships interfere with their co-parenting partnership. Their story reminds us that respect and communication can overcome even the most challenging relationship endings.

8. Courteney Cox and David Arquette

“Friends” star Courteney Cox and actor David Arquette met on the set of “Scream” in 1996 and married three years later. Their daughter Coco was born in 2004, and though they separated in 2010, their friendship remained intact.

Arquette has been open about his struggles during their marriage, and Cox has supported him through recovery. They genuinely care about each other’s happiness and wellbeing. Their commitment to Coco has kept them close through all of life’s ups and downs.

They’re often seen laughing together at family events, proving that shared history and a child can create unbreakable bonds that survive romantic endings.

9. Drew Barrymore and Will Kopelman

Actress Drew Barrymore has been refreshingly honest about her 2016 divorce from Will Kopelman. Coming from a complicated family background herself, she was determined to create stability for their daughters Olive and Frankie.

Barrymore has spoken on her talk show about the challenges of maintaining friendship after divorce. Despite difficulties, she and Kopelman prioritize their children’s emotional health. They attend school functions together and coordinate parenting decisions collaboratively.

Her openness about the hard work required to stay friendly helps normalize the struggles many divorced parents face. Their evolving friendship shows that perfection isn’t required—just genuine effort and commitment.

10. Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber

Actors Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber were together for eleven years before separating in 2016. Their sons Sasha and Kai have been the center of their world throughout their relationship and beyond.

The former couple has been spotted regularly spending time together as a family. They’ve vacationed together, celebrated birthdays side by side, and maintained genuine affection for each other. Their friendship seems effortless and natural despite their romantic relationship ending.

Both have emphasized that their children deserve to see their parents treating each other with love and respect. Their graceful approach to co-parenting sets a beautiful example for families everywhere.

11. Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe

Hollywood sweethearts Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe married in 1999 and had two children, Ava and Deacon, before divorcing in 2007. Their split happened during the height of Witherspoon’s career success, adding public pressure to an already difficult situation.

Years later, they’ve found their way to genuine friendship. They attend their children’s important events together and have been spotted chatting comfortably. Both have remarried and moved forward while maintaining respect for their shared history.

Their journey shows that healing takes time, but peaceful co-parenting is always possible with patience and maturity.

12. Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner were married for ten years before separating in 2015. Their three children—Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel—have always been their primary focus, even during Affleck’s well-publicized struggles with addiction.

Garner has stood by Affleck through his recovery journey, showing incredible compassion and strength. They’re frequently photographed together at church, school events, and family outings. Their ability to put their children’s needs first has earned widespread respect.

Though their romantic relationship ended, their partnership as parents remains strong. Their story demonstrates that supporting your ex through difficult times benefits everyone, especially the children.