When life throws curveballs, having a strong support system can make all the difference. Jennifer Aniston knows this firsthand. The beloved actress has leaned on her close-knit group of Hollywood friends, including Nicole Kidman, to help her navigate some of the toughest moments in her life.
Roundtable Discussion: A Candid Conversation Among Industry Titans
During a heartfelt roundtable discussion with The Hollywood Reporter on May 29, Jennifer, now 55, joined an illustrious lineup of women in the entertainment industry. Nicole Kidman, 56, Brie Larson, Anna Sawai, Jodie Foster, Sofía Vergara, and Naomi Watts were among the esteemed participants. The conversation covered everything from their illustrious careers to the personal challenges they’ve faced along the way.
At one point during the discussion, Brie Larson, who is 34, opened up about the importance of forming friendships with other women in the industry. She explained that in the past, she often found herself as the sole woman on set, which could be isolating. "Connecting with other women has been a game changer," Brie said. "It allows you to swap stories, laugh about the uncomfortable moments, and even discuss the things you'd like to change. Having that community is invaluable."
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A Shoulder to Lean On: Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Aniston’s Bond
Brie’s comments resonated deeply with Jennifer, who revealed that Nicole was a crucial support system during the filming of their 2011 movie, Just Go With It. "It wasn’t even about the work," Jennifer shared, looking directly at Nicole. "When we were filming in Hawaii, you helped me through so many tough things I was dealing with in my personal life. Just having someone there, someone who understands what you’re going through, makes such a difference. That sense of community is incredibly helpful."
Jennifer’s career has been nothing short of remarkable, from her iconic role as Rachel Green on Friends (1994–2004) to her starring roles in numerous blockbuster films. But her personal life has been equally challenging. The Cake actress has faced intense scrutiny over her marriages and divorces, particularly her high-profile relationships with Brad Pitt and Justin Theroux. Despite these hardships, Jennifer has always found strength in her friendships.

In the past, Jennifer has spoken candidly about the challenges she faced during her divorce from Brad Pitt, 60, and why she never had children with him. "I just cared so much about my career," she told Allure in November 2022. "And let’s face it, if a woman is successful and doesn’t have kids, it’s often seen as a failure. But the truth is, the reason my marriage ended wasn’t because I wouldn’t give him a child. That was all lies. At this point in my life, I don’t have anything to hide."
Mentorship and Guidance: The Power of Women Supporting Women
Naomi Watts also chimed in during the discussion, expressing her gratitude for Nicole’s mentorship. "Nicole has been a guiding force for me," Naomi said. "Not all of our mentors are on set. Sometimes, they’re the people who inspire us through their work and their lives. Jodie, for example, has been a huge influence on me. Her performances, like in The Accused, changed the way I look at acting. She’s been such a trailblazer, and I’ll always be grateful for her impact on my career."
