Friends through thick and thin, Hollywood style

By SAMANTHA ETTUS
Scripps Howard News Service
15-JUL-04

In the last week, John Kerry and John Edwards have emerged not only as the duo on the Democratic presidential ticket, but also as the ultimate buddy team. Their camaraderie has me thinking about other high-profile buddy teams _ celebrity friendships that impact and often define the public perception of those individuals.

Matt and Ben, Nicole and Naomi, Jen and Courteney _ and there are plenty more. Have these stars' friendships hurt or helped their Hollywood careers?

This week we take a peek at the dynamic friendships between Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts, and Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox. How have these three pairs succeeded in managing their relationships through the ups and downs of Hollywood life? How have their friendships impacted their brands?

The brand-assets meter ranges from $ to $$$$.

Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts

Upon her arrival in Hollywood, Naomi Watts was shown the ropes by dear friend and fellow Australian Nicole Kidman; Naomi benefited from Nicole's industry experience and Nicole dutifully took Naomi under her wing. When Nicole faced personal heartache after her sudden split with Tom Cruise, it was Naomi's turn to return the favor _ she temporarily moved into Kidman's home, supporting her friend emotionally and sharing the caretaking role for Nicole's two children. Though Nicole and Naomi have made many public appearances together at premieres and other social events, they have avoided working together _ a smart move, whether intentional or not.

In many ways, the same unspoken rule that applies to Hollywood couples _ the chemistry is never as good onscreen as off _ applies to friends as well. Better to keep your professional lives separate and continue to support each other off-camera.

Nicole and Naomi's collective Brand A$$$$ets

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon

Best friends since childhood years in Boston, Ben and Matt took on Hollywood together. Frustrated at the types of roles they were offered, they decided to write their own script, a vehicle in which the two would star. Their first foray into screenwriting resulted in the acclaimed film "Good Will Hunting," which received nine Oscar nominations and an Academy Award for best original screenplay. In a fairy-tale success story, overnight the best friends went from sharing a dingy Los Angeles apartment to full-blown Hollywood stardom.

Ben and Matt's sudden fame netted them countless offers for all the best roles, and famous girlfriends became standard fare. In a testament to their mutual loyalty, their friendship survived and thrived through this tumultuous transition. Though their romantic relationships come and go, their lifelong friendship has remained solid through Ben's stint in rehab and his failed engagement to Jennifer Lopez. Neither Ben nor Matt has ever turned his back on his roots.

Ben and Matt's Brand A$$$$ets

Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox

After being cast as Rachel and Monica on "Friends" over 10 years ago, these two become fast friends on and off the set. They've shared many special life events. Most recently, Jennifer threw Courteney a lavish 50-person baby shower. Although the baby arrived when Jennifer was away with her husband, Brad Pitt, on location in Europe, she was promptly by Courteney's side upon her return to visit with the new arrival. Their husbands have become friendly as well and they often spend time as a foursome. The duo's close friendship has increased the public's insatiable fascination with them.

Their joint public appearances have fueled their continued celebrity, as the oft-photographed beauties enhance one another's visibility.

Courteney and Jennifer's Brand A$$$ets

Remember: the most dependable road to the top is to treat your brand as your greatest asset.

(Samantha Ettus, president of Ettus Media Management, is a leading voice on personality-driven brands. Her first book, "The Experts' Guide to 100 Things Everyone Should Know How To Do" (Random House), will be published in September. Send comments and questions to samantha(at)celebrityassets.com.)

(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, http://www.shns.com)