Reese Witherspoon recently offered a candid look into her enduring 25-year friendship with Jennifer Aniston during an episode of Dax Shepard’s podcast Armchair Expert. She provided Jennifer Aniston friendship insights that reveal both their similarities and differences.
On the podcast, Witherspoon described their contrasting personalities while emphasizing their close bond.
Contrasting Yet Complementary Personalities
Witherspoon explained,
“We’ve known each other for so long,”
noting Aniston’s warmth and generosity as a host and contrasting it with her own more reserved, “nerdy” nature.
Adding to this, Shepard mentioned that Aniston, who appeared on the podcast two weeks earlier, characterized Witherspoon as a “Tracy-Flick-like” figure and a “Straight-A student.” Witherspoon acknowledged this, saying,
“Hopefully I’m not so rigid. I used to be really rigid. My edges softened, life does that to you.”
A Deep Understanding of Jennifer Aniston’s Character
Describing Aniston as “lovely,” “nurturing,” and “kind,” Witherspoon highlighted that Aniston has dealt with her own challenges and thus has good reason to be cautious. She added,
“I’ve cried in one of our interviews,”
expressing frustration at the unfair assumptions people often make about Aniston.
Shepard reflected on this perception, saying many people
want her to play a character they’ve designed and any deviation from that cannot be computed.
Moving Beyond Misconceptions
Witherspoon emphasized that Aniston does not dwell on her past, clarifying,
“She’s not who people think she is — like, holding onto old things. She’s not holding onto old things.”
Shepard echoed this sentiment, asserting,
“She’s not pining for Brad Pitt,”
countering a common misconception about Aniston’s emotional state regarding her past relationships.
Proof of Lasting Bonds at Aniston’s Milestone Birthday
Witherspoon pointed to the diversity of attendees at Aniston’s 50th birthday as evidence of her strong relationships. She noted,
“People from her teenage years, people from her 20s, people who work in her home, every ex-husband, ex-boyfriend was there,”
referencing both Brad Pitt and Justin Theroux.
Despite their different outlooks on life, they share a key value. Witherspoon summarized,
“I’ve never held grudges. I’m just not that person,”
underscoring the forgiving nature they both maintain.
The Beginning of a Long-Standing Friendship
The friendship between the actress duo began when Witherspoon guest-starred on Friends as Jill, Rachel Green’s younger sister, which laid the foundation for their continued connection over decades.
