Spencer Pratt, known for his reality TV presence, has opened up about his experiences with several famous figures in his upcoming book, The Guy You Loved to Hate, set for release on January 27. Among these stories are new details about his friendship with actor Ryan Gosling during their college years, revealing the early connections behind this well-known Ryan Gosling college friend.
Pratt’s exposure to Hollywood began at a young age, intertwined with the families of prominent actors and directors, giving him a front-row seat to celebrity culture long before his own reality fame.
Childhood Friendships on Iconic Movie Sets
Growing up around the film industry, Pratt counted Mamie Gummer, daughter of Meryl Streep, as one of his closest childhood friends. He often spent nights on the set of movies like Death Becomes Her alongside her, reflecting fondly on those experiences. Another early acquaintance was Joe Abrahams, son of director Jim Abrahams, where Pratt frequently visited sets of comedies like Hot Shots! starring Charlie Sheen.
His social circle also included Zach, whose kitchen hosted frequent visits from comedian Adam Sandler during the peak of his work on Happy Gilmore and Billy Madison. Additionally, Pratt was friendly with Charlie, son of Malcolm McDowell, and only realized the significance of McDowell’s cult classic A Clockwork Orange later in life.
“Growing up, my best friend — and I was so young I didn’t even appreciate it — was Meryl Streep‘s daughter Mamie Gummer. I was on set multiple nights with her for Death Becomes Her, which now I look back, I’m like, ‘What a dope movie!’” Spencer Pratt, Reality TV Personality
“My other close friend was the director [Jim Abrahams] son Joe Abrahams, so I was on the set of all the Hot Shots movies with Charlie Sheen when he was all buff. I walked on the set of Armageddon. Growing up all the time in the kitchen at my buddy Zach’s house was just Adam Sandler at peak Happy Gilmore, Billy Madison.” Spencer Pratt, Reality TV Personality
“I didn’t even realize who Malcolm McDowell was with Clockwork Orange until later. … I was like, ‘His dad’s a character.’ And I later see Clockwork Orange. I’m like, ‘Oh, my God!’” Spencer Pratt, Reality TV Personality
College Years and Friendship with Ryan Gosling
During his time at the University of Southern California, Pratt befriended Ryan Gosling, who was still an emerging actor. Pratt describes Gosling as part of his group, sharing that their camaraderie helped inform some of Gosling’s future performances. Although their paths diverged over the years, Pratt recalls a humorous encounter years later when he ran into Gosling at The Standard hotel and the actor fled on sight.
“We were a crew, and I think he learned a lot for his future roles from my posse.” Spencer Pratt, Reality TV Personality
“I had a crew that he was a part of,” Spencer Pratt, Reality TV Personality
“I swear to God, he ran when he saw me.” Spencer Pratt, Reality TV Personality
Unexpected Interactions with A-List Celebrities
After transitioning into reality television, Pratt found his access to Hollywood’s elite reduced but not entirely cut off. Recently, during Palisades fire relief efforts, top-tier movie stars approached him, showing support even without following him on social media. One such dinner encounter involved a major star who sat down uninvited and encouraged Pratt for twenty uninterrupted minutes, demonstrating hidden affinities from true A-list celebrities.
“I was at dinner [a few] weeks ago and one of the biggest movie stars in the world sat down and goes, ‘Can I sit down with you?’ And without even me saying yes — to Heidi and I, just sits down and pumps me up for 20 minutes straight, knowing every detail about everything,”
Spencer Pratt, Reality TV Personality
“This movie star does not follow me. So secretly there’s real, A-list movie stars that are like, ‘Yes, Spencer, call these people out!’” Spencer Pratt, Reality TV Personality
Notable Celebrity Connections Detailed in the Book
Pratt shares several notable anecdotes involving different celebrities and public figures throughout his life and career. These encounters paint a vivid picture of social circles spanning entertainment’s upper tiers.
Kris Jenner’s Early Reality Show Pitch
The Kardashian matriarch approached Pratt with an idea for a reality series revolving around her children and then-husband Caitlyn Jenner. Pratt declined the offer, admitting his refusal came with overconfidence he now questions.
“The kind of confidence only available to people about to make the worst decisions of their lives,”
Spencer Pratt, Reality TV Personality
David Foster and Michael Bublé’s Early Days
Pratt initially dismissed David Foster’s music as background elevator tunes but later praised the producer as the greatest of all time. He recalls witnessing performances by a then-unknown Michael Bublé, who impressed him every time he was asked to sing.
“I was like, ‘Oh, my God — you’re so good!’”
Spencer Pratt, Reality TV Personality
School Friendships and Celebrity Romances
While attending Crossroads School in Santa Monica, Pratt was friends with Max Winkler, son of Henry Winkler, who briefly dated fashion designer Mary-Kate Olsen. Pratt later sold photos of their relationship, viewing the experience as turning a friend’s romantic troubles into business opportunity.
“Here I was, 20 years old, turning my buddy’s romantic misery into startup capital,”
Spencer Pratt, Reality TV Personality
Nicole Richie and a Terrifying Panic Attack
Before his rise to reality TV fame, Pratt dated close friend Nicole Richie. During their time together, he experienced his first panic attack, fearing he had been poisoned after suspecting their food had been tampered with.
“Got it in my head that I was poisoned,”
Spencer Pratt, Reality TV Personality
James Franco’s Interest in Film Adaptation
Actor and filmmaker James Franco expressed enthusiasm about directing the movie adaptation of Pratt’s memoir. Franco collaborated with Pratt on the manuscript, though Pratt’s preferred actor to portray him onscreen remains Austin Butler.
“We spent time going through it when I was writing it,”
Spencer Pratt, Reality TV Personality
Scott Disick’s Thoughtful Message After a Personal Loss
Though Pratt jokes about no longer sharing financial parity with the Kardashians, Scott Disick’s kindness surprised him when he reached out with a lengthy direct message following Pratt’s home burning in a fire.
“The first person that DMed me a full paragraph was Scott. I can’t remember what it said, but it was something very nice.”
Spencer Pratt, Reality TV Personality
Ongoing Connection with Taylor Swift
Pratt often shared videos of himself dancing to Taylor Swift’s
“Look What You Made Me Do,”
catching the superstar’s attention. They met in 2018, and he continues to receive her PR merchandise, humorously hoping for an invitation to her wedding with Travis Kelce.
“Hopefully it’s a large wedding, so I get an invite,”
Spencer Pratt, Reality TV Personality
The Relevance of These Celebrity Stories
Spencer Pratt’s memoir reveals an intricate web of relationships with Hollywood’s notable figures, ranging from friendships and family ties to unexpected encounters with global stars. His unique perspective as both an insider and outsider offers readers an intriguing look at the complexities behind fame and celebrity culture. These stories also highlight how early connections, like with his Ryan Gosling college friend, can intersect with the rise of major careers. Going forward, the book promises to offer more candid recollections of Pratt’s life amid some of the most famous names in entertainment.
