While Niecy Nash and Sherri Shepherd have displayed their close friendship on many occasions, there is a clear indication that the duo will continue as best friends to the end of time. Their friendship began when Nash introduced Shepherd to her second husband — and even though the relationship didn’t last — they’ve been inseparable ever since. From breakups, childbirth to turning the big 5-0, these two have shown us that every black woman needs an absolute best friend in her corner.
Though they’re just two of many notable black women in Hollywood, their bond is the blueprint to a long-lasting friendship.
If this duo inspires you, you will enjoy a list of celebrity BFFs who have been down since their careers took off. Whether it’s dating back to teenage years or co-starring in a movie together — these friends have expressed the true meaning of an unbreakable bond, according to Essence.
01 Coko and Fat Joe
Did you know that both Fat Joe and SWV’s Coko were childhood friends from the Boogie Down Bronx? Fat Joe launched his rapping career as the Hip-Hop group Terror Squad leader while Coko formed her singing career as the lead singer of one of the best ’90s R&B groups, SWV. The New York natives viewed each other as brother and sister and have maintained their close friendship for over two decades.
“My childhood friend & brother @fatjoe,” she wrote regarding a throwback image of the two. “BX finest…Forest projects!!
02 Jada Pinkett Smith and MC Lyte
These ladies have been close friends since Baltimore native Jada Pinkett Smith met the hip-hop icon when she was 19. Since then, they have supported each other’s careers and remain more youthful than ever.
03 Rihanna and Melissa Forde
While both ladies hail from the beautiful island of Barbados, Melissa Forde has remained by Rihanna’s side before and after the fame. The two have displayed their love by tattooing each other’s birthdates.
04 Lupita Nyong’o and Danai Gurira
These ladies have known each other long before fame. Not only are the “sisterhood” duo two of the most successful black women in Hollywood, but they’re also collaborators of each other’s work. Nyong’o starred in the critically-acclaimed play Gurira wrote in “Eclipsed.”
05 Ciara and Lala
We have witnessed Ciara and LaLa’s friendship blossom over the years, which many have probably wondered how long have the two been friends. However, LaLa said, “Me and Ciara have been really close for as long as I can remember.”
The singer provided her homegirl with her first opportunity to collaborate on a track with a rap verse. The two performed together at the American Music Awards in this image.
06 Reginae Carter and Zonnique
These ladies know the definition of true friendship since their mothers, Tameka ‘Tiny’ Harris and Toya Johnson, have been close friends for many years. However, Reginae Carter and Zonnique have been joined at the hip since they were young girls.
When they’re not traveling or partying together, Zonnique is in mom mode with her infant daughter, Hunter. Carter refers to the baby girl as her “god baby.”
07 Vivica A. Fox and Lela Rochon
Since starring in the ’90s film “Why Do Fools Fall in Love” together, Vivica said she and Lela Rochon “go back like KOOL-AID.” After the film was released in 1998, the two have been close friends for over 20 years.
08 Tisha Campbell and Tasha Smith
True friends are there during the highest of moments and during the lowest. Though “Martin” star Tisha Campbell considers co-star Tichina Arnold her best friend, she also has another best friend in actress and director, Tasha Smith.
Since they were teenagers, these ladies have been close friends and have seen each other through ugly divorces.
09 Taraji P. Henson and Mary J. Blige
The multi-platinum singer may have many friends, but she and actress Taraji P. Henson formed a close bond after shooting “I Can Do Bad All By Myself” in 2009.
They traveled the world together and have given each other awards and other accolades while witnessing major accomplishments in their careers.
10 Teyana Taylor and Lori Harvey
Some people may not know that Lori Harvey and Teyana Taylor have been close friends for years. When they’re not dressing up in fierce costumes for Halloween, partying together, or sitting courtside at basketball games, the two have displayed genuine love for each other.
Taylor’s husband, Iman Shumpert, even credited Harvey for the “unconditional love” she’s shown their family as a friend.
