Hollywood may be renowned for glamour, glitz, and blockbuster premieres, but behind the scenes, it also houses some of the most genuine friendships. And sometimes, those dear friendships come with a very special title, godparent. Mop up fairy godmothers with magic wands because these celebrities have taken on real-life roles filled with love, guidance, and perhaps a little bit of over-the-top presents. From pop stars to movie legends, here are the 10 most iconic Hollywood godparents, ranked from 10 to 1.
10. Lady Gaga & Elton John’s Sons
When David Furnish and Elton John were selecting a godmother for their sons Zachary and Elijah, they opted for nothing less than a superstar: Lady Gaga. Elton once explained, “She’s very hands-on. She visits, she bathes them, she sings to them, she’s amazing.” With Gaga reading bedtime stories, you just know those children are living their best, most magical lives.
9. Jennifer Aniston & Courteney Cox’s Daughter
Could the friendship get any more iconic? Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox’s bond has endured well past Friends, and it’s solidified by Aniston being godmother to Cox’s daughter, Coco. Courteney has raved, “Jennifer has the biggest heart, she’s the best godmother.” The two even mark milestones together, showing that the “Friends forever” catchphrase really holds.
8. Taylor Swift & Jaime King’s Son
Taylor Swift doesn’t merely lead charts; she also takes godmother roles seriously. When actress Jaime King gave birth to her son, Leo Thames, she requested her dear friend Taylor to be his godmother. Swift rushed to see the baby immediately, posting a lovely captioned pic saying, “Meeting my boy.” Jaime has described her as “an exquisite godmother and the most loyal friend.” It’s giving fairytale vibes.
7. Vin Diesel & Meadow Walker
The relationship between Vin Diesel and Paul Walker extended well beyond their Fast & Furious films. Following Walker’s premature death, Diesel became Meadow Walker’s godfather and surrogate father and even escorted her down the aisle on her wedding day. As Vin has explained, “It goes beyond the movie. Family is everything.”
6. Dolly Parton & Miley Cyrus
Country icon Dolly Parton has been Miley Cyrus’s godmother since she was a little girl, long before Hannah Montana made her a star. Dolly once said, “I’m here for advice if she needs it, but I’ll never tell her what to do. She’s learning to fly.” That’s the kind of guidance only a true godmother and a legend can give.
5. Macaulay Culkin & Paris Jackson
The Home Alone star shares a deep, protective bond with his goddaughter, Paris Jackson, daughter of the late Michael Jackson. They even got matching tattoos to celebrate their connection. Macaulay has said, “I’m very protective of her, just a warning.” Clearly, this godfather takes his role seriously.
4. Tyler Perry & Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor
When Meghan Markle and Prince Harry selected a godfather for their daughter, Lilibet, they sought out filmmaker Tyler Perry. Perry was visibly shaken, saying, “I had to take a minute to take that in. I was absolutely honored.” He even had a private christening at his California compound, foregoing the royal pomp for something more personal and emotional.
3. Steven Spielberg & Drew Barrymore/Gwyneth Paltrow
Few can say Steven Spielberg is both their mentor and godfather, but Drew Barrymore and Gwyneth Paltrow can. Spielberg became a father figure to Drew after E.T., even letting her spend weekends with his family. She’s called him “the only real parental figure I’ve ever had.” Gwyneth’s parents also chose him for his warmth and wisdom, making him the ultimate Hollywood godfather.
2. Eva Longoria & The Beckham Kids
The Beckhams don’t mess around when it comes to selecting godparents. Eva Longoria is Harper Beckham and Cruz Beckham’s godmother, and Elton John and Elizabeth Hurley are Brooklyn and Romeo’s godparents. Eva once said, “It’s such an honor to be Harper’s godmother; she’s the sweetest little girl.” With that roster, these children essentially won the godparent lottery.
1. Jake Gyllenhaal & Busy Philipps — Matilda Ledger’s Godparents
When Michelle Williams and Heath Ledger welcomed their child, Matilda, they decided on their closest friends, Jake Gyllenhaal and Busy Philipps, to be her godparents. When Ledger tragically passed away, both took on the role of assisting in raising Matilda in a household full of love and care. Busy had once happily quipped, “It’s an honor to be her godmother.” That sort of loyalty in Hollywood is invaluable.
Hollywood’s Godparent Hall of Fame
From Gaga’s lullabies to Dolly’s advice and Spielberg’s mentorship, these godparents-to-the-stars illustrate that in Hollywood, family isn’t only by blood, it’s by love, commitment, and a dash of star power. Behind every celebrated face is a support system that demonstrates that sometimes the most important roles occur off-screen.