Anita Marie Wood Brewer, also known as Little Bitty, was an American television performer and recording artist. She is perhaps best known for being Elvis Presley’s girlfriend from 1957 to 196212. During their relationship, Elvis referred to her as his "No. 1 Girl"2. After their relationship ended, she married NFL football player Johnny Brewer2.
Vincent van Gogh’s friendship with Joseph Roulin was a significant and comforting relationship during his time in Arles, France, from 1888 to 1889. Roulin, a postman, became one of Van Gogh’s closest friends during a period when the artist felt particularly isolated and struggled with his mental health12.
Van Gogh frequently visited the post office where Roulin worked to send his paintings to his brother Theo. Their friendship blossomed from these interactions, and Roulin’s warm and supportive nature provided Van Gogh with much-needed companionship1. Roulin and his family often welcomed Van Gogh into their home, offering him a sense of belonging and stability3.
Van Gogh painted several portraits of Joseph Roulin, capturing him in his postal uniform and often setting him against imaginative backdrops. These portraits are notable for their vibrant colors and expressive brushwork2. Van Gogh also painted Roulin’s family, including his wife Augustine and their three children, creating a unique series of family portraits3.
This friendship was particularly important to Van Gogh, especially during the aftermath of his infamous incident with Paul Gauguin, where he cut off part of his own ear. Roulin tended to Van Gogh during this difficult time, further solidifying their bond1.
Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. shared a deep and enduring friendship that began in the early 1940s. They first met when Davis was performing with the Will Mastin Trio, opening for the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, where Sinatra was the lead singer1. Their bond grew stronger over the years, especially as members of the Rat Pack.
Sinatra was known for his loyalty and support towards Davis, particularly during challenging times. For instance, after Davis lost his eye in a car accident in 1954, Sinatra offered his home for Davis to recuperate1. Their friendship also had a significant impact on social issues; Sinatra took a strong stand against racial discrimination, partly influenced by his close relationship with Davis2.
Their camaraderie was evident both on and off stage, with memorable performances like “Me and My Shadow” showcasing their chemistry3. Despite the ups and downs, their friendship remained a cornerstone of both their lives until Davis’s death in 19901.
“I do not know how Ali got my number,” Foreman said of the call he believed happened in the late 1970s. “He called and complimented me for about 20 minutes then he said, ‘George, would you do me a favor?’ I said, ‘Certainly.’ He said, ‘Please come back and beat Ken Norton and fight him for me … I can’t beat him. George, you can. He’s afraid of you. I’ll let you use my training camp and everything but please come back and beat him for me.’”
Foreman said after that day the two were “best of friends.”
Their friendship and professional partnership lasted for decades, creating many memorable duets and performances.
John Wayne met fellow football player Ward Bond way back in their college days. They became lifelong friends and when both drifted into acting, they took the opportunity to work together as much as possible. As his power in Hollywood grew, Wayne often asked for a role for Bond, claiming “As long as Ward’s in the film, I’m not the ugliest man in the movie”.
Bond appeared in 26 of Wayne’s movies
The friendship between Christopher Columbus and Queen Isabella I of Castile was pivotal in the history of exploration and the eventual discovery of the New World.
Background:
The Friendship and Support:
The Voyages:
Impact:
This friendship between an ambitious explorer and a visionary queen changed the course of history and had a lasting impact on the world.
Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert were rivals on the tennis court: During the 1970s and '80s, the two played against each other 80 times over the course of 16 years (60 of those matches were finals). But off the court, the two women developed a strong friendship that has endured to this day.
While Evert went through a divorce in 1986, Navratilova invited her to Aspen for a relaxing vacation. On that trip, Evert met her future husband: downhill skier Andy Mill.
Janis Joplin and Grace Slick shared a unique and deep friendship that left a significant mark on the counterculture movement of the 1960s. Both were iconic figures in rock music, with Grace Slick fronting Jefferson Airplane and Janis Joplin leading Big Brother and the Holding Company.
Their bond was characterized by mutual respect and a shared rebellious spirit. Grace Slick often spoke fondly of Joplin, recalling her as a fun, outspoken, and vivacious person12. They were known to enjoy each other’s company, and their friendship was immortalized in a famous photo session by Jim Marshall in 19672.
Les Paul and Chet Atkins shared a remarkable friendship and musical partnership that left a lasting impact on the world of guitar music. Their collaboration began in the mid-1970s when they recorded the album “Chester & Lester” in 19761. This album was a significant milestone as it brought Les Paul out of a decade-long retirement1.
Their friendship was built on mutual respect and admiration for each other’s talents. Both were pioneers in their own right—Les Paul with his innovations in electric guitar and multi-track recording, and Chet Atkins with his influential fingerstyle technique and contributions to country music.
Groucho Marx had some interesting friendships, including a notable one with rock star Alice Cooper. Despite their age difference, they became close friends while living in Beverly Hills. Groucho, who suffered from insomnia, would often call Alice late at night to hang out and watch old movies together12. Groucho even attended Alice’s concerts, bringing along other famous friends like George Burns, Jack Benny, and Mae West2.
Audrey Hepburn was known for her warm and enduring friendships. She had a close relationship with Hubert de Givenchy, the famous fashion designer who created many of her iconic looks.
The real top gear
Jimmy Stewart had a notable friendship with fellow actor Henry Fonda. They met in 1932 while acting on stage and maintained a close bond for decades, despite their differing political views12. Their friendship was characterized by mutual respect and shared interests, such as storytelling2. They only had one significant argument, after which they decided to avoid discussing that particular topic3
Betty White’s last word was reportedly “Allen,” a reference to her late husband, Allen Ludden. This touching detail was shared by Vicki Lawrence, who learned it from their mutual friend Carol Burnett. Carol had spoken to Betty’s assistant, who was with her at the time of her passing123.
One of Shatner’s most notable friendships was with his “Star Trek” co-star Leonard Nimoy, who played Spock. Their friendship lasted for fifty years but sadly ended in a rift before Nimoy’s death23.
Shatner has often spoken about how much Nimoy meant to him, even writing a book titled “Leonard: My Fifty-Year Friendship with a Remarkable Man” in 20163.
Toward the end of Nimoy’s life – before the actor died in February 2015 at the age of 83 – the two had a falling out, which Shatner says he still doesn’t fully understand.
“I don’t know what happened. He wouldn’t answer my calls, I wrote him a heartfelt letter saying how much I loved him and I wished him well, because he was dying. I wanted to see him, and I am hurt, and so, devastated,” he shared. “Somebody said they’ve known people who got ill and didn’t want to see anyone, because they were ill, and I’d like to say that was the reason.”
Henry Winkler and Ron Howard share a remarkable friendship that began on the set of the iconic TV show “Happy Days”. Howard played Richie Cunningham, while Winkler portrayed the unforgettable Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli. Their on-screen chemistry translated into a strong off-screen bond.
Despite their different backgrounds and career paths, they have maintained a close friendship over the years. Howard, who transitioned to a successful directing career, and Winkler, who continued acting and writing, often speak fondly of each other. Winkler has mentioned how Howard’s calm demeanor helped him during stressful moments on set, especially given Winkler’s struggles with dyslexia1.
Recently, they reunited at the 2024 Emmy Awards to celebrate the 50th anniversary of "Happy Days"23. This reunion was a nostalgic moment for fans and a testament to their enduring friendship
Redd Foxx and Muhammad Ali were friends.
. They often appeared together on television shows and in comedy sketches, showcasing their strong bond.
. Their friendship was well-documented, and they shared a mutual respect and love for each other’s craft.
