In Hollywood, friendships often run deep, going beyond the glitz and glamour of the red carpet. One tradition that showcases these bonds is godparenthood, where celebrities become mentors to each other’s children. Let’s explore five heartwarming examples of this in Tinseltown, where famous faces have taken on the role of godparent to support and guide their friends’ families.
Jake Gyllenhaal and Matilda Ledger
Following the tragic passing of Heath Ledger in 2008, his close friend Jake Gyllenhaal stepped into the role of godfather for Heath’s daughter, Matilda Ledger, whom he shared with actress Michelle Williams. Gyllenhaal’s bond with both Heath and Michelle facilitated this significant role, ensuring ongoing support and care for Matilda as she grew up in the absence of her father.
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Gyllenhaal shares the responsibility of helping raise Matilda with Busy Philipps, a close friend of Michelle Williams since their time together on “Dawson’s Creek”.
Miley Cyrus and Elton John’s Sons
Renowned musician Elton John and his partner David Furnish selected Miley Cyrus as the godmother to their sons, Zachary and Elijah. The choice reflected their close friendship and mutual admiration. At one point, John said that Miley “Is a train accident waiting to happen”, but she remained his kids godmother.
“I look at Miley Cyrus and I see a meltdown waiting to happen,” he told The Australian. “And she’s so young! But she’s got two records in the top 20, so who is going to stop her?”
Drew Barrymore, Steven Spielberg, & Gwyneth Paltrow
Dubbed the godfather to the stars, Steven Spielberg holds a special role in the lives of Drew Barrymore and Gwyneth Paltrow, both hailing from entertainment backgrounds. Barrymore, known for her role in Spielberg’s “E.T.” at the age of seven, became his goddaughter during her teenage years, according to the New York Daily News.
Gwyneth’s parents, Bruce Paltrow and Blythe Danner, chose Spielberg to be their daughter’s godfather. According to Popsugar, the film director has a close friendship with Gwyneth’s parents and was appointed as her godfather upon her birth.
Bryan Cranston & Aaron Paul’s Son Ryden
In April 2022, Paul joyfully announced the arrival of his second child, a baby boy, along with some heartwarming news: his close friend and Breaking Bad co-star, Cranston, had been chosen as the baby’s godfather.
“I asked Bryan on his birthday if he would be our baby’s godfather,” Paul revealed, playfully adding that Cranston initially declined the offer.
“But, he’s actually thrilled and deeply honored,” Paul continued. “I cherish my friendship with him. He’s one of my closest friends, so it was an obvious choice.”
Vin Diesel & Meadow Walker
The star of Fast and Furious holds a special role as the godfather to the adult daughter of his late co-star, Paul Walker, Meadow.
In early October 2021, Diesel was present to escort Meadow down the aisle at her wedding to Louis Thornton-Allan in the Dominican Republic. Dressed in a powder blue suit for the beachfront ceremony, Diesel’s presence was captured in the new bride’s Instagram posts.
Expressing his deep affection for Meadow previously, Diesel remarked, “I feel very protective. It goes beyond the movie.” Maddow has a part in the “Fast & Fyrious” family and franchise, she even appeared in the 10th “Fast”.