In an industry built on connections, some relationships go far beyond red carpets and collaborations. For a select group of celebrities, those bonds have led to one of the most meaningful roles of all, becoming a godparent to another star’s child. Here, a closer look at the famous faces linked by these uniquely personal ties.
Henry Winkler Is Godfather to Bryce Dallas Howard
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The connection between Henry Winkler and Bryce Dallas Howard goes back to a friendship that began decades earlier with her father, Ron Howard. The two actors formed a lasting bond while working together on “Happy Days,” a relationship that eventually led Winkler and his wife, Stacey Weitzman, to become Bryce’s godparents.
From childhood onward, Winkler remained a constant and supportive presence in her life. Bryce has often described him as a loving and almost paternal figure, someone who offered guidance both personally and professionally as she grew up in the industry. His support extended into key moments of her life, including offering advice when she was dating her future husband, Seth Gabel.
Jamie Lee Curtis Is Godmother to Jake Gyllenhaal and Maggie Gyllenhaal
Few Hollywood friendships have translated into lifelong family ties quite like the one between Jamie Lee Curtis and the Gyllenhaal clan. Thanks to her close relationship with their parents, director Stephen Gyllenhaal and screenwriter Naomi Foner, Curtis became the godmother to both Jake Gyllenhaal and Maggie Gyllenhaal.
That connection has remained a constant throughout their lives. Curtis has consistently championed Jake’s work, even describing his performances as breathtaking, while also showing support for Maggie, including her transition into directing.
Steven Spielberg Is Godfather to Drew Barrymore
A defining moment in Drew Barrymore’s childhood led to a lifelong relationship with Steven Spielberg. After directing her in “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” when she was just six years old, Spielberg became her godfather, stepping into a role that extended far beyond the set.
During her early years in Hollywood, Barrymore often leaned on him as a source of stability and guidance. She has described him as a father figure in her life, while Spielberg has taken on a more advisory role, offering support through both personal and professional challenges.
Dolly Parton Is Godmother to Miley Cyrus
The bond between Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus began long before Miley stepped into the spotlight. Thanks to Parton’s close friendship with her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, she was asked to become Miley’s godmother, a role she has held for more than three decades.
What followed was a relationship that blended guidance, affection, and creative collaboration. Cyrus has often called Parton her fairy godmother, reflecting both admiration and deep emotional closeness. Over time, they have also shared musical moments together, showcasing a natural connection that extends beyond family ties.
Steven Spielberg Is Godfather to Gwyneth Paltrow
Growing up around Blythe Danner and Bruce Paltrow’s circle meant Gwyneth Paltrow was always close to Steven Spielberg, who eventually became her godfather. The relationship developed naturally from those early family ties and remained a steady presence as she grew up.
That closeness also opened doors in subtle but meaningful ways. Spielberg cast her as young Wendy in “Hook,” marking one of her first steps into acting. Beyond career moments, he has stayed involved in her life on a personal level as well, even filming her wedding.
Vin Diesel Is Godfather to Meadow Walker
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The relationship between Vin Diesel and Meadow Walker is rooted in his longtime friendship with her father, Paul Walker. After working together on the “Fast & Furious” films, the two actors formed a bond that extended far beyond the screen, one that Diesel has continued to honor since Paul’s passing in 2013.
In the years that followed, Diesel remained a steady and supportive presence in Meadow’s life, embracing his role as her godfather with a strong sense of responsibility and care. One of the most emotional moments came in 2021, when Diesel walked Meadow down the aisle at her wedding, a powerful reminder of the lasting connection between their families and the legacy of friendship that continues to shape their lives.
Eva Longoria Is Godmother to Harper Seven Beckham
When David Beckham and Victoria Beckham chose godparents for their daughter Harper Seven Beckham, they turned to someone already deeply embedded in their inner circle, Eva Longoria. The actress was named as one of Harper’s godparents during the 2019 baptism, alongside Marc Anthony.
The choice reflected a friendship that had been years in the making. Longoria and Victoria Beckham have often described each other as family, a bond that dates back to the mid 2000s and has only grown stronger over time.
Macaulay Culkin Is Godfather to Paris Jackson
Long before Paris Jackson stepped into the spotlight, Macaulay Culkin was already part of her life through his close friendship with her father, Michael Jackson. That lasting connection led him to become her godfather, a role rooted in years of trust and shared history.
Throughout her life, Culkin has remained a consistent and protective presence. He has openly spoken about how much Paris means to him, often emphasizing the care and responsibility he feels as someone watching over her.
Marisa Tomei Is Godmother to Zoë Kravitz
A friendship formed on the set of “A Different World” would go on to shape a lasting family connection between Marisa Tomei and Zoë Kravitz. While working alongside Lisa Bonet, Tomei developed a close bond with her co star that eventually led to her becoming the godmother to Bonet’s children, including Zoë.
Raised in a creative and high profile household as the daughter of Lenny Kravitz and Bonet, Zoë has often been surrounded by influential figures. Among them, Tomei stood out as a steady and positive presence during her upbringing.
Meryl Streep Is Godmother to Billie Lourd
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Chosen by Carrie Fisher herself, Meryl Streep holds a special place in the life of her daughter, Billie Lourd. The decision came from a deep friendship between Streep and Fisher, one that grew even stronger after working together on “Postcards from the Edge,” a project inspired by Fisher’s own life.
For Lourd, having such an acclaimed actress as a godmother has always felt both meaningful and a little surreal, something she has lightheartedly acknowledged in interviews. Behind the humor, however, lies a genuine connection that has endured through the years. After Fisher’s passing in 2016, Streep continued to be a caring and supportive presence.
