Laura Dern Says She Runs 'Everything' by BFF Reese Witherspoon: ‘From My Romantic Life ... to What Jobs I Should Do’

Mar. 15, 2025

Laura Dern (left) and Reese Witherspoon in August 2024.Photo:Eric Charbonneau/Getty

Eric Charbonneau/Getty

When it comes to making decisions,Laura DernprizesReese Witherspoon’s advice above all else!

While speaking during a panel atHello Sunshine’s secondShine Awayevent in Los Angeles on Saturday, Oct. 5, the Oscar winner, 57, was asked about how the networks she’s cultivated throughout her career have informed her decision-making. She revealed that perhaps the most important person in her network is Witherspoon.

After nodding to her Hollywood upbringing — thanks to parentsBruce DernandDiane Ladd— theJurassic Parkstar said that “what I learned from the four or five women who raised me who were actresses, who then became writers or producers or directors, was that there was no community, there was no inside without each other.”

“And that sisterhood drove them,” she continued. “Jane Fondabeing one, along with my mother and an amazing group of women who decided they had to be the storytellers to be in the story at all, and they are true pioneers that led us to understand that.”

Reese Witherspoon, Octavia Spencer and Laura Dern speak onstage in Los Angeles on Oct. 5, 2024.Elyse Jankowski/Getty

Elyse Jankowski/Getty

Before she could continue, Witherspoon, 48, who was on the panel along withOctavia Spencer, cut Dern off to reveal that they combined their networks for a less career-oriented project just days ago.

“We produced a barbecue last week,” theLegally Blondestar said, as Dern added, “We did. It was amazing.”

Big Little Liescostars Dern and Witherspoon have long been open about their close friendship, which has manifested in the pairattending events in matching outfits— androcking shirts with each other’s faces on them.

From left: Shailene Woodley, Zoë Kravitz, Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman and Laura Dern in a ‘Big Little Lies’ scene.Jennifer Clasen/HBO

Jennifer Clasen/HBO

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During a conversation withVanity Fairin June, Witherspoon began to tell a story about a phone call she had with Dern on their hit drama series when Kidman quickly interjected to say, “I hate how you call her Dern, though!”

And, after Witherspoon asked “Why?” Kidman, 57, revealed her reasoning: “because it sounds weird.”

“You know why?” explained theSweet Home Alabamastar, whose full name is Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon. “Because my name is Laura, and her name is Laura, and it’s confusing to me.”

“Oh!" Kidman replied. “That’s right.”

source: people.com