Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell and more: 6 Hollywood icons who shared apartments before they made it big

Before the red carpets, award shows, and blockbuster roles, even the biggest stars had to start somewhere. Hollywood is full of amazing friendships, but some unexpected connections are created not on set, but within the four walls of a shared space. From comedy legends coming together in Chicago to future stars competing side by side in Brooklyn and beyond, these pairs of celebrity roommates are sure to surprise you. Read on to find out the famous duo who were calling each other roommates before the world knew their names.

They may be two of the most recognizable faces in comedy, but long before fame, Carell and Colbert were just two aspiring performers sharing a roof in Chicago while working together in the improv group Second City. Their relationship has clearly stood the test of time, as Colbert spoke about his former roommate on Amy Poehler’s Good Hang, saying “I’ve worked with him since 1988. I mean we’ve been sitting in the room together for about 10 years and I don’t know what it is.” Even decades later, Colbert admitted he still can’t figure out how Carell managed to be so talented in so many different areas. A true friendship that began long before either of them became a household name.

Long before they became familiar faces on screen, Matt Bomer and Lee Pace were just penniless aspiring actors sharing a one-bedroom apartment to make ends meet. In an interview with GQ, Bomer fondly recalled their early days together, saying “I’ll tell you how long I’ve known Lee Pace, I’ve known him since he was shorter than me, when he was 14 and I was 15.” The two have remained close friends ever since, and their bond was formed during the turmoil of their early careers. It’s a reminder that some of Hollywood’s most enduring friendships are built long before the lights come on.

Storm Reid revealed on “The Jennifer Hudson Show” that her college roommate at USC was none other than Kobe Bryant’s eldest daughter, Natalya. The two first met at the premiere of Reid’s 2018 film “A Wrinkle in Time” and stayed in touch via Instagram before Natalia popped the question – “Girl, do you want to live in a room together?” Reed remembers saying “definitely,” Adding it “I was stressed about the roommate situation anyway.” The gamble paid off beautifully, as the two continued to celebrate each other’s birthdays and build a friendship that extended far beyond their college dorms.

Before Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and Broad City became household names, Rachel Bloom and Ilana Glazer were just two ambitious young women sharing an apartment in Brooklyn, dreaming of their big break. Years later, Bloom looked back on those humble beginnings with a heartfelt Instagram post and a write-up “6 years ago we were roommates in Brooklyn and now we have TV shows.” The two have remained close ever since, and their friendship is a testament to the bonds formed during a period of early professional struggles. From Brooklyn roommates to TV stars – their glowing story is one for the books.

According to PEOPLE, long before their names were on the marquees, Jamie Dornan and Andrew Garfield were part of a rotating group of housemates that also included Eddie Redmayne and Charlie Cox, the star-studded family in hindsight. The group also had a fifth close friend in Robert Pattinson, who reached a completely different level of overnight fame with Twilight. Dornan and Garfield later reunited at the 2022 Oscars, a full-on moment for two former roommates who have come a long way since their struggling acting days.

Long before they became TV icons, Connie Britton and Lauren Graham lived together in an empty Hollywood house they weren’t supposed to live in. Graham revealed the details on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, recalling “We had no furniture and all we ate was Rice Krispies treats.” The two were just starting out in the industry, and were making do with whatever they had as they pursued their dreams. It’s a charming slice of Hollywood history, in which two future stars survive on snacks and sheer determination.