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

Before the red carpets, the award shows, and the blockbuster roles, even the biggest stars had to start somewhere. Hollywood is full of surprising friendships, but some of the most unlikely bonds were forged not on set, but within the four walls of a shared space. From comedy legends bunking together in Chicago to future A-listers hustling side by side in Brooklyn and beyond, these celebrity roommate pairings are guaranteed to catch you off guard. Read on to discover the famous duos who once called each other roommates before the world knew their names.

They may be two of the most recognizable faces in comedy, but long before the fame, Carell and Colbert were simply two aspiring performers sharing a roof in Chicago while working together at the ‘Second City’ improv group. Their bond has clearly stood the test of time, with Colbert speaking about his former roommate on Amy Poehler’s podcast ‘Good Hang,’ saying “I’ve worked with him since 1988. I mean, we roomed together practically for 10 years and I don’t know what it is.” Even after decades, Colbert admitted he still couldn’t figure out how Carell managed to be so talented across so many different areas. A true bromance 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 two broke aspiring actors splitting 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, their bond forged during the hustle of their early careers. It’s a reminder that some of Hollywood’s most enduring friendships are built long before the spotlight ever arrives.

Storm Reid revealed on the ‘Jennifer Hudson Show’ that her college roommate at the University of Southern California was none other than Kobe Bryant’s eldest daughter, Natalia. The two had first crossed paths at the premiere of Reid’s 2018 film ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ and stayed connected via Instagram before Natalia popped the question — “Girl, do you want to room together?” Reid recalled saying “Absolutely,” adding she “was stressed out about a roommate situation anyway.” The gamble paid off beautifully, with the two going on to celebrate each other’s birthdays and build a friendship that extended well beyond their college dorm.

Before ‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’ and ‘Broad City’ made them household names, Rachel Bloom and Ilana Glazer were simply 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, writing “6 years ago we were roommates in Brooklyn and now we have tv shows.” The two have remained close ever since, their friendship a testament to the bonds formed during the grind of early career struggles. From Brooklyn bunkmates to TV stars — their glow-up story is one for the books.

According to PEOPLE, long before their names lit up marquees, Jamie Dornan and Andrew Garfield were part of a rotating cast of roommates that also included Eddie Redmayne and Charlie Cox, quite the star-studded household in hindsight. The group also had a fifth close pal in Robert Pattinson, who shot to a very different level of fame almost overnight with ‘Twilight.’ Dornan and Garfield later reunited at the Oscars in 2022, a full-circle moment for two former roommates who had come a long way since their struggling actor days.

Long before they became television icons, Connie Britton and Lauren Graham were roughing it together in an empty Hollywood house they weren’t even supposed to be living in. Graham spilled the details on ‘Watch What Happens Live’ with Andy Cohen, recalling “We had no furniture and all we ate were Rice Krispies Treats.” The two were just starting out in the industry, making do with whatever they had as they chased their dreams. It’s a charming slice of Hollywood history, two future stars surviving on snacks and sheer determination.