Laura Linney And Brooke Shields Were Childhood Friends Before They Got Famous

True and long-lasting friendships can be hard to come by, especially for celebrities. When you're famous, you have to wonder whether people want to become your friend because of your status or whether they just genuinely enjoy being around you. Luckily, Laura Linney and Brooke Shields do not have to worry about this because they've been friends since they were children.

Linney and Shields have an iconic friendship in Hollywood, and Shields shared a throwback photo of the two on Instagram. The timeless picture had the two posing back to back as they sat on a swing set. Shields wrote, "went way back into the archives for this one #tbt with @itsmelauralinney." Very few knew about this lengthy friendship until the model shared the photo, and fans couldn't believe that the two have known each other for so long.

Linney also confirmed the sweet friendship through her own post. The "Ozark" star shared the same photo on her Instagram as she reminisced on their relationship. She wrote, "My sweet childhood friend @Brookeshields posted this today and I thought I would do the same. I remember this picture being taken....isn't that crazy!?!? Don't we look swell? #oldfriends." The two actors did look great in the photo, and their friendship has only continued to grow over the years.

When Brooke Shields shared the post of her and Laura Linney on Instagram it was clear the two met when they were young. However, fans were dying to know how they crossed paths. It turns out, the two actors have school to thank for their friendship.

The "Ozark" actor was thrilled to share the sweet story of how she and Shields met on "The Kelly Clarkson Show." She said, "We grew up together. Isn't that wild?...we were in grade school together, and we were very close for a period of time." The photo makes it seem like the two were BFFs, and Linney has fond memories of the captured moment. She said, "This was on a vacation we went to Howel Caverns together in upstate New York. I remember when that picture was taken, and we have a very sweet friendship."

Now, they might not speak to one another every day, but they know that they will always be there for one another. Linney shared, "...when we run into each other occasionally, it's always so nice cause we knew each other as little children." The two know things about one another that many people don't, and for that reason, they have developed a strong bond. "The Big C" actor recalled, "I remember the stuffed animals on her bed. She remembers, you know, parents who are no longer alive ...we have a deep connection that way."

Brooke Shields entered the limelight at a young age, and her close friend, Laura Linney, witnessed it all. According to The Daily Mail, Linney shared in Shields' documentary, "Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields" how worried she was when the model began to gain fame. Linney shared, "...I would remember seeing the ad campaigns come in, like opening the paper and seeing her face, and it was hard to comprehend." Both actors were extremely young, so it's understandable as to why Linney was confused. However, having a close relationship with Shields, she wished for the best for her friend. She said, "I just always remember thinking, I hope she's okay."

Linney was worried about what fame would do to Shields, however, that wasn't all she was frightened of. The "Ozark" actor knew firsthand how complicated Shields' and her mother, Teri's relationship was, per The Daily Mail. She shared, "When Teri was sober, she was raucous and fun and loud and big and took up space. And when she was not in a good way, it was duck and cover." The actor recalled hiding with Shields when Teri came home until she passed out from being too drunk. Still, Linney was sympathetic toward the model as she understood the tricky situation Shields was in as she deeply loved her mother despite all the flaws. Regardless, the memories the actors have together, good and bad, have bonded them for life as they continue to remain friends.