5 Ways Elizabeth Gillies & Ariana Grande’s Unbreakable Friendship Has Defined Pop Culture (Latest 2025 Updates)

The enduring, 17-year friendship between Elizabeth Gillies and Ariana Grande remains one of Hollywood's most fascinating and authentic bonds. Far beyond their iconic roles as frenemies Jade West and Cat Valentine on Nickelodeon’s Victorious, their relationship began on the Broadway stage and has evolved through global superstardom, personal milestones, and, most recently, shared reflection on their past.

As of late 2024 and early 2025, the "theater girlies" are more connected than ever, openly discussing the complexities of their Nickelodeon past and celebrating massive career highs, including Liz Gillies' return to the New York stage and Grande's highly anticipated film, Wicked. Their shared history and ongoing support continue to prove that their connection is truly an unbreakable bond.

Complete Biography & Career Profile of Elizabeth Gillies and Ariana Grande

Elizabeth Gillies and Ariana Grande share more than just a history; they share a birth year, both being born in 1993, and nearly identical career trajectories that began in the world of musical theater.

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Elizabeth 'Liz' Gillies

• Full Name: Elizabeth Egan Gillies
• Born: July 26, 1993, Haworth, New Jersey, USA
• Occupation: Actress, Singer, Director
• Key Career Highlights:
  • Broadway Debut: Lucy in 13: The Musical (2008)
  • Breakout Role: Jade West on Nickelodeon's Victorious (2010–2013)
  • Major TV Role: Fallon Carrington on The CW's Dynasty (2017–2022)
  • Recent Stage Work: Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors (2024-2025)

Ariana Grande

• Full Name: Ariana Grande-Butera
• Born: June 26, 1993, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
• Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Actress
• Key Career Highlights:
  • Broadway Debut: Charlotte in 13: The Musical (2008)
  • Breakout Role: Cat Valentine on Nickelodeon's Victorious (2010–2013) and Sam & Cat
  • Music Career: Multi-platinum, Grammy-winning artist with albums like Sweetener, Thank U, Next, and the recent Eternal Sunshine (2024)
  • Film Role: Glinda in the upcoming movie adaptation of Wicked (2024/2025)

1. From Broadway to Hollywood: The Unbreakable Foundation (2008-2013)

The foundation of the "Liziana" friendship was laid not in the halls of Hollywood Arts High School, but in the dressing rooms of New York City's Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre. In 2008, both Elizabeth Gillies and Ariana Grande were cast in the original Broadway production of Jason Robert Brown's musical, 13.

Sharing a dressing room solidified their bond, establishing a deep connection long before the pressures of television fame hit. They were two New Jersey/Florida "theater girlies" who, despite their future on-screen rivalry, found an instant, genuine sisterhood. This off-screen chemistry was the real secret weapon of Victorious.

The Jade West and Cat Valentine Dynamic

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On Victorious, Gillies played the sarcastic, gothic, and fiercely talented Jade West, while Grande was the sweet, ditzy, and perpetually cheerful Cat Valentine. The contrast was stark, yet their characters' occasional interactions often highlighted their real-life closeness, softening Jade's edge and grounding Cat's flightiness. Their musical collaborations, such as the powerful duet "Give It Up," became fan favorites, showcasing their incredible vocal synergy.

2. Post-Nickelodeon Collaborations and Viral Moments

Unlike many co-star relationships that fade after a show ends, Gillies and Grande have actively sought out ways to collaborate and celebrate their friendship in the years since Victorious concluded in 2013.

One notable professional reunion was their playful 2013 duet of "Santa Baby," which marked one of their first musical collaborations outside of the Nickelodeon universe. This was followed by a series of personal, viral moments that delighted fans, proving their friendship was "unbothered by typical Hollywood drama."

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A prime example is their elaborate, high-production 2022 recreation of scenes from the Christopher Guest mockumentary film, Best in Show. This Halloween project, shared on their respective social media accounts, showcased their shared sense of humor and their continued willingness to create content together, even as their careers took them in different directions—Gillies starring in *Dynasty* and Grande dominating the music charts.

3. Re-evaluating the Past: The 'Quiet on Set' and 'Wicked' Connection (Latest 2024/2025 Updates)

The most significant and recent update regarding their relationship involves shared, deep reflection on their time in the industry. The release of the docu-series Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV prompted a candid discussion between the two stars.

Watching 'Quiet on Set' Together

Elizabeth Gillies recently opened up, confirming that she and Ariana Grande watched the documentary together. The experience led them to "reprocess everything together" and "reevaluate" their time on Nickelodeon. Gillies noted that while her own experience was positive, watching the series was a challenging moment of shared reflection, highlighting the protective and supportive nature of their enduring bond as they navigated the complexities of their shared past.

Tears Over 'Wicked' and Broadway Support

Their support for each other’s careers remains a constant. In late 2024 and early 2025, this support was highly visible. Gillies was reportedly left in "tears" after seeing a performance of Grande as Glinda in the highly anticipated *Wicked* film. This emotional reaction underscores the pride they take in each other’s success, especially in a project that brings Grande back to her musical theater roots.

Conversely, Grande has been a vocal supporter of Gillies' return to the stage. When Gillies took on the role of Audrey in the Off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors, Grande and her then-co-star Ethan Slater were seen attending the show, cheering on her friend's return to the New York stage after her 2008 Broadway debut. This reciprocal support confirms that despite their individual mega-fame, their friendship is rooted in mutual respect and love for the performing arts.

4. The Secret to an Unbothered, Decades-Long Friendship

In a September 2024 interview, Liz Gillies offered a rare insight into how she and her best friend, Ariana Grande, have maintained such a strong connection for over a decade and a half, despite their demanding schedules and the unforgiving spotlight of celebrity life.

The secret, according to Gillies, is simply being there for each other without needing to be constantly visible. Their friendship is not performative; it is a genuine, private connection that prioritizes quality time and emotional support over public appearances. They share a deep understanding of their unique journey, from their shared start on Broadway to their individual triumphs in music, film, and television.

The fact that they choose to process major life events and shared history—like the emotional revelations from the Quiet on Set documentary—together in private speaks volumes about the depth of their trust. They are each other's touchstones, a safe space away from the public eye.

5. The Enduring Legacy of 'Liziana'

The enduring legacy of Elizabeth Gillies and Ariana Grande is not just about two successful women who happened to work together; it is about a profound, authentic friendship that has survived the tumultuous transition from child stardom to global icon status. Their connection serves as a powerful testament to the value of shared history and mutual respect in an industry notorious for fleeting relationships.

From the early days of 13: The Musical to their recent, candid reflections on their Nickelodeon past and their celebrations over *Wicked* and Broadway returns in 2024/2025, Liz and Ari's bond remains a constant, inspiring presence in pop culture. They continue to define what a true Hollywood friendship looks like: supportive, honest, and utterly unbreakable.