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

Before she could continue, Witherspoon, 48, who was on the panel along with Octavia 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,” the Legally Blonde star said, as Dern added, “We did. It was amazing.”

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

Earlier this year, the pair made headlines for their friendship again after another one of their Big Little Lies castmates, Nicole Kidman, questioned why Witherspoon calls Dern by her last name.

During a conversation with Vanity Fair in 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 the Sweet Home Alabama star, 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.”