In the charming romantic comedy "Best Friends," iconic actors Burt Reynolds and Goldie Hawn portray a professional couple, Richard Babson and Paula McCullen, who have enjoyed a long-standing and successful partnership. Throughout the years, their camaraderie has flourished, built on trust, mutual respect, and shared goals. However, the couple's decision to transition from being best friends to life partners triggers a series of unforeseen challenges that test the foundation of their relationship.
As Richard and Paula navigate through their new roles as a married couple, they discover that the dynamics of their relationship are more complicated than they anticipated. While they excel as collaborators in their professional lives, the intricacies of marriage bring forth issues they never confronted during their friendship. From minor disagreements to major life decisions, the couple must learn to communicate and compromise in ways they hadn't needed to before, revealing the complexities of balancing love and friendship when intimate bonds deepen.
"Best Friends" skillfully blends humor with heartfelt moments, showcasing the journey of Richard and Paula as they grapple with the realities of marriage. The film captures the essence of love's unpredictable nature, prompting both laughter and reflection. As they navigate through the ups and downs of married life, the duo learns that maintaining their friendship while embracing their new commitments is vital for sustaining their relationship. Ultimately, this delightful film offers a poignant reminder that while love can be a beautiful journey, it also requires effort, understanding, and the will to adapt.
Main Cast of Best Friends
Burt Reynolds
Richard Babson
Burt Reynolds delivered a charming and nuanced performance as Richard Babson in the 1982 romantic comedy "Best Friends," directed by Norman Jewison. Reynolds' portrayal of Richard, a successful screenwriter, showcased his signature charisma and comedic timing, which complemented the on-screen chemistry with co-star Goldie Hawn, who played his love interest and writing partner, Paula McCullen. Reynolds brought depth to the role, navigating the complexities of a professional partnership blossoming into romance, while also grappling with the trials and tribulations of a high-profile Hollywood relationship. His performance was both relatable and engaging, as he balanced the character's wit, vulnerability, and the endearing eccentricities that made Richard Babson a memorable and beloved character in the ensemble of Reynolds' diverse filmography. Reynolds' ability to convey both the tender moments and the comedic antics of the role solidified his place as a versatile actor capable of excelling in a variety of genres.
Goldie Hawn
Paula McCullen
Goldie Hawn delivered a memorable performance as Paula McCullen in the 1982 romantic comedy "Best Friends," directed by Norman Jewison. Her portrayal of Paula, a quirky and free-spirited woman navigating the complexities of a modern relationship, showcased her impeccable comedic timing and innate ability to convey warmth and vulnerability. Hawn's chemistry with co-star Burt Reynolds, who played her husband Richard Babson, was a central element of the film's charm, as their characters struggled with the trials and tribulations of married life while trying to maintain their individuality and careers. Her performance was both relatable and aspirational, as she embodied the era's evolving views on love, marriage, and femininity, resonating with audiences and solidifying her status as a beloved actress capable of blending humor with genuine emotion. Goldie Hawn's Paula McCullen remains a testament to her talent for creating characters that are both entertaining and endearing.
Jessica Tandy
Eleanor McCullen
Jessica Tandy delivered a nuanced and endearing performance as Eleanor McCullen in the 1982 romantic comedy-drama "Best Friends," directed by Norman Jewison. As the eccentric and free-spirited sister of Burt Reynolds' character, Eleanor is a whirlwind of wisdom and whimsy, offering sage advice and comic relief in equal measure. Tandy brought a depth of warmth and authenticity to the role, crafting a character that was both amusing and deeply empathetic. Her portrayal of Eleanor's unconventional lifestyle and her interactions with the other characters highlighted her impeccable comedic timing and her ability to convey the complex layers of a seemingly outlandish yet fundamentally loving individual. Tandy's performance was a standout in the film, showcasing her range as an actress and adding a touch of heartfelt charm to the on-screen dynamics, making Eleanor McCullen an unforgettable character in a story about love, friendship, and the quirks of family.
Barnard Hughes
Tim McCullen
Barnard Hughes delivered a memorable performance as Tim McCullen in the 1982 romantic comedy "Best Friends," directed by Norman Jewison. As the gruff, wise-cracking, and endearingly curmudgeonly father of the groom, Hughes brought a delightful layer of humor and warmth to the film. His portrayal of Tim, a retired widower who finds companionship in the equally headstrong Lolly, played by Jessica Tandy, provided a charming subplot that paralleled the main romance. Hughes's impeccable comedic timing and his character's reluctant but genuine affection for Lolly offered a heartwarming depiction of late-blooming love. His performance was both scene-stealing and nuanced, adding depth to the film's exploration of relationships and the complexities of human connection. Hughes's ability to convey both the stubbornness and the vulnerability of Tim McCullen earned him praise and showcased his versatility as an actor, making his role a standout element in this lighthearted and poignant film.
Secondary Cast of Best Friends
Mikey Martin
Robbie Ballou
Alfred Mariorenzi
Gate Guard
Terrence Currier
Henry Spaulding
Nannette Rickert
Marion Talbot
Jim Scopelitis
Bob Skinner
Elaine Dunstan
Edwina Coolie
Catherine A. Frederico
McCullen's Neighbor
Lynn Sue Nitkin
Girl in Restaurant
William B. Kennedy
Conductor
Aulinda Gigena
Wedding Chapel Owner
Pamela Clay
Georgetown Mall Shopper (uncredited)
Crew of Best Friends
Full backstage crew list →
