Leah Remini granted a rare glimpse into her bond with Jennifer Lopez, elucidating their current standing as well. In her cover story for Us Weekly, the 54-year-old Remini disclosed the moment she reconnected with the 55-year-old Lopez, stating, "Immediately following my divorce, we exchanged heartfelt texts of encouragement." Having undergone her own separation from husband Angelo Pagán around the same time, Remini clarified that no wedge had ever existed between her and Lopez. "While it's true that we may not converse daily as we once did, that doesn't signify the erosion of our affection," she added. "Friendships ebb and flow; it doesn't imply discord."
Remini revealed that she now finds herself in a "distinct phase" of life, twelve years removed from her departure from Scientology. (Lopez, meanwhile, had finalized her divorce from Ben Affleck earlier this year.) "I retreated significantly after leaving," she shared. "I wasn't particularly inclined to venture out much. Gradually, I began to step back into the world, albeit with caution and prudence."
Remini elaborated: "I hold my friendships dear, but not everyone is destined to remain in your life in the same capacity. Evolving beyond the person you once were doesn't entail falling out with those who played a part in your past. I have numerous friends with whom I don't speak daily. This doesn't indicate discord—it merely reflects that I'm at a different juncture, and so are they."
In 2004, Remini and Lopez forged a friendship at a fateful event, amidst Lopez's then-romance with Marc Anthony, the father of her now 17-year-old twins, Max and Emme. Over the ensuing decades, their bond stood steadfast, weathering numerous personal transformations in Lopez's life. Post her 2011 separation from Anthony, Lopez became engaged to Alex Rodriguez before rekindling her romance with former fiancé, Affleck, 52, in 2021. When Lopez tied the knot with Affleck in 2022, Remini's absence sparked rumors of a rift between them. However, it transpired that Remini couldn't attend due to the momentous task of moving her and Pagán's 20-year-old daughter, Sofia, into college.
Remini, sharing insights into her camaraderie with TV personality Michelle Visage, revealed to Us Weekly, "I cherish friends beyond the industry who hold deep significance. Michelle and I share an hour-long FaceTime session each morning, catching up on our health updates. I yearn to launch a podcast with her, ensuring she never has to venture far from my side or the comforts of her home."
She further elaborated on her girlfriend circle, whom she spends countless hours with, transitioning from tears to laughter. "My girlfriends, including Holly Robinson, Tisha Campbell, and Chelsea Handler, are lifelines for me," she asserted. "Holly and Tisha and I maintain a constant text chain. Chelsea possesses a facet unknown to the public; she's incredibly loving and compassionate. She engages in lengthy conversations with Sofia and goes out of her way to visit her in New York. Chelsea has known Sofia since she was in diapers, much like Michelle Visage. These individuals have been nothing short of wonderful."
Remini also attributed ballroom dancing as a significant outlet since her 2013 stint on Dancing with the Stars. "Tony Dovolani turned me into a die-hard fan," she reminisced about her celebrity dance partner. "I continued dancing, and my dance teacher became an integral part of our family. He visited yesterday, bringing flowers for my mom and wine for her friend Jackie. Such gestures hold profound meaning for me, symbolizing meaningful relationships. For my birthday, I gather friends I haven't seen all year, like Julie and Les Moonves—we remain close. I am blessed with wonderful friendships."
