LOS ANGELES (Azat TV) – Actress Gabrielle Union recently revealed that her close friendship with Bring It On co-star Kirsten Dunst has continued to evolve and deepen over more than 25 years, with motherhood playing a significant role in bringing them even closer. Union, 53, shared these insights in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, offering a rare glimpse into the lasting bonds formed in Hollywood.
Gabrielle Union and Kirsten Dunst’s Enduring Bond
Gabrielle Union, who played Isis opposite Kirsten Dunst’s Torrance Shipman in the iconic 2000 cheerleading comedy Bring It On, explained that she and Dunst, 43, are still ‘growing up together.’ Their connection, which began when Dunst was a child actor, has matured alongside their personal lives, particularly with their shared experiences as mothers.
Union elaborated on how their children have become a bridge, stating, “Luckily, our kids are around the same age and they have friends in common, so motherhood has sort of brought us together in a different way.” Union is mother to 7-year-old daughter Kaavia Union Wade and stepmother to husband Dwyane Wade’s three older children. Dunst shares sons Ennis Howard Plemons, 7, and James Robert Plemons, 4, with her husband, actor Jesse Plemons. This shared life stage has provided new common ground for their long-standing friendship.
From Co-Stars to Confidantes: ‘Bring It On’ Legacy
The original film, directed by Peyton Reed and written by Jessica Bendinger, explored themes of cultural appropriation and competition within the world of high school cheerleading. Union noted the significant personal growth both actresses have undergone since filming. “When we shot Bring It On, [Kirsten] was an actual child, and now she’s a mom,” Union reflected. She added that they have discussed ‘some of her mom’s decisions and how she was raised, and what you took and what you left behind,’ underscoring the depth of their conversations now.
The enduring legacy of Bring It On was celebrated in September 2025, when Union and Dunst attended a 25th-anniversary screening in Los Angeles. They were joined by other former castmates, Jesse Bradford and Lindsay Sloane, highlighting the film’s lasting cultural impact and the continued camaraderie among its stars.
Union’s Advocacy Beyond Hollywood
Beyond discussing her personal connections, Gabrielle Union also used her platform during the PEOPLE interview to shed light on her current endeavors, including her role as an investor and partner for LynkUET, a hot flash treatment. She expressed a strong commitment to destigmatizing menopause, advocating for open conversations about women’s health issues.
“Initially, I felt shame. I felt my value as a woman was diminishing. I felt isolated,” Union stated, sharing her personal journey with menopause. She emphasized a shift in perspective, viewing it ‘not as an ending, but as a beginning.’ Union concluded, “I feel empowered, and I’m gonna talk about it, and I’m not gonna lose a thing,” signaling her dedication to empowering other women facing similar experiences.
The evolution of Gabrielle Union and Kirsten Dunst’s relationship, from young co-stars to mothers navigating shared life stages, illustrates how genuine connections in the entertainment industry can transcend professional boundaries and endure for decades, offering a rare example of sustained friendship in a typically transient environment.