Courteney Cox turned to her close friend Jennifer Aniston for advice before agreeing to act alongside her ex-husband, David Arquette, in Scream 5. The prospect of working with someone she once shared 13 years of marriage with brought up a whirlwind of emotions. On one hand, Courteney was no stranger to navigating life with David post-divorce — after all, they had successfully co-parented their daughter Coco for years. But stepping back onto a film set together, where emotions often run high and memories easily resurface, was a different challenge entirely.

Knowing that Jennifer Aniston had famously managed to maintain amicable, even friendly relationships with her own exes, Courteney didn’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call her for advice. Jennifer, as always, was direct and honest. She didn’t sugarcoat her response or tiptoe around the delicate subject. Instead, she offered Courteney the kind of straightforward guidance that only a best friend of more than two decades could provide.

“Look,” Jennifer reportedly told her, “you’ve shared a life with this person. You’ve raised a beautiful daughter together. If you’ve managed to navigate birthdays, holidays, and all the awkward post-divorce moments with grace, then stepping onto a film set is nothing in comparison.” But she was also blunt in cautioning Courteney not to let old emotions cloud her professionalism. “This is about work,” Jennifer said firmly. “Check the personal baggage at the door. You’re there to do a job, not to unpack the past.”

Jennifer went on to remind Courteney of her own experiences. Having maintained civil and even supportive relationships with exes like Brad Pitt and Justin Theroux, Jennifer understood firsthand the awkwardness but also the liberation that came from not letting the past dictate the present. “The trick,” she explained, “is to remember who you are now — not who you were back then. You’re not the same person who was married to David. And he’s not the same person either.”

This wasn’t the first time Jennifer had helped Courteney navigate a personal crossroads. Their friendship, forged during their years together on Friends, had always been one of unconditional support. Whether it was heartbreak, career dilemmas, or family issues, they had leaned on each other through it all. And this situation was no different.

Despite the comforting words, Courteney still felt a storm of emotions. There was a part of her that found the idea of working with David comforting — a return to familiar ground. They had, after all, met on the set of the original Scream in 1996, when their chemistry both on and off-screen was undeniable. But there was also the shadow of their divorce, the memories of David’s admitted infidelity, and the pain that accompanied the end of their marriage.

Jennifer, sensing her hesitation, didn’t hold back. “Honestly, Court,” she said, “if anyone can handle this, it’s you. You’re one of the most grounded, professional people I know. But you’ve got to set boundaries. Be clear with yourself about what’s work and what’s personal. And don’t let nostalgia trick you into feeling anything that isn’t real.”

Courteney admitted that the thought of tension on set did cross her mind. She worried about slipping into old patterns — whether that meant bickering like they sometimes did during the rough patches of their marriage or, on the flip side, falling back into a too-comfortable dynamic that might confuse emotions. Jennifer’s advice was simple but powerful: “Kindness. Always lead with kindness. And maturity. This isn’t about the past. It’s about showing up, doing great work, and walking away proud of how you handled it.”

Reassured, Courteney made her decision. She signed on for Scream 5, ready to step into the familiar shoes of Gale Weathers but determined to leave the baggage of her past marriage behind. In many ways, the experience became symbolic — proof that even the most complicated relationships can evolve into something functional, even positive, when both parties commit to maturity and respect.

Looking back, Courteney was grateful she reached out to Jennifer. The blunt but loving advice from her best friend wasn’t just about working with an ex. It was a reminder of how far she had come — from a young actress navigating fame, love, and heartbreak, to a strong, independent woman who knew her worth and her strength. And perhaps, it also reaffirmed the beautiful truth that no matter how life changes, the power of true friendship remains a constant force.