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Jackie Tohn just revealed how close she really is to her costar Kristen Bell‘s family at PaleyFest LA. The actress joked she calls Bell’s daughters her “birth children,” sparking laughter among reporters. Their 15-year friendship off-screen is as tight as their on-screen chemistry on Netflix’s Nobody Wants This.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Event: Jackie Tohn spoke at the PaleyFest LA Netflix Nobody Wants This panel on April 8, 2026
- Daughters: Lincoln (age 13) and Delta (age 11) share a special bond with Tohn, who she calls her “auntie”
- Hand-me-downs: Tohn donates Bell’s daughters’ clothing to her niece Lily, sharing the excitement with the family
- Friendship: Bell and Tohn have been best friends for over 15 years, meeting as young singers and actors
A Friendship Deeper Than On-Screen Chemistry
Jackie Tohn and Kristen Bell have built an unbreakable bond that extends far beyond the camera. The two met over 15 years ago as aspiring performers in the entertainment industry. Their relationship grew into a genuine friendship that fans have witnessed blossom across multiple projects. Now, Tohn considers herself a genuine member of Bell’s inner family circle. She doesn’t just spend time with the actress but regularly joins her household for important family moments and gatherings.
At PaleyFest on April 8, Tohn opened up about the depth of this connection. She explained how Bell’s family has welcomed her as one of their own, making her feel like a true family member rather than just a famous friend. This transparency about their relationship gives fans insight into what real Hollywood friendships look like behind closed doors.
Jackie Tohn jokes Kristen Bell’s daughters are her birth children at PaleyFest
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The “Birth Children” Joke That Got Everyone Laughing
When speaking to PEOPLE at the event, Tohn revealed her playful approach to her role as an aunt to Lincoln, 13, and Delta, 11. She joked that she frequently tells the girls they are actually her “birth children” despite their shared biological parents. Tohn said, “I tell them all the time that they’re actually my birth children. I’m like, ‘It’s so funny, you look just like these Dax and Kristen people, but I carried you both and you’re my children.'”
The humor showcases the comfortable, joking dynamic between Tohn and the family. Her comment playfully references how close she feels to Dax Shepard‘s daughters, emphasizing her genuine love for the girls. This kind of inside joke reveals the authentic, warm nature of their household relationships and the trust Bell has placed in her best friend.
Supporting the Girls Through Hand-Me-Downs and Family Moments
| Family Role | Details |
| Relationship to Children | Aunt, best friend of mother, family member |
| Ages of Daughters | Lincoln (13), Delta (11) |
| Wardrobe Support | Donates hand-me-downs to niece Lily |
| Family Inclusion | Invited to family dinners and special occasions |
Beyond verbal affection, Tohn backs up her devotion through tangible action. When Lincoln outgrows her clothing, Tohn transfers the items to her niece Lily, who is the same age. She explained to PEOPLE, “I have a real niece who’s the same age as Lincoln, and when Lincoln grows out of her stuff, I often send it to my niece Lily.”
The actress makes the gift special by telling her niece where the clothes come from. Tohn says, “I’m always like, ‘This stuff is from me and Kristen.’ And they’re always so excited. They’ll send her messages. Thank her for all the rad swag that my niece gets to wear to school because it was Lincoln’s.” This thoughtful gesture shows how deeply embedded Tohn is in the entire family ecosystem.
“But it’s amazing, being a member, I mean…I feel like a member of that family. There has been random stuff going on lately, and they called me and they were like, ‘You’re coming to family dinner.’ And I was like, ‘On my way.’ ‘You need to sit at this table with us.’ ‘Coming!'”
— Jackie Tohn, Actress and Nobody Wants This costar
How Their Professional Partnership Strengthened Their Bond
Nobody Wants This, the Netflix romantic comedy series, has given Tohn a prime platform alongside Bell. The show stars Bell as Joanne and Tohn as Esther, her brother’s wife. Tohn plays a pivotal supporting role in the series, which debuted on Netflix in 2024 and has already earned a third season renewal by April 2026. Their on-screen chemistry feels authentic because their real-life friendship runs so deep.
During Season 2 filming, the cast remarkably embraced real-life partners into the narrative. Tohn’s boyfriend Joe Gillette, an actor, writer, and director, appeared as a guest star. Bell’s costar Adam Brody‘s wife Leighton Meester also appeared, playing a married couple. Bell has reflected on this unique situation, calling it “incestuous” in the best way, joking about the meta nature of their partner placements within the fictional relationships.
What Does This Level of Friendship Mean for Hollywood Today?
Jackie Tohn‘s candid remarks about her relationship with Kristen Bell remind fans that genuine friendships do exist in the entertainment industry. In an era where celebrity connections often feel transactional or purely professional, their bond registers as surprisingly authentic. Tohn‘s willingness to openly discuss being included in family dinners and making memories with Bell’s daughters suggests a relationship built on mutual respect and love rather than career convenience.
The fact that Bell invites Tohn into her most intimate family moments reveals something powerful about her character too. She clearly trusts Tohn completely and values her presence in her children’s lives. For younger fans and aspiring performers, Tohn and Bell’s friendship serves as a blueprint for what lasting Hollywood relationships can look like when built on genuine connection and shared values.
Sources
- PEOPLE – Exclusive interview with Jackie Tohn at PaleyFest LA on April 8, 2026
- Netflix – Nobody Wants This official series information and cast details
- The Paley Center for Media – PaleyFest LA 2026 event schedule and programming
