She’s been unlucky in love in the past, but now it seems that Jennifer Aniston has her own personal cupid to lean on – Barbra Streisand. According to pals, the Hollywood legend has taken the Friends actress, 54, under her wing in an attempt to find her a new man – even asking husband, James Brolin, to line up potential suitors.
The unlikely pairing first came into contact 13 years ago, after Jennifer emulated Barbra’s style in a photo shoot for Harper’sBazaar. “I think she did a wonderful job – if only she had a bump on her nose!” Barbra, 81, told fans at the time, while also adding that Jen is a “delightful person”.
And so while Jennifer has a good relationship with both her ex-husbands – maintaining a strong bond with her first spouse, Brad Pitt, and even being pictured having dinner in New York with second hubby Justin Theroux and some friends last month – it’s no surprise to those close to her that she’s relying on Barbra to play matchmaker.
“Barbra’s long admired Jen and is determined to find her the perfect match,” an insider tells Closer.
“She’s done it for others and feels she can do the job that everyone else seems to have failed at. Besides, Barbra knows the old Malibu set is as good as anybody else for someone like Jen, and she’s working her magic – planning dinner parties where Jen will be seated next to someone really nice, and James knows a lot of eligible guys too.
“Barbra isn’t looking at age so much in prospective suitors – younger or older works, as long he thinks like Jen and there’s potential for romance and chemistry. Jen’s flattered and kind of relieved she’s getting such preferential treatment from Barbra. She’s been lonely too long, though she would never admit it publicly.”
Jen has had a high-profile, roller-coaster love life since rising to fame back in 1994. She was one half of Hollywood’s “It” couple when she married Brad, 59, in 2000, but the couple split after five years, with Brad later marrying his Mr & Mrs Smith co-star Angelina Jolie. She then went on to date Vince Vaughn and John Mayer, before marrying her partner of four years, actor Justin Theroux, 51, in 2015.
But the pair split two years later, reportedly because he wanted to live in New York while she preferred LA, although they remain good friends. Having been more or less single ever since, Jennifer’s usual gal pals haven’t come up with anyone new for her to date – which is why she’s turning to Barbra for help.
“Barbra has a very protective maternal streak when it comes to her friends and she’s quietly been a voice of reason in Jen’s life for some years now,” the insider continues.
“It’s kind of a huge deal for anyone to be invited into her inner circle as she’s picky and private about who she lets in, but the same goes for Jen – they really are two peas in a pod that way. They talk plenty and meet up as often as they can for tea and sometimes cocktails over at Barbra’s beautiful cliff top compound in Malibu – and that’s where they’ve been discussing the state of Jen’s romantic life and what can be done about it.
“She’s not looking to settle for second best just because it’s been such a long process without a serious relationship. If anything, it’s only made Jen more picky and determined to get it right next time – without the help of a dating app.”
