Spencer Pratt, known for his reality TV fame and as the cover star of Us Weekly, has revealed some surprising connections with A-list celebrities, including a Ryan Gosling connections exclusive. Pratt’s upcoming book, The Guy You Loved to Hate, set to release on January 27, explores many of his high-profile encounters, some of which he did not even include in the final manuscript.
From childhood friendships to unexpected reunions, Pratt discloses how his life has intersected with notable figures, offering a glimpse into his unusual proximity to Hollywood’s elite.
Early Hollywood Connections and Childhood Friendships
Pratt’s Hollywood ties began at a young age, growing up surrounded by the children and families of famous individuals. He frequently spent time on movie sets and recalls close relationships with various industry insiders’ children. Among his earliest friends was Mamie Gummer, the daughter of award-winning actress Meryl Streep. Pratt fondly remembers nights spent on the set of Death Becomes Her, now appreciating the film’s charm in retrospect.
Another significant childhood connection was with the son of director Jim Abrahams, Joe Abrahams. This friendship brought Pratt onto the sets of the Hot Shots movies alongside actor Charlie Sheen during his peak physique era. He also reminisced about being on the set of the blockbuster Armageddon and spending time in the kitchen with a then-peak Adam Sandler, who starred in cult classics like Happy Gilmore and Billy Madison.
Later, Pratt counted Charlie, the son of Malcolm McDowell, among his friends, though it took him some time to fully realize his acquaintance’s famous father’s legacy. Pratt shares,
“I didn’t even realize who Malcolm McDowell was with Clockwork Orange until later. … I was like, ‘His dad’s a character.’ And I later see Clockwork Orange. I’m like, ‘Oh, my God!’”
Spencer Pratt, Reality TV Star
Collegiate Ties to Ryan Gosling and Hollywood Exploration
While attending the University of Southern California, Pratt encountered a then-aspiring actor who would become a major Hollywood figure: Ryan Gosling. Pratt describes Gosling as part of his social circle during that period, saying,
“We were a crew, and I think he learned a lot for his future roles from my posse.”
Spencer Pratt, Reality TV Star
Despite their close social environments in college, they eventually lost contact. Pratt humorously recounts a later meeting with Gosling at The Standard hotel, where he jokes,
“I swear to God, he ran when he saw me.”
Spencer Pratt, Reality TV Star
Pratt admits that once he embarked on his reality television career, he became less connected to the inner circle of Hollywood, which he regards as “a whole other tier.” Nonetheless, he has recently found himself near major celebrities again, particularly through his involvement in fire relief efforts for Palisades, Los Angeles.
Interactions with Top Movie Stars and Unseen Hollywood Support
Pratt recalls a recent dinner where a leading Hollywood movie star approached him with encouraging words, despite knowing nothing about Pratt’s public persona. He says,
“I was at dinner [a few] weeks ago and one of the biggest movie stars in the world sat down and goes, ‘Can I sit down with you?’ And without even me saying yes — to Heidi and I, just sits down and pumps me up for 20 minutes straight, knowing every detail about everything,”
and further adds,
“This movie star does not follow me. So secretly there’s real, A-list movie stars that are like, ‘Yes, Spencer, call these people out!’”
Spencer Pratt, Reality TV Star
Notable Names and Their Surprising Roles in Pratt’s Life
Pratt’s book and interviews reveal encounters with several other well-known figures. For example, Kris Jenner once pitched him a reality TV idea involving her family, including then-husband Caitlyn Jenner. Pratt declined, admitting to the confidence of someone about to make questionable choices:
“the kind of confidence only available to people about to make the worst decisions of their lives,”
he states.
Musician and producer David Foster, stepfather to Brody Jenner, also figures into Pratt’s stories. Initially, Pratt jokingly dismissed Foster’s music as “elevator music” but now praises him as the greatest of all time (G.O.A.T). He recalls witnessing a young Michael Bublé perform frequently at gatherings:
“I was like, ‘Oh, my God — you’re so good!’”
Spencer Pratt, Reality TV Star
School Days, Relationship Connections, and Social Circles
At Crossroads School in Santa Monica, Pratt was friends with Max Winkler, Henry Winkler’s son, who briefly dated Mary-Kate Olsen, famed designer and actress. Pratt later monetized his insider access by selling photos of the couple’s relationship, reflecting on it as,
“Here I was, 20 years old, turning my buddy’s romantic misery into startup capital,”
he writes.
Jenner also dated Nicole Richie shortly before the debut of The Hills. Pratt considers Richie “one of the homies” but recalls a frightening moment when he experienced his first panic attack at her condo. Convinced a delivery person might have tampered with their food, Pratt shares,
“got it in my head that I was poisoned,”
he recalls.
Industry Friends and Hollywood Collaborations
Actor James Franco has shown interest in directing a film adaptation of Pratt’s book. Pratt appreciates Franco’s involvement in the writing process, noting,
“We spent time going through it when I was writing it,”
and has expressed a preference for Golden Globe winner Austin Butler to portray him on screen.
Scott Disick, known for his relationship with Kourtney Kardashian, surprised Pratt with a thoughtful message following the fire that damaged Pratt’s home. He remembers,
“The first person that DMed me a full paragraph was Scott. I can’t remember what it said, but it was something very nice.”
Ascending Fame and Taylor Swift Encounters
Pratt became notable for his social media videos dancing to Taylor Swift’s song
“Look What You Made Me Do,”
catching the pop superstar’s attention. The two met in 2018, and he has since maintained a connection through her PR merchandise list. Looking forward, Pratt comments on Swift’s wedding to Travis Kelce, saying,
“Hopefully it’s a large wedding, so I get an invite,”
reflecting his ongoing optimism about celebrity friendships.
The Wider Impact of Pratt’s Hollywood Relationships
Spencer Pratt’s rare insights into his Ryan Gosling connections exclusive and relationships with various entertainment figures illustrate his unique position at the intersection of reality TV and Hollywood culture. These connections underscore a complex web of social ties that have shaped his public persona and personal experiences. With a film adaptation of his book in the works and continued high-profile endorsements, Pratt’s story offers a deeper understanding of Hollywood’s intertwined social life, while hinting at new projects and collaborations on the horizon.
