Overview and Current Status
Liz Gillies and Ariana Grande are former co-stars who developed a public friendship during their time on the Nickelodeon series Victorious (2010 2013) and its spinoff Sam & Cat (2013 2014). Gillies played Jade West, while Grande played Cat Valentine, and their offscreen camaraderie became a notable aspect of the shows’ appeal. In recent years, interactions have been infrequent and largely limited to industry events or occasional social acknowledgments. This article explains their collaborative history, the nature of their past closeness, and the present state of their relationship in a factual, enduring context.
Background on Liz Gillies
Liz Gillies is an American actress and singer best known for her role as Jade West on Nickelodeon’s Victorious and its spinoff Sam & Cat. She has also appeared in other scripted series and stage productions, maintaining a relatively low public profile compared to some peers. Her onscreen partnership with Grande helped cement both their places in late‑2000s and early‑2010s teen pop culture.
Key Career Milestones
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Role | Jade West on Victorious | Show credits / Nickelodeon press |
| Spinoff Series | Sam & Cat (2013–2014) | Network announcements |
| Stage Work | 13 the Musical, regional theater | Playbill / theater programs |
Background on Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande is a globally recognized singer, actress, and entrepreneur who began her career in theater and gained mainstream recognition as Cat Valentine on Victorious. Her music career launched shortly after the show, leading to multi‑platinum albums, chart records, and a significant social media presence. Grande’s early acting work alongside Gillies remains a foundational part of her public narrative, though her professional trajectory has diverged significantly toward music and business ventures.
Key Career Milestones
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Breakout Role | Cat Valentine on Victorious | Nickelodeon archives |
| Music Debut | Yours Truly (2013) | Label announcements |
| Major Accolades | Multiple Grammys, Billboard records | Recording Academy / Billboard |
Collaborative History and Onset of Public Attention
The pairing of Gillies and Grande became prominent while both were working on Victorious, with their chemistry contributing to the show’s ensemble appeal. They later appeared together in Sam & Cat, which reinforced their public image as close co-stars. Interviews and red‑carpet appearances from that period often highlighted their camaraderie, though both maintained separate personal and professional lives. Their friendship was frequently noted by fans and media as part of the broader Victorious legacy.
Timeline of Notable Interactions
Interactions between Gillies and Grande were most frequent between 2010 and the end of Sam & Cat in 2014. Afterward, public visibility declined, with only occasional acknowledgments at industry events or through brief social interactions. Neither has consistently framed the relationship as central to their public identity, though mutual respect for their shared work appears evident in limited statements.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 2010–2013 | Victorious series run | Primary period of collaboration and visibility |
| 2013–2014 | Sam & Cat | Extended onscreen partnership in a joint spinoff |
| 2014–present | Occasional industry events | Limited but cordial public interactions |
Current Relationship Status
As of the present, Liz Gillies and Ariana Grande maintain a distant, acquaintanceship-level relationship. They are not closely affiliated in public, nor have either indicated a continued intimate friendship. There is no evidence of ongoing joint projects or regular communication. This status reflects a natural divergence following the conclusion of their shared programming and each person’s focus on separate careers. The earlier closeness remains part of their shared history but does not define their current interactions.
Addressing Rumors and Speculation
Speculation about a deeper or ongoing close relationship primarily originates from fan discussions during the height of Victorious and Sam & Cat. In the absence of recent joint activity or explicit statements from either party, such narratives are best understood as extensions of past fandom rather than current reality. Neither individual has fueled these rumors directly, and available evidence points to a relationship that has naturally tapered off. Acknowledging the limits of available information helps separate verifiable facts from fan-driven narratives.
Context and Comparison
Within the Victorious cast, the public trajectory of Gillies and Grande differs from pairs who have maintained tighter ongoing collaboration or public alignment. Their relationship reflects a common pattern among former co-stars who shared significant early career moments but moved in different directions later. Understanding their connection in this light provides a durable framework for discussing their past and present without overstating current ties.
- Past closeness: Notable during 2010–2014 on Victorious and Sam & Cat
- Current interaction: Limited to occasional professional events
- Public perception: Remembered as friendly ex‑co‑stars, not currently close
FAQ
Reader questions
Did Liz Gillies and Ariana Grande work together?
Yes. Both appeared on Victorious (2010–2013) and Sam & Cat (2013–2014), where they played characters Jade West and Cat Valentine, respectively. Their onscreen dynamic was a highlighted feature of both series.
Are Liz Gillies and Ariana Grande still friends?
There is no public confirmation of an ongoing close friendship. Occasional interactions at industry events suggest mutual respect, but their relationship has not been a publicly prominent one in recent years.
Have they collaborated on recent projects?
As of the latest available information, there have been no joint professional projects or announcements linking them in new work. Each has pursued independent career paths.