Cher playfully suggests Kristen Bell deserves a "better" partner than Dax Shepard

Cher and Kristen Bell’s mentorship, which began on the set of Burlesque, has continued to flourish in the years following the film’s premiere.

Cher, 79, and Bell, 45, starred together in the 2010 musical as Tess, the burlesque lounge owner, and Nikki, a performer, respectively. While their characters developed a strong connection onscreen, Cher and Bell also cultivated a genuine friendship off camera.

The duo discussed their relationship during Cher’s appearance on the Monday, January 5, episode of the “Armchair Expert” podcast, hosted by Bell’s husband, Dax Shepard. Cher even offered her candid opinion of Shepard, telling Bell that she’s “certainly the superior partner” in their marriage.

“Who would be an ideal match for her? Because I suspect you believe she could have someone better, and I’m not inclined to disagree,” Shepard inquired of Cher.

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While Cher struggled to identify anyone suitable for Bell, she did acknowledge that Shepard seemed “like a wonderful father” to his and Bell’s two daughters: Lincoln, 12, and Delta, 10.

Continue reading for further insights into Cher and Bell’s friendship:

Cher and Kristen Bell ‘Connected Exceptionally Well’ on ‘Burlesque’

Cher revealed on the podcast that she and Bell “bonded remarkably well” while collaborating on Burlesque.

“We had a strong rapport, and I held her in high regard. I wasn’t familiar with her work previously, but she was exceptionally talented,” she stated.

Kristen Bell Shares She ‘Was Drawn’ to ‘Burlesque’ Because of Cher

Bell expressed her deep admiration for Cher, which motivated her desire to join the cast of Burlesque.

“I’m not sure if you want to hear this, but that was a significant factor in my decision to accept the role because, when I initially secured the part … I was thrilled, thinking, ‘I’m going to be in a film with Cher, a true icon.’ But your personality in real life is surprisingly grounded,” the Veronica Mars alumna explained.

Kristen Bell Notes She Received the Most Valuable Advice From Cher

Bell also mentioned that she has consistently applied a piece of advice she received from Cher throughout her career.

“People frequently ask me, ‘What’s the most impactful advice you’ve ever received?’ And I respond by saying it came from you, because you told me, ‘Darling, if it won’t matter in five years, it’s not important,’” she told Cher.

Cher explained that she learned the advice from her mother and has “relied on it [her] entire life,” just as Bell does.

Cher Believes Kristen Bell Deserves Better Than Dax Shepard

Cher shared her honest assessment of Shepard with Bell, suggesting that her former costar could find someone more suitable.

“The truth is, I have faith in her judgment. So you must be lacking something I don’t perceive,” Cher stated bluntly to Shepard.

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Though he conceded that he “didn’t disagree” with Cher’s evaluation of him, Shepard attempted to defend himself.

“I’ll tell you what you should appreciate about me. I’m not threatened by her success. I celebrate it. The more she shines, the better,” he said, while Bell added, “There’s so much more to this man.”

Bell also described Shepard as “the absolute best dad imaginable.”

Shepard seemed unbothered by the candid conversation, as he told Cher, “I cherish you, and I understand no one is quite good enough for [Bell].”