Zach Braff recently opened up about his long-standing friendship with singer and actress Lauryn Hill during a guest appearance on *The View*. The *Scrubs* star reminisced about their shared history, which dates back to their childhood in Maplewood, New Jersey.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Zach-Braff-and-Lauryn-Hill-030326-f704aca473574c06a771f504e1014152.jpg)
In a candid conversation on 3 March, Braff, who is now 50 years old, fondly recalled how both he and Hill were actively pursuing acting careers while attending Columbia High School. “We were the two actors commuting into the city to audition when we were young,” he said. Hill, also 50, made an early mark when she landed a role on a soap opera, followed by an opportunity in *Sister Act 2*, directed by Whoopi Goldberg. “I’ve known Lauryn forever,” Braff added.
Perhaps one of the more surprising revelations from the actor was that Hill played a role in a significant personal milestone. Braff revealed that Hill was present at his Bar Mitzvah when he was just 13 years old, a detail that clearly amused the co-hosts of the show. “It’s a very, very random fact,” he stated, prompting audible gasps from the audience.
Goldberg, who is 70, expressed her astonishment that nobody on the panel had asked whether the Grammy Award-winning singer performed at the event. Co-host Sunny Hostin joined in, playfully probing Braff about the matter. Unfortunately for the viewers hoping for a nostalgic musical number, Braff noted there was no performance. “No, not yet,” he said, but he reminisced about Hill’s impressive debut on *Amateur Night at the Apollo*, highlighting her impressive talents.
On *The View*, Braff also touched upon his acting career, notably his time as Dr. John “J.D.” Dorian on the acclaimed show *Scrubs*, which aired from 2001 to 2010 and saw a reboot announced for February 2026. The conversation eventually drifted towards his friendship with co-star Donald Faison, with Braff indicating that Faison had an influence on his development both personally and professionally.
Reflecting on his younger years, Braff recounted how Faison, who had already gained fame from films like *Clueless* and *Remember the Titans*, introduced him to nightlife experiences. “I was waiting tables, so I had no idea,” said Braff, laughing at the memory. Faison became a mentor figure, guiding Braff in understanding how to unwind and enjoy life outside of work.
As Braff recounted his journey in the entertainment industry, he credited his father, Harold, for instilling in him a strong sense of ambition and drive. “My father, I think, instilled it in me. I just dreamed big, and I never stopped,” he shared, a sentiment that resonates with many who have achieved success.
Braff’s reflections on his past, combined with his anecdotes about Hill and Faison, offer an insightful glimpse into the formative years of two iconic entertainers. As they continue to evolve in their careers, their shared memories remain a testament to their enduring friendship and mutual support in navigating the complexities of fame and artistry.