Danielle Fishel and Sabrina Carpenter have maintained a strong friendship since their time together on Disney’s “Girl Meets World,” which wrapped up in 2017. The connection between the two remains vibrant, with Fishel often seeking Carpenter’s counsel on various matters. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Fishel, now 44, labelled Carpenter as her “go-to” person for advice, reflecting on the younger star’s impressive instincts and judgment.
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Fishel expressed her admiration for Carpenter’s ability to trust her own intuition, stating, “For being significantly younger than me, she is one of my go-to people to ask for advice because she’s got great instincts.” The admiration runs deep; Fishel often turns to Carpenter when she feels uncertain about her own decisions. “Whenever I need to be reminded that I probably know the answer to the question, I go to her,” she added. “She’s like, ‘I think you probably already know this.’ She’s a real special one.”
The duo’s relationship is not one-sided. During a recent episode of Fishel’s podcast, “Pod Meets World,” she shared a humorous recollection of attempting to advise Carpenter regarding her 2022 album, “Emails I Can’t Send.” Fishel had expressed doubt about one of the songs, believing it wasn’t relatable enough, but Carpenter confidently disagreed. “Her instinct cannot be beat,” Fishel conceded. After witnessing a crowd of 20,000 fans at the Crypto.com Arena enthusiastically singing along to that very song during Carpenter’s tour, Fishel acknowledged, “I knew she was right. She’s always right.”
For those unfamiliar, “Girl Meets World” was a sequel to the beloved series “Boy Meets World,” in which Fishel reprised her role as Topanga. The new series focused on the challenges faced by Riley Matthews, played by Rowan Blanchard, and her best friend Maya Hart, played by Carpenter. This transition to a new generation showcased both the evolution of characters and the complexities of growing up in a modern context.
Outside of their onscreen collaboration, Fishel and Carpenter have shared personal milestones together. Carpenter played a significant role in Fishel’s life by serving as a bridesmaid at her wedding to Jensen Karp in 2018. Their fondness for each other is evident, with Fishel previously describing Carpenter as “the closest thing I’ll ever have to a daughter” in an affectionate Instagram post.
The nurturing bond extends to more recent events, such as Fishel’s participation in “Dancing with the Stars.” During this stint, Carpenter showed her unwavering support by cheering on Fishel as she prepared for her performance. “I just found out you’re dancing to ‘Manchild’ this week. I’m so excited to see your dance,” Carpenter told Fishel over the phone, which demonstrates their ongoing encouragement for one another.
In a heartfelt moment during Fishel’s dance routine, she dedicated her performance to Carpenter, expressing her intent not to disappoint the younger star. “We don’t want to let Sabrina down, so Sabrina, this one’s for you,” Fishel stated during the show. As she danced the foxtrot with her partner, Pasha Pashkov, she reflected on the pride she feels for Carpenter. “She has given me so many opportunities to be immensely proud of her over the years. I hope I gave her one tonight,” Fishel added, underscoring the mutual respect and admiration that exists between them.
Their relationship exemplifies the spirit of mentorship, where both individuals contribute to each other’s growth and happiness. While Fishel has established her career and personal life, she continues to hold Carpenter in high regard, appreciating the fresh perspectives that come from their generation gap.
As both continue to thrive in their respective careers, their friendship remains a testament to the special bonds formed within the entertainment industry. Whether giving or receiving advice, Fishel and Carpenter have proven that their connection will endure, providing mutual support and love as they navigate the challenges of life in the public eye.