Brenda Song Reflects on ‘Like Mike’ and Lifelong Friendship with Jesse Plemons
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Brenda-Song-Tonight-Show-2026-Jesse-Plemons-32nd-Annual-Actor-Awards-050426-50cf6085eb5243a58d5cecf22c5e98e6.jpg)

Brenda Song, known for her role in the family sports comedy *Like Mike*, has recently shared heartwarming details about her enduring friendship with co-star Jesse Plemons, more than twenty years after the film’s release. In a candid conversation with PEOPLE magazine, the actress reminisced about her experiences while filming the beloved 2002 movie, which remains a nostalgic favourite for many.

Set in the world of basketball, *Like Mike* tells the tale of a young orphan, played by Bow Wow, who acquires exceptional basketball skills after discovering a pair of trainers once owned by a legendary player. The film chronicles his journey from a group home to the pinnacle of NBA success, accompanied by a talented cast that includes Morris Chestnut and Song herself, who portrayed Reg Stevens, one of the orphaned children.
During her interview, the 38-year-old actress fondly recalled filming the movie alongside Plemons, who played another child in the group home. She highlighted the remarkable bond they have maintained since those early days. “Jesse Plemons, who is still one of my dear friends, our kids are the same age,” Song stated. “They do swimming together. We’re actually neighbours. I absolutely love Jesse.”
Brenda Song shares two children with her fiancé, actor Macaulay Culkin—Dakota, aged five, and Carson, three. Plemons, on the other hand, has two sons, Ennis, eight, and James, five, with his wife, actress Kirsten Dunst. Song reflected on how their children’s friendship has further deepened the connection between the two families, allowing the actresses and Plemons to maintain their close relationship.
In a humorous nod to their past, Song revealed that the duo often reminisce about their time together on *Like Mike*. “Sometimes we’ll see each other and be like, ‘Do you remember that movie we did?’” she noted, showcasing the light-hearted nostalgia that comes with shared history. This sentiment speaks to the bonds formed not only through their work but also through genuine friendship.
Song also expressed how significant the film was to her personally, considering her lifelong passion for basketball. She described her experience filming *Like Mike* as particularly exhilarating, as it allowed her to blend her love for the sport with her craft. “This was the first time that I felt like art was imitating my life,” she explained. “I’ve been a huge basketball fan my whole entire life, and working on this project was iconic because I got to shoot free throws at the Great Western Forum with players like Dirk Nowitzki and Vince Carter.”
The film has remained a fond memory for fans as well, with its heartwarming themes and unforgettable performances leaving a lasting impact. With her reflections, Song draws attention to not just the film’s legacy but also the profound relationships forged during its production.
As they navigate their careers and raise their families, both Song and Plemons serve as reminders of how friendships can evolve and endure over time. Their children’s activities, such as swimming lessons, provide ample opportunities for the families to come together, reinforcing the bonds created during their younger years.
Overall, the story of Brenda Song and Jesse Plemons encapsulates the joy of reconnecting with old friends, celebrating shared memories, and navigating the present as parents and professionals. As they continue to thrive in their respective careers and witness their children’s friendships bloom, fans of *Like Mike* can appreciate the lasting legacy of the film, both on-screen and off.
