In the world of Hollywood, where professional relationships often end with the final cut of a film, a rare and heartwarming friendship has blossomed between Jodie Foster and Bonnie Stoll, the real-life inspiration behind Foster’s character in the 2023 Netflix biopic Nyad. The film, which chronicles the extraordinary journey of marathon swimmer Diana Nyad as she conquers a 110-mile swim from Cuba to Florida at the age of 64, not only celebrates human resilience but also highlights the power of enduring friendship. Foster’s portrayal of Stoll, Nyad’s steadfast coach and lifelong friend, has transcended the screen, leading to a genuine bond that continues to thrive long after the cameras stopped rolling. As of July 30, 2025, this unlikely friendship—forged through shared experiences, mutual respect, and a love for football and card games—stands as a testament to the magic of cinema and its ability to connect lives in unexpected ways.
Nyad, directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, is based on Nyad’s memoir Find a Way and stars Annette Bening as the determined swimmer, with Foster stepping into the role of Bonnie Stoll. Stoll, a former racquetball champion and Stamford, Connecticut native, played a pivotal role in Nyad’s historic 2013 swim, serving as her coach, cheerleader, and emotional anchor through treacherous waters filled with sharks and jellyfish. The film captures the essence of their decades-long friendship, which began at a racquetball tournament in Poughkeepsie and evolved into a partnership that defied age and odds. What makes this story even more compelling is how Foster’s preparation for the role led to a real-life connection with Stoll, turning a professional collaboration into a personal alliance.
The journey began when Foster was cast as Stoll, a decision that thrilled the real Bonnie. Stoll, known for her restless energy, was initially skeptical about a movie depicting her and Nyad’s adventure but became ecstatic when she learned of Foster’s involvement. Their first meeting was a marathon of connection—three hours of uninterrupted conversation on Stoll’s patio, where they discovered shared tastes in food and a mutual zest for life. “I can’t sit still for the most part. Jodie came over. We sat outside for three hours straight. I never even thought about standing up. You know, ‘What’s your favorite food?’ ‘Oh, me too!’ That kind of thing,” Stoll recalled in interviews. This instant rapport laid the foundation for a friendship that has since deepened, with the two women bonding over NFL games and the card game Push, where Stoll humorously notes she often has to double-check Foster’s math due to her occasional miscalculations.
Foster’s commitment to authentically portraying Stoll was a key factor in their growing bond. To prepare, she immersed herself in Stoll’s world, studying her mannerisms and lifestyle. This dedication paid off, as Stoll was astounded by Foster’s performance, saying, “I thought it was myself up there. Every single person [who sees the movie], the first thing they’d say is, ‘Boy did she nail you.’” The actress underwent rigorous physical training, including daily weightlifting and kettlebell drills, to match Stoll’s athletic physique, a process that involved a strict diet of brown rice, chicken, and broccoli. After filming wrapped, Foster jokingly told Stoll, “I hope I never see chicken again,” a quip that underscored their shared humor. This physical transformation, combined with hours spent with Stoll, allowed Foster to capture her essence—her toughness, kindness, and unwavering support for Nyad—earning her critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
The film itself is a celebration of female friendship, particularly between two women who navigated life’s challenges together. Stoll and Nyad’s relationship, which included a brief romantic phase in their younger years before settling into a platonic bond, is portrayed with nuance by Foster and Bening. Directors Vasarhelyi and Chin emphasized the importance of casting age-appropriate actresses, noting that Foster and Bening brought a rare authenticity to their roles. “It’s rare to get an opportunity to create two very rich roles for two extraordinary actresses,” Vasarhelyi said, highlighting how the film explores the complexities of a friendship tested by Nyad’s obsessive pursuit. Foster herself was drawn to the project because of her prior acquaintance with Nyad and Stoll at social gatherings, admiring their quirky dynamic and the strength of their 40-year partnership.
Beyond the screen, Foster and Stoll’s friendship has flourished in everyday moments. They regularly watch football together, with Stoll marveling at Foster’s enthusiasm as an NFL fan, and enjoy competitive card games where Stoll’s meticulous nature contrasts with Foster’s playful errors. This camaraderie mirrors the supportive yet spirited relationship Stoll had with Nyad during the swim, where she managed logistics, warded off dangers, and provided emotional stability. Stoll’s regret over not diving into the water during the real swim—a scene added to the film where Foster’s character does so—reflects her admiration for the cinematic flourish, further strengthening their connection as she wished she had mirrored that gesture.
The impact of Nyad extends beyond its stars and their new friendship. The film received a 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising the chemistry between Bening and Foster as the heart of the story. Reviews highlighted Foster’s portrayal as a standout, with one calling her “an exuberant blast” and another noting her as the lifeline that keeps viewers engaged alongside Nyad’s underwater struggles. The movie’s success, including multiple award nominations, has also sparked discussions about aging and representation in Hollywood, with Foster and Bening shattering stereotypes about women in their 60s. At 61, Foster has embraced this phase of her career with a sense of contentment, telling interviewers that playing Stoll allowed her to celebrate a mature, unapologetic female bond.
Stoll’s family and friends have also embraced Foster into their circle, reflecting the tight-knit nature of her relationships. Her nephew Jason recalls her fierce competitiveness on the racquetball court, a trait that parallels her support for Nyad and now her friendship with Foster. Nyad herself has expressed joy at seeing her story and friendship with Stoll brought to life, though she humorously noted on Good Morning America that a 53-hour dance on Dancing with the Stars might have been her limit. The film’s portrayal of their partnership as a chosen family resonates with audiences, especially within the LGBTQ+ community, given Nyad and Stoll’s identities and Foster’s own advocacy as a mother to a trans son.
As of this morning, July 30, 2025, the friendship between Foster and Stoll continues to grow, with plans for more shared activities on the horizon. Nyad’s legacy is not just in its inspiring tale of perseverance but in the real-life connections it has fostered. For Foster, who has been selective with roles since her early days in Taxi Driver and The Silence of the Lambs, this project has been a personal triumph, blending her professional skill with a newfound personal bond. For Stoll, it’s a surreal honor to see her life reflected by an Oscar-winning actress who has become a cherished friend. Together, they embody the film’s message: that age, challenges, and even the vast ocean cannot diminish the power of human connection.
