Courteney Cox, Laura Dern, and Kids Mark Their Bond with Matching Tattoos
A 16-year Christmas Eve tradition turns permanent as Courteney Cox, Laura Dern and their children get matching tattoos, symbolizing family and friendship.
Courteney Cox, Laura Dern, and Their Kids Commemorate Their Bond with Matching Tattoos
Entertainment icons Courteney Cox and Laura Dern have spent years cultivating not just acclaimed careers, but also a meaningful friendship that extends to their families. This year, they made headlines by taking their holiday tradition to the next level: getting matching tattoos alongside their children. This permanent gesture is more than just ink—it’s a celebration of shared history, love, and togetherness.
Strengthening Bonds: The Story Behind the Matching Tattoos
This remarkable story began with a simple but powerful gesture. On Christmas Eve, in continuation of their 16-year tradition, Courteney Cox and Laura Dern gathered with their children to get the same tattoo—a symbol that marks their intertwined journeys and the significance of chosen family. The occasion was shared by Cox on Instagram, instantly captivating fans and fellow celebrities alike.
- Tattoo design: The new ink features a paper airplane beside the words “go long.”
- Meaning: The simple image and phrase encapsulate shared adventures and a spirit of fun, representing both friendship and familial connection.
On her Instagram post, Courteney Cox shared two photos: one with the families smiling together and another focusing on the fresh tattoos. She wrote, “Adding a new layer to our 16-year Christmas Eve tradition. Watch out… we might have sleeves by 2025.”
The Circle: Who Got Tattooed and Where?
The tattoo moment brought together the two stars and their children for a unique bonding experience. The group included:
- Courteney Cox (“Friends” star, age 58)
- Coco Arquette (Courteney’s daughter, age 18, with ex-husband David Arquette)
- Laura Dern (“Jurassic Park” and “Big Little Lies,” age 55)
- Ellery Harper (Laura’s son, age 21, with musician Ben Harper)
- Jaya Harper (Laura’s daughter, age 18)
The tattoos were placed thoughtfully:
- Coco: Upper back/shoulder blade area
- Ellery, Jaya, and Courteney: Forearms
- Laura Dern: Inside of her upper arm
The Longstanding Friendship Behind the Tradition
Cox and Dern’s friendship spans decades, supporting each other through all aspects of life and building a Christmas Eve tradition that has become foundation for their families. Both stars have spoken openly about the value these annual gatherings bring and the sense of community and shared support their chosen family provides.
This is not the first creative project that Cox and Dern have shared outside of their families:
- They’ve co-starred in The Monday Before Thanksgiving (2008 short drama)
- They appeared together in Mothers and Daughters (2016 feature film), alongside an ensemble cast of industry legends
The Meaning Behind the Ink: ‘Go Long’ and the Paper Airplane
Tattoos often serve as lasting mementos—personal, symbolic, and full of meaning. For Cox, Dern, and their children, the paper airplane represents adventure, aspiration, and the playful nature of their connection. The phrase “go long” is a reminder to embrace the future boldly and with optimism, a shared call to adventure that is especially fitting given their familial and professional journeys.
Celebrity Reaction and Social Media Impact
The Instagram post quickly drew admiration and warm comments from fans and other celebrities:
- Reese Witherspoon: “Love it!”
- Michelle Pfeiffer: “Love!”
- Sara Foster: Reacted with multiple heart-eye emojis
Scott Campbell, a celebrated celebrity tattoo artist and former husband of actress Lake Bell, was behind the custom tattoo design. He even reposted the family photo on his Instagram Stories, adding, “I LOVE THESE PEOPLE.”
Family and Friendship: Creating Meaningful Traditions
This annual Christmas Eve gathering is more than just a chance to meet and celebrate; it is a testament to the importance of nurturing relationships and creating shared memories. Through playful ritual, both families have reinforced their cherished bonds, instilling values of connection and loyalty in the next generation.
- Holiday traditions can provide comfort, stability, and meaning, especially as children grow older.
- For celebrities whose lives are often in the public eye, carving out these personal rituals helps maintain a sense of normalcy and privacy.
- Getting matching tattoos is a distinctive way to ensure that these values and memories are never forgotten.
The Broader Cultural Impact: Tattoos Among Families
In recent years, tattoos have shifted from being considered rebellious or countercultural symbols to being widely accepted as forms of self-expression and markers of personal or familial milestones. As more prominent public figures embrace meaningful tattoos with their loved ones, they help normalize and celebrate the tradition for fans worldwide.
| Family | Shared Tattoo | Meaning | Placement | Tattoo Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cox & Dern | Paper airplane & “go long” | Adventure, lasting bonds | Forearm, upper back, upper arm | Scott Campbell |
The Families’ Upcoming Projects
These actresses aren’t just focused on their families. Both Cox and Dern continue to be powerhouses in their entertainment careers:
- Courteney Cox is set to reprise her iconic role as Gale Weathers in the eagerly-anticipated Scream VI, which will premiere March 10.
- Laura Dern is set to star in and executive produce Mrs. American Pie, a period comedy miniseries about Palm Beach high society, with Kristen Wiig, Allison Janney, and Ricky Martin also set to appear.
A Generational Celebration: Kids in the Spotlight
The tattoo adventure also shone a light on the next generation. Coco Arquette, who just turned 21, and Jaya and Ellery Harper can look back on this moment as both a coming-of-age milestone and a symbol of enduring family ties.
The children, who have known each other since childhood, have essentially grown up together, reinforcing the idea that chosen family and tradition help shape lasting identities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What exactly is the tattoo that Cox, Dern, and their children received?
A: The tattoo is a paper airplane accompanied by the phrase “go long.” This symbolizes adventure, direction, and the shared history of the families.
Q: Who are the tattooed participants and their relation to Cox and Dern?
A: The tattooed group includes Courteney Cox and her daughter Coco Arquette, and Laura Dern with her son Ellery and daughter Jaya Harper.
Q: Where are the tattoos located on each individual?
A: Coco’s tattoo is on her upper back/shoulder blade, Cox and Dern’s children have theirs on their forearms, and Dern’s is on her inner upper arm.
Q: Who designed the matching tattoo?
A: Renowned tattoo artist Scott Campbell designed and applied the tattoos for the group.
Q: How have fans and celebrities responded?
A: The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with celebrities like Reese Witherspoon and Michelle Pfeiffer expressing their admiration on social media.
Why Family and Friendship Tattoos Matter
Symbolic tattoos, especially those shared among family and close friends, can serve as visible affirmations of connection, love, and solidarity. For high-profile families like Cox and Dern’s, these collective decisions reflect not just personal commitments, but also a willingness to share meaningful rituals with their fans and the world.
- Matching tattoos mark milestones and reinforce unity.
- They help chronicle shared experiences and create lasting memories.
- They offer a unique way for celebrities to inspire fans with messages about family, tradition, and authenticity.
Key Takeaways for Fans and Readers
- Courteney Cox, Laura Dern, and their children exemplify how traditions can evolve into meaningful, lasting symbols of connection.
- The blend of celebrity, family, and tradition offers a powerful reminder that genuine friendship and togetherness transcend fame.
- Their story encourages others to celebrate their bonds, whether through tattoos or other deeply personal rituals.
Fan Reactions: Social Media Highlights
Within hours, comments on Cox’s Instagram post soared into the thousands, with fans praising the creativity and love behind the gesture. Many noted it as “goals” for friendship and family traditions, while some shared their own stories of bonding tattoos, highlighting the impact of the example set by these beloved stars.
Continuing the Tradition: What’s Next?
If Cox’s playful Instagram caption is anything to go by—“we might have sleeves by 2025”—fans can look forward to more annual surprises as the tradition continues to grow and evolve. Whether or not the group decides to get more ink, the message is clear: making memories and honoring each other is always in style.
References
- https://www.womanandhome.com/life/news-entertainment/courteney-cox-laura-dern-and-their-kids-just-got-matching-tattoos-heres-the-meaning-behind-the-ink/
- https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/courteney-cox-laura-dern-kids-reveal-matching-tattoos/story?id=96563247
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQ01NvzQ4bo
- https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/culture/story/courteney-cox-laura-dern-kids-reveal-matching-tattoos-96563247
- https://www.purewow.com/news/courteney-cox-daughter-tattoo
