British singer and actress Suki Waterhouse has praised her close friend Taylor Swift for her resilience in a new interview published on Thursday. The 34-year-old, who has been friends with the pop superstar since 2016, described Swift as an 'inspiration' and candidly discussed their bond.
Waterhouse on Swift's Strength
Speaking to Variety, Waterhouse said the 'Cruel Summer' hitmaker has 'been through so much' and commended her for 'pulling herself through every time.' She elaborated: 'The coolest thing about her is she gives other artists these insane opportunities that really change people's lives. Knowing her as a friend, she's actually been through so much. And I think the thing I always see in her is how she pulls herself through every time, and how everything that's ever happened to her becomes another piece of art that becomes part of the legacy. That's so inspiring — that's the artist that you want to be.'
Opening for the Eras Tour
Waterhouse opened for Swift's Eras Tour concert in London in August 2024, just five months after welcoming her first child with partner Robert Pattinson. She revealed backstage drama involving a dress from French fashion house Chloé that nearly derailed her performance. The dress was not collected ahead of time, and on the day of the show, Chloé was closed. Waterhouse recalled: 'One of my managers gave a porter £500 to break in and grab the dress. I think there were literally 140 [phone] calls.' The dress arrived less than two hours before her set, with Waterhouse kept in the dark to avoid stress.
Waterhouse also shared that Swift had mentioned the opportunity a year prior: 'Taylor did mention that at dinner a year ago. I didn't know if it was real. But that's the thing about her: I should have known, she always plans. When she says something, she's gonna do it.'
Friendship and Touring
The pair have been close since 2016, even double-dating with Waterhouse's fiancé Robert Pattinson and Swift's then-boyfriend Joe Alwyn. After the show, Waterhouse posted on Instagram: 'The last time I was at Wembley I was dancing my ass off at the Reputation tour! Never did I think the next time I'd be here would be opening for my favourite artist... Thank you @taylorswift for this once in a lifetime opportunity.'
Opening for Swift has boosted Waterhouse's career; she has since released her second album, embarked on a North American tour, and announced a third studio album. She toured with her then-five-month-old daughter, whose name has not been disclosed. Waterhouse said: 'I'm actually really excited about [taking her on the tour bus]. I know that sounds crazy. But I really am. I didn't have a baby to be like: "Oh, I'll just leave her at home for five weeks." That's not even an option. I'm absolutely obsessed with being with my baby, so I would never [leave her].' She added that Robert would help if needed: 'If it gets crazy and I feel like the baby needs a break, then her dad will come and get her and she'll go and hang out with him on set. You just make it work.'
