But few know the truth of the strong bond shared by Paul Hogan and Olivia Newton-John - a tender story of enduring devotion that has got the pair through decades of highs and lows.
And while their connection has never turned romantic, friends tell New Idea there's long been a strong connection between the two that has helped them through some of the darkest times.
'Olivia and Hoges have been friends for years - but not just the usual celebrity friends who say hi when they're at the same event and chatter at parties,' says a source close to Olivia.
'They've both been through a lot of similar highs and lows - divorce sandal, kids who've gone through their share of crises - so they've become a real support to one another over the years.
'They call each other a lot and are in each other's lives fairly heavily. They made a pact decades ago to always be there for one another, and they've never wavered from that.'
Hoges' deep affection for Olivia was apparent when he spoke out about his 69-year-old friend's recent battle with cancer, calling the diagnosis a 'tragedy.'
'Send all my best wishes to my old friend Olivia. I've known her for 40 years; she is an absolute princess,' The Crocodile Dundee star said.
As well as being a 'rock of support' through her recent health dramas, Hoges and Olivia have found strength in one another when it comes to their struggles as parents over the years.
Paul's youngest child Chance - his 19-year-old son with ex-wife Linda Kozlowski - attracted headlines for all the wrong reasons after he was photographed smoking a suspicious cigarette.
Olivia's daughter - 31-year-old Chloe - has also been cause for concern for the Grease star over the years, with her battles with anorexia, alcohol abuse and an $80-a-day cocaine habit that landed her in rehab.
'Paul and Olivia both have wild kids growing up in LA, so it's obvious that they've opened up to one another about the tough times,' says the source. 'Especially since Paul's divorce from Linda, he's enjoyed having Olivia to count on and call for advice. He'd be lost without her.'
For the full story see this weeks issue of New Idea - out now.