Jennifer Aniston knows a lot about friendship (not least of all because she starred in a show that was literally called Friends). Over the years, she has leaned upon her friends for support, speaking openly and honestly about all they have done for her.

Now, in a moving, and hilarious, speech, she has paid tribute to one of her closest and best friends.

No, we’re not talking about Courteney Cox: in fact, Aniston is lifelong pals with actor Jason Bateman.

Read more: 50 best female friendships in movies

The real-life Rachel Green turned up on Hollywood Boulevard to honour her Horrible Bosses co-star at his Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony, and she reminded everyone gathered there that she and Bateman have been besties ever since they starred in Little House on the Prairie together – way back in 1982.

Yup, these guys have been friends for more than 35 years. And she even brought along the embarrassing childhood photos to prove it (much to the delight of the audience, and the squirming embarrassment of Bateman).

“One thing has proven itself to be true and that is having longevity in this business is not easy. Especially starting out as a child actor. Usually that's a story that doesn't always end well,” said Aniston.

“When I actually met Jason it was kind of looking like it could go either way.”

Aniston went on to talk about the bond she and Bateman have formed over the years, although she couldn’t resist roasting her pal over a fateful New York ski trip they took together.

“Picture this,” she said, shooting Bateman a smile. “It’s New Year's Eve. It’s just after midnight and there is a blizzard outside. I hear someone yell, ‘Help! Someone Help! Jason. Car. Someone could die.’

“So we run outside to help him and what we see is, we have two feet of snow, Jason is in a truck fishtailing away down a one-way street hanging with the door wide open, hanging half way out of the car. His foot was out trying to stop the car kind of like Fred Flintstone.”

Turning to her mortified friend, she asked him: “It's still not clear what you were doing, a little foggy right? You don't remember.

“Thankfully he outgrew those days of terrifying people.”

The most beautiful part of the speech of all, though, was when Aniston took a moment to reveal all that Bateman means to her as a friend.

“He's a fantastic partner in crime, the most generous man that makes the world laugh and cry on a dime,” she said.

“Oh, and he's a vicious negotiator. I have been in the room, and I have witnessed it. Do not poke that bear.”

Read more: How to navigate the politics of friendship

Aniston continued: “The part that I'm really the luckiest, that I get to witness as his friend, is Jason Bateman the husband, the fantastic father, the dear friend and as we lovingly call him: Grandpa.

“He looks 12. He acts 100. A head of hair that women envy. He works hard. He's tired. Even in his most restful state, he's one of the loveliest men to be around. He always gives you deep connection, full attention, authenticity and some of the deepest belly laughs that I can remember.”

And then, her voice breaking a little, Aniston decided to finish her speech on a serious note.

Turning to her friend, she told him: “We are all so very proud of you.”

Talk about #friendshipgoals.