Ashley Williams and Nikki DeLoach have the kind of friendship that comes with equal parts love and laughter. And includes the occasional “slap.”
Williams recently gave fans a hilarious glimpse at their special bond while celebrating DeLoach’s birthday, sharing a video filled with sweet and downright silly moments between the two Hallmark favorites. And yes, there’s one particularly memorable moment involving Williams, DeLoach, and a very unexpected “slap.”
The timing couldn’t be more perfect, as the longtime friends are getting ready to reunite for an important cause. Williams and DeLoach will take the stage together this Sunday, Sept. 13, to co-host the eighth annual Dance Party to End ALZ. The pajama-themed event benefits the Alzheimer’s Association research grant program, a cause that is deeply personal to both stars.
Williams’ Birthday Tribute for DeLoach Has Fans In Stitches
“Join me in celebrating the one and only @nikdeloach!” Williams wrote in the caption of her Sept. 9 Instagram Reel. “What a partner. What a colleague. What a friend. I’m so lucky, Nik— we all are. Happy birthday, sister!! Drink water!! #endalz.”
DeLoach responded in the comments, “There’s no one on planet earth I’d rather be slapped with a tortilla by than you, my sister. Thank you for loving me and for this beautiful and hilarious post. I am grateful for you always. Love you so much!”
And that tortilla “slap” is exactly what it sounds like. In one of the clips from Williams’ Reel, the actress playfully smacks DeLoach across the face with a tortilla, prompting a laugh-out-loud moment that perfectly captures their dynamic. The Reel features plenty of other funny moments between the two, many of them from their work together supporting the Alzheimer’s Association.
Fans in the comments were loving Williams’ video, with several joining in by wishing DeLoach a happy birthday:
“The best Comedy Duo!😂 Happy Birthday Nikki! 🥰🎂🎉💜.”
“Happy happy birthday @nikdeloach !! 🎂🎂 I wish you all the tortillas and a wonderful day!”
“Happiest of Birthdays @nikdeloach A beautiful human such as you deserve an amazing day! 😊🫶🏻🤗😘🎈🎂🎁🥳🎉.”
“Happy birthday @nikdeloach … forever young, forever beautiful, forever blessed, forever loved.
🎂🙏🏻❤️.”
Williams & DeLoach Have Been Friends for Over 20 Years
GettyBoth actress’ have unfortunately experienced the devastating impact of dementia firsthand. Williams’ mother, Linda, died from Alzheimer’s in 2016, while DeLoach’s father, David, died from Pick’s disease, a rare form of dementia, in 2021. Their shared experience with their parents’ illnesses have been an important part of their friendship and commitment to the Alzheimer’s Association.
The pair have spent years using their platforms to raise awareness and funds for the cause, including co-hosting the Dance Party to End ALZ this year. The annual event, which was founded by Williams’ sister Kimberly Williams-Paisley in 2017 in honor of their mother, raises money and awareness for research through the Alzheimer’s Association.
“I met Ashley years ago at an acting studio,” DeLoach said, per the Alzheimer’s Association. “But the thing that connected us on a very deep level was our shared experience of having parents diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia.”
The two became Alzheimer’s Association Celebrity Champions and teamed up to raise money through the Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
“We bonded over how we can fight this disease,” Williams said. “It was Nikki’s idea to join forces for Walk to End Alzheimer’s — she always says we’re better together.”
“Having a friend like Ashley in my life is like having a sister you can call on your best and worst days, when your heart is singing and also when it’s breaking,” DeLoach said. “It’s knowing that you never have to be alone inside anything that you are going through.”
