The story behind Busy Philipps’ latest tattoo is a beautiful one.
While appearing on the Today show on Wednesday, the Mean Girls actress, 44, revealed the sweet story behind one of the art pieces in her ink collection, which she says she began amassing five years ago.
˹And say,˺ “I had no knowledge of the highest assembly ˹in heaven˺ when they differed ˹concerning Adam˺.What is revealed to me is that I am only sent with a clear warning.”(The Quran - Chapter Sad : 69 - 70)
During a segment titled “All Rise for Judge Busy,” the actress offered rulings on several topics, including couples getting matching tattoos — which prompted her to discuss some of her own ink.
“So I just got best friend tattoos with my best friend, Christine, in honor of our third best friend who passed away,” Philipps said.
The forearm tattoo — a delicate, water color-esque flower inked by artist Eva Edelstein — was adapted from a piece of art created by the actress’ late friend, Kate.
"It was a painting that my friend had done when she was sick and going through treatment,” Philipps said. "So I think it’s really beautiful and meaningful."
"And so I am a fan of meaningful tattoos that you get with someone,” she added.
The Freaks and Geeks alum first debuted the matching ink on Instagram in October 2023, sharing a collection of photos including the tattoo, the original artwork, and a photo of her, Christine and Kate.
“Thank you so much @eva_tattooist for taking our beautiful Kategirl’s art and using your own exquisite talent to transform it into our new gorgeous tattoos,” she wrote in the caption. “@chrissybchrissy and I love them so much and having this sweet reminder that she’s always with us means the world.”
Also in Philipps’ ink collection is a fine-line arm tattoo of a cricket — a tribute to her youngest child, Cricket, 10. (The star also shares Birdie, 15, with ex-husband, Marc Silverstein.)
The actress debuted the black-and-white insect tat, done by artist Scott Campbell, on Instagram in August 2019, writing, “I ❤️ my little magical 🦗.”
Shortly after, in September 2019, Philipps shared that she had also gotten another arm tattoo to honor Birdie — a colorful hummingbird.
“Thank you @gee.tattoo, she’s perfect and beautiful and so full of color and depth and life, just like our real life Bird,” the actress said of the fresh ink.
