Drew Barrymore - Overview

Full Name

Drew Blythe Barrymore

Birth Information

• Date: February 22, 1975
• Place: Culver City, California, United States
• Current Age: In her late 40s

Nationality

American

Physical Stats

• Height: 5‘4” (1.63 m)
• Hair Color: Naturally blonde
• Build: Petite

Active Years

1978–present (over 45 years in entertainment)

Primary Occupations

Actress, Producer, Director, Talk Show Host, Author, Businesswoman

Known For

• Child star in “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” (1982)
• The Barrymore acting dynasty
• Successful transition from child star to adult actress
• Co-founder of Flower Films production company
• Daytime Emmy-winning talk show host
• Overcoming public struggles with addiction as a teenager

Drew Barrymore - Early Life

Family Background

Drew Barrymore was born into the legendary Barrymore acting dynasty, one of Hollywood’s most storied families. Her lineage includes:

• Great-Aunt: Ethel Barrymore - Legendary stage and screen actress
• Grandfather: John Barrymore - Iconic silent film and stage actor, known as “The Great Profile”
• Father: John Drew Barrymore - Actor (though largely absent from Drew’s life)
• Mother: Jaid Barrymore (née Makó) - Aspiring actress

Childhood

Born in Culver City, California, at the Brotman Medical Center, Drew was destined for show business. Her godparents are Sophia Loren and Steven Spielberg. She began acting at just 11 months old, appearing in a dog food commercial.

Early Acting Beginnings

• Age 7: Made her film debut in “Altered States” (1980), a science fiction film directed by Ken Russell
• Age 6: Appeared in a television movie “Bogie” (1980), playing the role of a young Leslie Bogart

Early Success and Challenges

Her breakout role came at age 7 in “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” (1982), directed by her godfather Steven Spielberg. The film’s massive success made her one of the most famous child stars in the world.

However, her childhood was marked by: - Early exposure to nightlife and parties - An absent father and a mother who took her to adult venues - Early experimentation with alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine - By age 13, she had been through drug rehabilitation twice

Emancipation

At age 14, Barrymore successfully petitioned for legal emancipation from her mother, becoming legally independent. This allowed her to separate from a family environment that had contributed to her substance abuse issues.

Education

Barrymore’s education was irregular due to her acting career and personal struggles. She did not follow a traditional schooling path, instead receiving on-set tutoring and eventually earning her GED.

Early Influences

• Steven Spielberg served as a mentor and father figure
• The Barrymore family legacy both inspired her and created pressure
• Her early experiences with fame and addiction shaped her later advocacy for young actors

Drew Barrymore - Career

Child Star Era (1980-1985)

Breakthrough Role

• E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) - Played Gertie, the adorable younger sister. The film became the highest-grossing film of all time at that point, making Barrymore an instant star at age 7.

Other Early Films

• Altered States (1980) - Film debut as a child
• Firestarter (1984) - Stephen King adaptation; played Charlie McGee, a young girl with pyrokinetic powers
• Irreconcilable Differences (1984) - Earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress
• Cat’s Eye (1985) - Stephen King anthology film

Teenage Struggles and Comeback (1985-1995)

During her teenage years, Barrymore’s career stalled due to her substance abuse issues. She made several attempts to rebuild: - Poison Ivy (1992) - Controversial role as a seductive teenager; marked her transition to adult roles - Guncrazy (1992) - Independent film showing dramatic range - Wayne’s World 2 (1993) - Comedy role - Boys on the Side (1995) - Ensemble drama with Whoopi Goldberg and Mary-Louise Parker

Adult Stardom (1996-2005)

Scream and Horror Success

• Scream (1996) - Wes Craven’s meta-horror film; played Casey Becker in the iconic opening scene

Romantic Comedy Queen

• The Wedding Singer (1998) - Paired with Adam Sandler; massive commercial success
• Never Been Kissed (1999) - Starred as a journalist going undercover as a high school student; also produced
• Ever After (1998) - “Cinderella” retelling
• 50 First Dates (2004) - Reunited with Adam Sandler; huge box office hit
• Fever Pitch (2005) - Romantic comedy with Jimmy Fallon

Action Star

• Charlie’s Angels (2000) - Played Dylan Sanders; also served as producer. Film grossed over $264 million worldwide.
• Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle (2003) - Sequel; continued producing role
• Donnie Darko (2001) - Supporting role; also executive producer

Production Career

Flower Films

In 1995, Barrymore co-founded Flower Films with Nancy Juvonen. The company has produced: - “Never Been Kissed” (1999) - “Charlie’s Angels” (2000) and sequel (2003) - “Donnie Darko” (2001) - “Duplex” (2003)

Directorial Debut

• Whip It (2009) - Directorial debut about a teenager joining a roller derby league. The film starred Ellen Page and showed Barrymore’s skill behind the camera.

Later Acting Career

• Music and Lyrics (2007) - Romantic comedy with Hugh Grant
• He’s Just Not That Into You (2009) - Ensemble romantic comedy
• Going the Distance (2010) - With Justin Long
• Blended (2014) - Third collaboration with Adam Sandler
• Santa Clarita Diet (2017-2019) - Netflix series; played a real estate agent who becomes a zombie

The Drew Barrymore Show

• Launched “The Drew Barrymore Show” in 2020, a daytime talk show
• Won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host
• The show has been praised for its authentic, emotional interviews

Box Office Performance

Barrymore has starred in films grossing over $2.3 billion worldwide, with her romantic comedies and “Charlie’s Angels” films contributing significantly to this total.

Drew Barrymore - Major Achievements

Academy Awards and Recognition

While Barrymore has not won an Oscar, she received recognition early in her career: - Golden Globe Nomination (1985) - Best Supporting Actress for “Irreconcilable Differences” (age 9)

Golden Globe Awards

• Winner (2010) - Best Performance by an Actress in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television for “Grey Gardens”
• Portrayed “Little Edie” Beale in the HBO film
• The role showcased her dramatic range and earned widespread critical acclaim

Daytime Emmy Awards

• Winner (2021) - Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host for “The Drew Barrymore Show”
• The show has received multiple nominations and established Barrymore as a successful daytime television personality

Screen Actors Guild Awards

• Winner (2010) - Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries for “Grey Gardens”

Hollywood Walk of Fame

• Recipient (2004) - Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
• Dedicated her star on February 3, 2004, at 6925 Hollywood Boulevard
• Became one of the youngest recipients of this honor

BAFTA Awards

• Winner (1983) - BAFTA Award for Most Outstanding Newcomer to Leading Film Roles for “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial”

People’s Choice Awards

• Multiple wins including Favorite Movie Actress

MTV Movie Awards

• Won for Best Kiss (“The Wedding Singer”)
• Multiple nominations throughout her career

Kids’ Choice Awards

• Multiple wins and nominations for her family-friendly films

Producers Guild of America

• Recognition for her work as a producer through Flower Films

Other Honors

• Named one of People magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People” multiple times
• Included in various “Most Powerful Women in Entertainment” lists
• Recognized for her contributions to both film and television industries

Career Milestones

• Youngest person ever to host Saturday Night Live (age 7, 1982)
• One of the few child stars to successfully transition to sustained adult stardom
• Successfully crossed over from acting to producing to directing to talk show hosting

Drew Barrymore - Acting Technique and Style

Acting Approach

Natural Instinct

Barrymore has described herself as primarily an instinctive actor rather than one who relies on formal technique. She brings a natural, spontaneous quality to her performances that makes her characters feel accessible and genuine.

Emotional Availability

Her greatest strength is her willingness to be emotionally vulnerable on camera. This was evident from her childhood performances and has remained a constant throughout her career.

Signature Elements

Girl-Next-Door Appeal

Despite her Hollywood royalty background, Barrymore excels at portraying relatable, down-to-earth characters. Her “girl-next-door” quality made her perfect for romantic comedies.

Comedic Timing

Barrymore possesses excellent comedic timing, with a particular talent for: - Physical comedy - Awkward, self-deprecating humor - Reaction shots and expressions - Balancing humor with genuine emotion

Chemistry with Co-Stars

She has demonstrated remarkable chemistry with various leading men, particularly: - Adam Sandler - Three films together; one of cinema’s most reliable romantic comedy pairings - Hugh Grant - “Music and Lyrics”

Versatility

Barrymore has worked across multiple genres: - Horror: “Firestarter,” “Scream,” “Cat’s Eye” - Romantic Comedy: “The Wedding Singer,” “50 First Dates,” “Never Been Kissed” - Action: “Charlie’s Angels” - Drama: “Grey Gardens,” “Boys on the Side” - Independent Film: “Donnie Darko,” “Whip It”

Evolution of Style

Child Actor (1980s)

As a child, Barrymore possessed preternatural charisma and emotional depth. Her performance in “E.T.” demonstrated an ability to connect with both the camera and her co-stars in ways that seemed beyond her years.

Teen and Young Adult (1990s)

Her transition to adult roles was marked by risk-taking. “Poison Ivy” was a deliberate attempt to break away from her child star image, while “Scream” showed she could handle genre material.

Established Star (2000s-present)

As she matured, Barrymore developed into a reliable leading lady with particular strength in romantic comedies. Her production work also gave her deeper understanding of filmmaking from all angles.

Directorial Style

With “Whip It” (2009), Barrymore demonstrated: - Comfort with female-centric storytelling - Ability to balance action with character development - Collaborative approach with actors

Television Work

Her talk show and “Santa Clarita Diet” showcased her comfort with improvisation and her ability to maintain character consistency over multiple episodes.

Voice Acting

Barrymore has done significant voice work, including the “Curious George” animated series, showing her versatility across media.

Influences

Growing up in Hollywood, Barrymore was influenced by: - Steven Spielberg’s emphasis on emotion and wonder - The Barrymore family legacy of theatrical performance - Her generation’s independent film movement

Critical Reception

Critics have praised her: - Likability and screen presence - Ability to elevate material - Willingness to take creative risks - Growth as a dramatic actress (particularly in “Grey Gardens”)

Drew Barrymore - Personal Life

Marriages

Barrymore has been married three times:

First Marriage

• Jeremy Thomas (1994-1995) - Welsh bartender and bar owner
• Married March 20, 1994, at age 19
• Divorced less than two months later

Second Marriage

• Tom Green (2001-2002) - Canadian comedian and MTV personality
• Married July 7, 2001
• Divorced October 15, 2002
• Green appeared in “Charlie’s Angels” and “Freddy Got Fingered”

Third Marriage

• Will Kopelman (2012-2016) - Art consultant
• Married June 2, 2012
• Divorced August 3, 2016
• Two children together (see below)

Children

Barrymore has two daughters with Will Kopelman: - Olive Barrymore Kopelman (born September 26, 2012) - Frankie Barrymore Kopelman (born April 22, 2014)

She has been open about balancing motherhood with her career and the challenges of co-parenting after her divorce.

Substance Abuse and Recovery

Teenage Struggles

Barrymore’s substance abuse issues began in her early teens: - First tried alcohol at age 9 - Started smoking marijuana at age 10 - Used cocaine by age 12 - Went to rehabilitation at ages 13 and 14 - Attempted suicide at age 14 - Emancipated from her mother at age 14

Recovery

Barrymore has been sober since her teenage years and has become an advocate for addiction recovery. She has written about her experiences in her autobiography “Little Girl Lost” (1990, co-written at age 14).

Philanthropy

Advocacy

• Animal rights activist and PETA supporter
• Advocate for foster children and adoption
• World Food Programme Ambassador Against Hunger
• Supporter of various children’s charities

Flower Beauty

In 2013, Barrymore launched Flower Beauty, a cosmetics line sold at Walmart. The brand emphasizes cruelty-free products and affordable luxury, reflecting her belief that quality beauty products should be accessible to all women.

Family Relationships

Relationship with Mother

Barrymore’s relationship with her mother, Jaid, was strained for many years due to her mother’s role in her early exposure to drugs and nightlife. They became estranged after her emancipation but have reportedly reconciled to some degree in recent years.

Relationship with Father

John Drew Barrymore was largely absent from her life, struggling with his own substance abuse issues. He died in 2004. Drew has spoken about the pain of his absence but also about forgiveness.

Barrymore Family Legacy

She embraces her family’s theatrical heritage while also forging her own path. She is proud of the Barrymore name and has worked to honor its legacy while building her own distinct career.

Personal Interests

• Cooking and entertaining
• Photography
• Animal rescue
• Gardening

Controversies

Barrymore has had relatively few controversies in her adult life. Her talk show has occasionally generated discussion for her emotional interviewing style and willingness to be vulnerable on camera.

Current Life

As of her talk show launch in 2020, Barrymore resides in New York and focuses on raising her daughters, hosting her show, and maintaining her various business ventures. She has described this phase of her life as the happiest and most stable she has experienced.

Drew Barrymore - Legacy

Cultural Impact

The Child Star Who Survived

Barrymore’s most significant cultural contribution may be her survival and success story. She represents the rare example of a child star who: - Survived very public substance abuse issues - Successfully transitioned to adult stardom - Built a multi-faceted career spanning acting, producing, directing, and hosting - Became a positive role model after a troubled youth

Her journey from a troubled teen to a successful businesswoman and mother offers hope to others struggling with addiction and family dysfunction.

Influence on Cinema

Romantic Comedy Revival

Barrymore played a significant role in the romantic comedy boom of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Her films with Adam Sandler (“The Wedding Singer,” “50 First Dates,” “Blended”) defined the genre for a generation.

Female Production

Through Flower Films, Barrymore helped pave the way for actresses to take control of their careers through production. She demonstrated that female-driven films could be both critically acclaimed and commercially successful.

“Charlie’s Angels” and Female Action

As both star and producer of “Charlie’s Angels,” Barrymore helped prove that female-led action films could succeed at the box office, influencing the development of similar franchises.

Influence on Television

Daytime Talk Show Innovation

“The Drew Barrymore Show” has been praised for reinvigorating the daytime talk show format with: - Emotional authenticity - Unique interviewing style - Willingness to discuss difficult topics - Celebration of other women’s achievements

Rankings and Recognition

Industry Honors

• Hollywood Walk of Fame star (2004) - One of the youngest recipients
• Multiple Emmy and Golden Globe recognition
• Consistently ranked among Hollywood’s most powerful women

Box Office Success

With over $2.3 billion in worldwide box office grosses, Barrymore ranks among the most commercially successful actresses of her generation.

Fashion and Style Influence

Barrymore has been a fashion icon since childhood, evolving from a precocious child star to a bohemian-influenced adult style. Her Flower Beauty line has made quality cosmetics accessible to mainstream consumers.

Philanthropic Legacy

Through her work with: - World Food Programme - Animal rights organizations - Children’s charities - Foster care advocacy

Barrymore has used her platform for significant charitable impact.

Impact on Addiction Recovery Conversations

By openly discussing her struggles with substance abuse from a young age, Barrymore has helped destigmatize conversations about: - Teenage addiction - Family dysfunction in Hollywood - Recovery and redemption

Writing Legacy

Her autobiography “Little Girl Lost” (1990), written when she was just 14, provided an unprecedented look into the dark side of child stardom and became an important document of Hollywood’s treatment of young performers.

Lasting Influence

Barrymore’s career serves as a template for: - Child actors seeking to transition to adult careers - Actresses wanting to become producers and directors - Celebrities using their platform for business ventures - Public figures openly discussing recovery and personal growth

Conclusion

Drew Barrymore’s legacy extends beyond her filmography. She represents resilience, reinvention, and the possibility of redemption. Her success across multiple entertainment mediums—film, television, production, and business—demonstrates remarkable versatility and determination. As both a survivor of Hollywood’s darker side and a beneficiary of its opportunities, she offers a unique perspective on fame, family, and personal growth.