Drew Barrymore is a renowned American actress, producer, talk show host, and author, celebrated for her dynamic career and contributions to the entertainment industry. Born on February 22, 1975, in Culver City, California, she hails from the illustrious Barrymore family, a lineage rich with acting heritage. Drew’s early exposure to acting led to her breakout role as Gertie in Steven Spielberg’s 1982 blockbuster, “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.” Over the years, she has showcased her versatility through a myriad of roles in films such as “The Wedding Singer,” “Never Been Kissed,” “Charlie’s Angels,” and “50 First Dates.” Beyond acting, Drew has made significant strides as a producer with her company, Flower Films, and has authored several books, including her memoir “Little Girl Lost.” In recent years, she has embraced the role of a talk show host with “The Drew Barrymore Show,” further solidifying her status as a multifaceted entertainer.
Early Life and Education
Growing up in West Hollywood, Drew Barrymore was surrounded by the entertainment industry from an early age. She attended Fountain Day School in West Hollywood and later Country School. Her early exposure to acting led to her debut in a television commercial when she was just 11 months old. At the age of seven, she moved to Sherman Oaks, which influenced her speech patterns, leading her to speak “like a valley girl,” as she recounted in her memoir, Wildflower.
Despite her early success, Barrymore faced significant challenges during her childhood. She became a regular at Studio 54, a notorious nightclub, which exposed her to a lifestyle far beyond her years. By the age of 13, she entered rehabilitation for drug and alcohol addiction, spending eighteen months in an institution for the mentally ill. A suicide attempt at 14 led to another rehab stint, followed by a three-month stay with singer David Crosby and his wife, who provided a stable environment during her recovery. At 15, she successfully petitioned for emancipation, moving into her own apartment and taking control of her life and career.
Personal Life
Drew Barrymore’s personal life has been a subject of public interest, marked by a series of high-profile relationships and marriages. In 1991, she was engaged to Leland Hayward’s grandson, Leland III, though the engagement was called off a few months later. She was also engaged to actor Jamie Walters from 1992 to 1993.
At 19, Barrymore married Welsh-born Los Angeles bar owner Jeremy Thomas on March 20, 1994, after a brief six-week courtship. The marriage was short-lived, ending in separation after just 19 days, with the divorce finalized the following year. She later described Thomas as “the devil” in a 1995 interview with Rolling Stone.
In 1999, Barrymore began dating comedian Tom Green. They became engaged in July 2000 and married a year later. Together, they appeared in films like Charlie’s Angels and Freddy Got Fingered. Green filed for divorce in December 2001, which was finalized in October 2002.
Barrymore’s subsequent relationships included drummer Fabrizio Moretti of The Strokes and actor Justin Long. In early 2011, she began dating art consultant Will Kopelman, son of former Chanel COO Arie L. Kopelman. They married on June 2, 2012, in Montecito, California, and have two daughters, Olive and Frankie. The couple announced their separation in April 2016, with the divorce finalized in August 2016. In a 2020 interview, Barrymore stated she would “never get married again,” emphasizing her contentment with her current life.
Barrymore has openly discussed her sexuality, identifying as bisexual in a 2003 interview. She is also the godmother of Frances Bean Cobain, daughter of Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love. Adopting a plant-based diet, Barrymore reportedly influenced rapper Cardi B to explore veganism. Since 2023, she has resided in Manhattan, embracing city life with her characteristic enthusiasm.
Family
The Barrymore family is often referred to as Hollywood royalty, with a legacy spanning generations. Drew’s paternal great-grandparents, Maurice and Georgie Drew Barrymore, and her paternal grandparents, John Barrymore and Dolores Costello, were all esteemed actors. She is the grandniece of Lionel Barrymore, Ethel Barrymore, and Helene Costello, further cementing her family’s significant contributions to the performing arts.
Despite the family’s public acclaim, Drew’s personal family experiences were complex. Her father, John Drew Barrymore, struggled with substance abuse and was largely absent from her life, leading to a strained relationship. Her mother, Jaid Barrymore, managed her early career but faced criticism for exposing Drew to the adult world of Hollywood at a young age. These experiences influenced Drew’s perspectives on parenting and family, especially as she raises her own daughters, Olive and Frankie.
Detailed Bio Table
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Drew Blythe Barrymore |
Date of Birth | February 22, 1975 |
Place of Birth | Culver City, California, USA |
Parents | John Drew Barrymore (father), Jaid Barrymore (mother) |
Height | 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) |
Profession | Actress, Producer, Talk Show Host, Author |
Net Worth (2024) | Estimated at $125 million |
Career
Drew Barrymore’s career began almost at birth, with her first appearance in a dog food commercial at 11 months old. Her film debut came in 1980 with a role in Altered States, but it was her performance as Gertie in Steven Spielberg’s 1982 blockbuster E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial that catapulted her to fame. This role showcased her natural talent and endeared her to audiences worldwide.
Following her early success, Barrymore faced personal challenges that temporarily overshadowed her career. However, she made a notable comeback in the 1990s, embracing more mature roles in films like Poison Ivy (1992) and Boys on the Side (1995). Her versatility as an actress became evident as she seamlessly transitioned between genres, from romantic comedies like The Wedding Singer (1998) and Never Been Kissed (1999) to action-packed films like Charlie’s Angels (2000) and its sequel.
In 1995, Barrymore co-founded Flower Films, a production company responsible for several of her successful projects, including Never Been Kissed, Charlie’s Angels, and 50 First Dates (2004). This venture allowed her to take control behind
Social Media Accounts
Platform | Handle/Link |
---|---|
@drewbarrymore | |
@DrewBarrymore | |
Drew Barrymore | |
YouTube | The Drew Barrymore Show |
Latest News
As of January 2025, Drew Barrymore has taken on the role of the center square in the revived classic game show “Hollywood Squares,” which premiered on CBS. Serving as both executive producer and a central figure on the show, Drew brings her signature charm and wit to the program, contributing to its fresh appeal while maintaining the essence of the original format.
Height and Physical Appearance
Standing at 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm), Drew Barrymore possesses a distinctive and approachable presence. Her expressive eyes and warm smile have become her trademarks, complementing her versatile acting skills. Over the years, Drew has embraced various styles, often reflecting her free-spirited personality and evolving career.
Net Worth as of 2024
As of 2024, Drew Barrymore’s net worth is estimated to be around $125 million. This substantial wealth is attributed to her extensive career in film and television, successful production ventures through her company Flower Films, and various endorsements and business endeavors, including her cosmetics line, Flower Beauty. Her diverse portfolio and continuous presence in the entertainment industry have solidified her financial standing.
FAQS
Did Drew Barrymore have kids?
Yes, Drew Barrymore has two daughters, Olive Barrymore Kopelman (born in 2012) and Frankie Barrymore Kopelman (born in 2014). She shares her children with her ex-husband, Will Kopelman.
Why is Drew Barrymore so popular?
Drew Barrymore is popular for her dynamic career in Hollywood, beginning as a child star in the iconic film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982). Over the years, she became known for her versatile acting in films like The Wedding Singer, Charlie’s Angels, and 50 First Dates. Beyond acting, she is a successful producer through her company Flower Films, a talk show host on The Drew Barrymore Show, and a beauty entrepreneur with her cosmetics line, Flower Beauty. Her resilience, charm, and authenticity have cemented her status as a beloved celebrity.
Why is SZA’s song called Drew Barrymore?
SZA’s song “Drew Barrymore,” from her critically acclaimed album Ctrl (2017), is named after Drew Barrymore as a tribute to her roles in romantic comedies where she often portrayed relatable and vulnerable characters. The song reflects themes of self-doubt, insecurity, and longing, which align with the emotional depth and relatability often associated with Drew Barrymore’s film personas.
Where did Drew Barrymore start her career?
Drew Barrymore started her career at just 11 months old, appearing in a dog food commercial. She made her film debut in the 1980 sci-fi film Altered States, but her breakout role came in 1982 when she played Gertie in Steven Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. This role catapulted her into stardom and marked the beginning of her successful acting career.
If you’re intrigued by multifaceted talents like Drew Barrymore, you might also enjoy learning about comedian, actress, and writer Whitney Cummings. Known for her sharp wit and relatable humor, Whitney has made waves in the entertainment industry, from creating hit sitcoms like 2 Broke Girls to her stand-up specials that resonate with audiences worldwide. Dive into her incredible journey and discover how she’s become one of the most recognizable names in comedy today by visiting Whitney Cummings’ biography.
Another Hollywood powerhouse worth exploring is Glenn Close, a living legend with a career spanning over four decades. With roles in iconic films like Fatal Attraction and 101 Dalmatians, Glenn has redefined versatility and excellence in acting. Beyond her cinematic achievements, she’s also an advocate for mental health awareness. Learn more about her inspiring life and groundbreaking career by checking out Glenn Close’s profile.