Drew Barrymore
Bio
A member of the legendary Barrymore acting dynasty, Drew Barrymore was essentially raised on a movie set. She shot to national fame as a child star after Steven Spielberg cast her as Gertie in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), melting hearts worldwide. However, her childhood was marked by a rapid descent into substance abuse and partying, leading to a much-publicized rehab stint and emancipation from her parents at age 14. In one of Hollywood’s most famous comebacks, Barrymore rebuilt her career from the ground up, forming the production company Flower Films (1995) to create her own opportunities.
She redefined herself as a leading lady with iconic roles in the 1990s and 2000s, including The Wedding Singer (1998), Never Been Kissed (1999), Charlie's Angels (2000), and 50 First Dates (2004). Known for her effervescent charm, self-deprecating humor, and natural relatability, she became the quintessential "girl next door" with an edge. She won a Screen Actors Guild Award and a Golden Globe for her role in Grey Gardens (2009), proving her dramatic depth.
In the 2010s, Barrymore transitioned into directing (Whip It, 2009) and producing hit television shows like the Santa Clarita Diet (2017–2019). In 2020, she launched The Drew Barrymore Show, a daytime talk show celebrated for its hopeful, feel-good format and her signature warmth. Simultaneously, she built a billion-dollar beauty and lifestyle brand, Flower Beauty. Her autobiography, Wildflower (2015), details her journey from wild child to beloved icon of resilience and reinvention.
Accomplishments
2009 - Movie: Grey Gardens
Genre: Biographical Drama
Co-stars: Jessica Lange, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Ken Howard
Brief Description: In a stunning dramatic departure, Barrymore portrayed "Little Edie" Beale, the eccentric, reclusive former socialite living in a decaying mansion with her mother. She also served as a producer on the HBO film. Her raw, vulnerable, and physically demanding performance won her a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award, proving her dramatic range beyond comedy.
1998 - Movie: The Wedding Singer
Genre: Romantic Comedy / Musical
Co-stars: Adam Sandler, Christine Taylor, Allen Covert, Matthew Glave
Brief Description: Barrymore teamed with Adam Sandler to revive the romantic comedy genre, playing Julia, a kind-hearted waitress engaged to a cheating jerk. Her chemistry with Sandler was electric and genuine, launching one of Hollywood's most beloved on-screen (and off-screen) friendships. The film's 1980s soundtrack and charm made it an enduring fan favorite.
1982 - Movie: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Genre: Science Fiction / Family
Co-stars: Henry Thomas, Dee Wallace, Robert MacNaughton, Peter Coyote
Brief Description: At just 7 years old, Barrymore delivered a breakout performance as Gertie, the younger sister who befriends a stranded alien. Her natural, unscripted reaction to the alien's appearance became one of the film's most memorable moments, helping E.T. become a record-breaking box office smash and a timeless classic.
News
Drew Barrymore candidly detailed her experience entering perimenopause
Drew Barrymore candidly detailed her experience entering perimenopause, with the talk show host revealing that getting her period left her feeling like a "dead fish."
