Drew Barrymore's Full Biography

Drew Barrymore, a member of the iconic Barrymore acting dynasty, has carved a remarkable and diverse path throughout her entertainment career. From her early beginnings as a child actress to her roles as an accomplished actress, producer, director, and entrepreneur, Barrymore's journey reflects her versatility, resilience, and creative spirit.

Early Life

Drew Blythe Barrymore was born on February 22, 1975, in Culver City, California. Drew Barrymore is a member of the prominent Barrymore acting family, which dates back several generations. Her great-grandmother, Ethel Barrymore (1879–1959), was a highly respected and accomplished actress of the stage and screen. Ethel Barrymore's talent and contributions earned her a place among the most celebrated performers of her time.

Drew Barrymore's father, John Drew Barrymore (1932–2004), was an actor known for his work in films and television. He faced his share of personal challenges which had an impact on his career. Despite his own ups and downs, he was part of a family legacy that celebrated artistic expression.

Barrymore's mother, Jaid Barrymore (born Ildikó Jaid Mako), was an actress and aspiring author. Jaid Barrymore had her own journey in the entertainment industry and played a role in Drew Barrymore's early career, often serving as her manager during her child's acting years.

Her godfather is the legendary director and actor Steven Spielberg. He became her godfather after directing her in the iconic 1982 film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, which marked a pivotal moment in her early acting career.

Career

Early '80s

Drew Barrymore's acting career began at a very young age. She gained international recognition for her endearing performance as Gertie in Steven Spielberg's blockbuster film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982). Her captivating portrayal of a young girl who befriends an alien endeared her to audiences worldwide and marked her as a rising star.

As she transitioned into her teenage years, Barrymore continued to showcase her talent in a range of roles. She appeared in films like Irreconcilable Differences (1984), Firestarter (1984), and Cat's Eye (1985). However, Barrymore also faced challenges during this period, including struggles with substance abuse, which she has openly discussed as part of her journey toward recovery.

Late 1980s and 1990s

Barrymore's career experienced a resurgence in the late 1980s and 1990s with roles that showcased her versatility. She starred in romantic comedies like The Wedding Singer (1998), opposite Adam Sandler, as well as dramatic films such as Boys on the Side (1995) and Ever After (1998), where she portrayed a modernized Cinderella.

In the late 1990s, Barrymore expanded her involvement in the entertainment industry by venturing into production. She co-founded the production company Flower Films with Nancy Juvonen, producing and starring in films like Never Been Kissed (1999) and Charlie's Angels (2000). Flower Films became known for producing female-driven projects and played a role in Barrymore's evolution from actress to producer.

Barrymore's creative journey also extended to directing. She made her directorial debut with the 2009 film Whip It, a coming-of-age sports drama centered around roller derby. The film showcased her storytelling skills and her ability to capture the nuances of female friendship and empowerment.

Drew Barrymore's career continued to evolve in the television landscape. In 2017, she launched The Drew Barrymore Show, a daytime talk show where she engages in conversations with celebrities, experts, and everyday people. The show's positive and inclusive approach reflected Barrymore's personality and commitment to spreading positivity.

Business Ventures

Beyond acting, directing, and producing, Drew Barrymore has ventured into various entrepreneurial endeavors. She launched her own cosmetics line, Flower Beauty, which emphasizes affordable and cruelty-free products. Barrymore's commitment to accessible beauty options resonates with her values of empowerment and self-expression.

Barrymore has also shared her experiences and insights through writing. She authored books, including memoirs like "Little Girl Lost" (1990), where she opened up about her tumultuous childhood and the challenges she faced in the industry. Her books offer a candid glimpse into her personal journey and growth.

Personal Life

Drew Barrymore's first marriage was to Welsh bartender Jeremy Thomas. They got married in 1994, when Barrymore was just 19 years old. However, the marriage was short-lived, and they divorced after less than two months.

Barrymore's next significant relationship was with Canadian comedian Tom Green. They got engaged in 2000 and married the same year. Their relationship was marked by its playful and unconventional nature, which was evident in their public appearances and even in their wedding ceremony. However, they separated in 2001 and finalized their divorce in 2002.

After her divorce from Tom Green, Barrymore was in a long-term relationship with Fabrizio Moretti, the drummer of the band The Strokes. They were together for about five years and were often seen together at public events. Despite their breakup in 2007, they remained on good terms.

Barrymore had an on-again, off-again relationship with actor Justin Long. They first dated from 2007 to 2008, then briefly reunited in 2009, only to break up again in 2010.

Drew Barrymore's most significant relationship in recent years was with art consultant Will Kopelman. They got engaged in 2011 and married the same year. They have two daughters together, Olive and Frankie. Their marriage lasted for several years, but they announced their separation in 2016. Despite their divorce, Barrymore and Kopelman have maintained an amicable co-parenting relationship.

Net Worth

Drew has a massive net worth of $125 million. According to Celebrity Net Worth, throughout her career, she often took on projects that provided her with artistic satisfaction but came with a smaller paycheck. For instance, she only received $500,000 for her role in Donnie Darko and $250,000 for Confessions of a Dangerous Mind. However, there were also times when she commanded higher salaries, such as the $1.5 million she earned for Mad Love in 1995 and the $3 million salary for Ever After in 1998.

Her debut in the Charlie's Angels franchise in 2000 was worth an impressive $9 million, and she eventually received $14 million for the sequel. Finally, in 2007, she reached her highest payday of $15 million with Hugh Grant in Music & Lyrics.

Activism

Barrymore works with the organization WCK, which focuses on providing food for regions struggling with natural disasters. WCK also aids countries struggling with conflicts, such as refugees between the borders of Panama and Colombia.

She also plays a big part as Goodwill Ambassador. Barrymore works alongside both WFP and UNICEF to provide support to those living in extreme poverty.

Controversy

Drew Barrymore's younger years were full of controversy. She has been open and honest about all of it on her talk show. Early exposure to fame, difficult family circumstances, and substance experimentation characterized her childhood and teenage years. She entered rehab for the first time at the age of 13 due to drug and alcohol abuse. Her struggles with substance abuse during her adolescence were widely reported and became a significant part of her public narrative.

In 1991, at the age of 15, Barrymore legally emancipated herself from her parents. Her desire to have more control over her financial and career decisions played a role in this decision. While not a controversy in itself, this move attracted media attention and fueled discussions about the challenge's child actors face in maintaining a sense of agency.

In 1995, Barrymore posed for a racy photoshoot for Playboy magazine. At the time, she was attempting to shed her child star image and redefine herself as a more adult actress. While the photoshoot was intended to be a statement of independence and self-expression, it garnered mixed reactions and fueled debates about the appropriateness of her choices.