Since making her Hollywood debut in the ’80s, Drew Barrymore has been one of the most talked about celebrities in the entertainment industry. From her cult-classic films to her high-profile relationships, this actress is no stranger to the many facets and complexities of growing up in Tinseltown. In celebration of the debut of her new eponymous CBS talk show on Sept. 14, 2020, Wonderwall.com is taking a look back at her colorful life and career through photos. Keep reading to learn more about this beloved star…
Baby Drew! Drew Barrymore — seen here in Los Angeles in 1979 — was born on Feb. 22, 1975, in Culver City, California, to actor John Drew Barrymore — a scion of the Barrymore acting dynasty — and aspiring actress Jaid Barrymore, who divorced when she was 9. While he isn’t technically related to her, Drew’s godfather is a notable name too: He’s acclaimed filmmaker Steven Spielberg!
Drew Barrymore has three half-siblings on her father’s side, including actor John Blyth Barrymore III, who’s seen here with Drew and the child star’s mother, Jaid Barrymore, during a tribute to the siblings’ grandfather, the late actor John Barrymore, in the centenary year of his birth in June 1982. As Drew grew up, she would become estranged from both of her parents for the majority of her life.
She’d made her acting debut two years prior in Ken Russell’s “Altered States,” but it was her work in the 1982 Steven Spielberg-directed film “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” (pictured) that made Drew Barrymore a star. At just 7, the actress captivated moviegoers with her endearing and exceptional portrayal of Gertie, Elliott’s little sister, a performance that won her a Young Artist Award for best supporting actress. “E.T.” was also a box office success that became the highest grossing film of the ’80s. In no time, Drew had become one of the most famous child actors in the world.
The success of “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” took Drew Barrymore around the globe. She’s seen here at the film’s London premiere in November 1982 where she presented a plush toy version of the main character to Princess Diana as director Steven Spielberg and co-stars Henry Thomas and Robert Robert MacNaughton looked on.
A definite cult classic! In 1992, Drew Barrymore also starred as Ivy in the coming-of-age thriller “Poison Ivy.” She played the eponymous character — a cunning, seductive teen who manipulates rich girl Sylvie Cooper in an effort to seduce her father. While it isn’t one of her most acclaimed roles, her portrayal of this stylish bad girl is among her most memorable.
In 1998, Drew Barrymore joined forces with Adam Sandler for the first time when they starred in “The Wedding Singer.” Little did they know that this would be the first of three films they’d make together! The duo reunited six years later for 2004’s “50 First Dates” and 10 years after that for 2014’s “Blended.” At the 2020 National Board of Review Annual Awards Gala, Adam got emotional when Drew presented him with the best actor honor for his work in “Uncut Gems.” “Drew, that was amazing,” he said. “I’m glad we met, and I’m glad we did it all and we always made our movies together.”
Actress, author, filmmaker and… CoverGirl? That’s right! Drew Barrymore was unveiled as the newest face of CoverGirl in 2007 and continued to shill for the popular makeup brand through 2015. The beauty is seen here at the CoverGirl Cosmetics 50th Anniversary Party in Los Angeles in January 2011.
In October 2019, Drew Barrymore and CBS confirmed that she’d landed her own talk show! “The Drew Barrymore Show” — which she’s not only hosting but producing — premiered on Sept. 14, 2020 in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. “There’s really an opportunity for innovation right now,” she told the New York Post of moving forward with the virtual show. “The rule book is on fire.”