Drew Blyth Barrymore was on born on February 22, 1975, in Culver City, California. She was born into a talented family of actors that dates back to silent films. Her inspiration comes from her great grandparents and her parents who brought her up in a world of performing and acting.
At barely a year old, Barrymore was introduced to show business when she starred in a dog food commercial. She won the hearts of the commercial people when she just laughed and smiled even after her canine co-star bit her.
She continued this positive, carefree attitude throughout her life with a few bumps that never stopped her from accomplishing her goals.
After a few TV movies, her first big screen debut “Altered States,” and winning the hearts of millions as Gertie in “E.T. Extraterrestrial,” Barrymore’s life became consumed by drinking, partying and drugs at the young age of nine.
Barrymore started hanging out with the wrong crowd at the famous Studio 54 and started smoking cigarettes. Over the course of the next four years, young Barrymore went from smoking cigarettes, marijuana and drinking alcohol, to snorting lines of cocaine at age 13.
Soon she was admitted to rehab and was sent back after she tried to commit suicide. With her strong character and strong support system (her godparents are Steven Spielberg and Sophia Loren), it is no surprise Barrymore has not relapsed since 1991. Though her childhood was dark, Barrymore truly turned her life around and has come full circle from her troubled youth.
Barrymore has proved that she is a well-rounded actress through her roles in many romantic comedies, a fantasy period piece, a few dramas and many movies of different genres.
She is not only an amazing actress but is also a skilled producer and just recently has become a director. In 2007, Barrymore joined forces with Nancy Juvonen and created the production company “Flower Films” that resulted in such productions such as “Never Been Kissed,” “Charlie’s Angels,” and “Donnie Darko.”
From the romantic, to the action- packed, to the thriller, Flower Films has proven to be as well rounded as its creator.
Now as an accomplished actress and producer, Barrymore decided to dip her feet into the directorial waters of the business.
On October 2, 2009, feel-good, empowering flick “Whip It” was released and has received nothing but good comments from audiences nationwide and critics alike. Could there be more?
Actress, producer, director, and ambassador? Barrymore has even more to love apart from her talent and personality; she is also the Ambassador Against Hunger for the United Nations World Food Program. So what’s next for this volunteering actress turned director?
She’s not taking any vacations and is working on several movies, the first being an adventure comedy called “Everybody’s Fine,” starring Robert De Niro and Kate Beckinsale.
Look for this movie this December. Barrymore will forever be America’s famous sweetheart, a free spirit and will stay true to who she is no matter what anyone else says.
Because to Barrrymore herself, “There’s something liberating about not pretending. Dare to embarrass yourself. Risk.”