Beginning her career with a dog food commercial at eleven months old, Drew Barrymore emerged as a global child star through her role in the 1982 film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Born in Culver City in 1975, she navigated a high-profile transition from juvenile stardom to a multifaceted adult career as an actor, producer, and television host.
Early Acting and Breakthroughs
Barrymore debuted in the film Altered States before achieving prominence as Gertie in Steven Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, the highest-grossing film of the 1980s. She further established her presence in the decade with roles in Firestarter, Irreconcilable Differences, and the horror anthology Cat's Eye. By age seven, she became the youngest guest-host of Saturday Night Live. Her work in Irreconcilable Differences earned her an initial Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Transition and Film Career
Following a period of intermittent work in the late 1980s, Barrymore resumed consistent acting with roles in Poison Ivy, Boys on the Side, and Scream. Her filmography expanded into the 2000s with appearances in the Charlie's Angels franchise, Donnie Darko, and He's Just Not That Into You. She frequently collaborated with Adam Sandler, notably in The Wedding Singer and 50 First Dates. In 2009, she earned the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Miniseries or Television Film for her performance in Grey Gardens.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Production, Business, and Directing
Barrymore founded the production company Flower Films, utilizing it to develop various projects including the Charlie's Angels films. She transitioned into directing with the 2009 film Whip It. Her business ventures include the 2013 launch of a cosmetics line under the Flower brand, as well as products in clothing, wine, and homeware. She has also contributed to literature, releasing four New York Times bestselling books such as the memoir Little Girl Lost and the photography collection Find It in Everything.
Television and Public Recognition
In addition to her film work, Barrymore starred as Sheila Hammond on the Netflix series Santa Clarita Diet between 2017 and 2019. Since 2020, she has hosted the daytime talk show The Drew Barrymore Show. Her professional impact has been recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2004, the Crystal Award in 1999, the Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year title in 2001, and the GLAAD Vanguard Award in 2010.
Fast facts
- Born: 1975, Culver City
- Directorial debut: Whip It (2009)
- Golden Globe Award winner: 2010
- Production company: Flower Films
- Memoir: Little Girl Lost (1990)
- Talk show debut: 2020
Questions readers ask
What was Barrymore's debut film role?
Her first film appearance was a small role in Altered States.
Which production company did she establish?
She founded the production house known as Flower Films.
Has she received any awards for her acting?
Yes, her honors include a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Achievements
- Appeared in her first commercial as an infant
- Breakout role in 'E.T.' at age seven (1982)
- Built a major adult career and production company
- Golden Globe and SAG Award winner
