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'I'm Going To Be The One To Break The Link': Drew Barrymore Reveals She Broke Chain Of Alcohol Abuse In Her Family
American actress, film producer, and Blended Movie star Drew Barrymore revealed recently she broke the chain of alcohol abuse in her family. Here’s what she shared about the one breaking the link.
The Wedding Singer actress Drew Barrymore landed her first commercial at just 11 months old. By age 7, she won hearts as Gertie in E.T. Her acting career flourished with roles in numerous films like Firestarter, Never Been Kissed, Ever After: A Cinderella Story, and Charlie’s Angels, which she also produced.
It's a resume you'd anticipate from Hollywood royalty—her family tree boasts actors, including her father, grandfather, great-grandparents, great-aunt, and uncle.
However, as she reflected on her career for PEOPLE's 50th anniversary (having appeared on the cover 15 times), she realized that it wasn't any single film or TV show she found most fulfilling.
"I believe quitting drinking is one of the most respectful things I can do for the Barrymore legacy, given our history as hedonists," says the 49-year-old talk-show host.
Drew Barrymore's family's struggle with alcoholism
Her grandfather, John Barrymore, a renowned Shakespearean actor in the '20s and '30s, died from alcoholism. Her Aunt Diana admitted to drug and alcohol use in her biography, Too Much, Too Soon. And her father, John Drew Barrymore, struggled with alcoholism.
"Don't see me as a model of perfect health and wellness," she says. "But you know what? This lifestyle hasn't been good for our family, so I'm ending it. I'll break the cycle, and maybe my kids and their kids will have a better future because of it."
"We must combat the inherited challenges from our families," adds the Golden Globe award winner.
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Drew Barrymore opens up about struggles with alcohol
In 2022, Drew Barrymore told PEOPLE that after her divorce, she started drinking more during a tough time. Despite overcoming addiction as a teenager, she noticed the warning signs.
"After my plans for my kids didn't work out, it felt even tougher than what I went through as a kid. It felt more real because it wasn't just about me; it was about these kids I deeply cared for," she said.
"Maybe I cared too much, focusing solely on them and neglecting myself. It was a messy, painful journey of walking through fire and finding my way back to life."
She sought therapy and stopped drinking. “My kids made me realize it's time to step up,” she said. She dedicated herself to building The Drew Barrymore Show, which got renewed for a fifth season in January.
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Drew Barrymore feels responsibility to family legacy
Drew Barrymore never felt pushed into the family business, but she's always felt drawn to it. “Since I was about 3 years old, I felt a strong responsibility to uphold our family's name when watching their movies,” she says.
"I feel like it helps me make sense of why I feel so magnetized to doing work in the field of film and television. I feel like they've given me such a calmness to know why it is I have to do this thing. I've got it in my genes and my blood, and I've been lucky enough that this business would allow me to keep going."
While Hollywood runs in her blood, she believes her work ethic is entirely her own.
"Regardless of my personal struggles, I always keep them separate from my work. I'm reliable, always prepared, and fully committed to my job. I have a strong work ethic and take my professionalism seriously," she says.
She further explained that She holds herself to high standards in both personal growth and professional commitments. Always giving her best effort, she never cuts corners.
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