Drew Barrymore: A Star's Journey From Child Actor To Powerhouse Producer

So, Just How Much Is Drew Barrymore Worth?

Let’s talk about Drew Barrymore. This remarkable woman, an American actress, author, talk show host, director, and producer, boasts an impressive net worth of $85 million. Drew's life in the spotlight began when she was just a child, starring in iconic films like "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," "Firestarter," and "Irreconcilable Differences." But her journey wasn’t always smooth sailing. Growing up in the entertainment world, Drew faced numerous challenges, including substance abuse and family struggles. Despite these hurdles, she persevered, emerging stronger and more determined than ever. In her twenties, she began to stabilize her life, leading to a string of successful movie roles. Many of these projects were produced under her own production company, Flower Films, such as "The Wedding Singer," "Riding in Cars with Boys," "Never Been Kissed," "Charlie's Angels" and its sequel, "50 First Dates," "Fever Pitch," and "He's Just Not That Into You."

But Drew's talents don't stop there. She’s expanded into various ventures, including a successful cosmetics line, clothing brand, and even her signature wine collection. At the height of her movie career, Barrymore was commanding $15 million per film. And in 2020, she launched "The Drew Barrymore Show," a nationally syndicated daytime talk show that showcases her charm, wit, and authenticity.

Her Journey Begins: Early Life

Drew Barrymore was born on February 22, 1975, in Culver City, California. From the moment she entered the world, she was destined for the spotlight. As part of one of Hollywood’s most celebrated acting families, Drew inherited a legacy of stardom. Her grandfather, John Barrymore, was a legendary actor, and her godparents include none other than Steven Spielberg and Sophia Loren. However, her upbringing was far from conventional. Drew's childhood was fraught with challenges, including exposure to parties, drugs, and alcohol at an alarmingly young age. By the time she was 13, she had already entered rehab, and at 15, she sought emancipation from her parents. Despite these obstacles, Drew's resilience and talent propelled her forward, setting the stage for a remarkable career.

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On the Big Screen: Acting Career

Drew Barrymore’s acting career began almost as soon as she could walk. At just 11 months old, she reportedly landed her first gig after being nipped by a dog during an audition for a dog food commercial. Instead of crying, she laughed, earning her the job. A few years later, she made her feature film debut in the 1980 science fiction film "Altered States." But it was her role as Gertie, the adorable younger sister in "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," that catapulted her to global fame.

Following her breakout role in "E.T.," Drew continued to rack up impressive credits. In 1984, she starred in the Stephen King adaptation "Firestarter" and played a young girl caught in a legal battle with her parents in "Irreconcilable Differences"—a role that eerily mirrored her own life. The same year, she appeared in the horror anthology "Cat's Eye." Despite her personal struggles, Drew remained a working actor throughout the '80s.

The '90s marked a significant transformation for Barrymore. Determined to shed her child star image, she took on more mature roles, such as her iconic part in "Poison Ivy," which became a cult classic. In 1993, she starred in the surreal thriller "Doppelgänger," further proving her versatility. By the late '90s, Drew was cementing her status as a leading lady with memorable performances in "The Wedding Singer" and "Never Been Kissed." She also delivered a chilling turn as Casey Becker in the 1996 slasher hit "Scream."

The 2000s saw Drew's star continue to rise. She played Dylan Sanders in the blockbuster "Charlie's Angels" and its sequel, earning a whopping $14 million for the latter. Simultaneously, she explored independent films like "Donnie Darko" and "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind." In 2009, she made her directorial debut with the roller derby drama "Whip It." After starring in films like "Going the Distance" and "Blended," Drew transitioned to television, starring in the Netflix series "Santa Clarita Diet." In 2021, she announced a hiatus from acting to focus on other pursuits, including writing a best-selling cookbook, "Rebel Homemaker," with chef Pilar Valdes.

Behind the Scenes: Producing Career

In 1995, Drew co-founded Flower Films with Nancy Juvonen, marking the beginning of her career as a producer. Flower Films has been instrumental in bringing many of Drew's projects to life, including "Never Been Kissed," "Donnie Darko," "50 First Dates," and "Fever Pitch." The company also owns the film rights to "Charlie's Angels," producing both the original films and the 2019 reboot. Drew’s producing endeavors have not only expanded her creative influence but have also contributed significantly to her financial success.

Beyond the Spotlight: Personal Life

Drew Barrymore's personal life has been as colorful as her professional one. Her first marriage, to Los Angeles bar owner Jeremy Thomas, lasted a mere two months in 1994 when she was just 19. In 1999, she met comedian Tom Green, and they tied the knot the following year. Although they made cameos in each other's films, their marriage ended in divorce in 2002. In 2012, Drew married art consultant Will Kopelman, with whom she has two daughters. However, the couple divorced in 2016. Despite her tumultuous romantic history, Drew has remained a beloved figure in Hollywood. Interestingly, she’s the inspiration behind two popular songs—one by SZA and another by rapper Bryce Vine. Additionally, she serves as the godmother to Frances Bean Cobain, the daughter of Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love.

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Drew Barrymore's Salary: Highlights of Her Career

Throughout her career, Drew Barrymore has occasionally taken smaller roles for artistic satisfaction, even if it meant a reduced paycheck. For instance, she reportedly earned $500,000 for "Donnie Darko" and $250,000 for "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind." However, her salary skyrocketed as her fame grew. In 1995, she commanded $1.5 million for "Mad Love," and by 1998, she was earning $3 million for "Ever After." Her role in the "Charlie's Angels" franchise earned her $9 million for the first film and a staggering $14 million for the sequel. In 2007, she reached her career-high payday of $15 million per film.

Living the High Life: Drew Barrymore's Real Estate

Drew Barrymore has always had a knack for making headlines, especially when it comes to her real estate dealings. In 2019, she splurged $5.5 million on a stunning 5,600-square-foot home near the beach in the Hamptons. Set on 1.7 acres, this luxurious estate hit the market in May 2024 for $8.45 million. If you're curious, here's a video tour.

In 2010, Drew purchased a 6,258-square-foot mansion in Montecito, California, for $5.5 million. This six-bedroom, 7.5-bathroom home is nestled on over two acres of land and boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood floors, a spacious kitchen, and multiple fireplaces. The property also features a wrap-around porch, a guesthouse, fruit trees, and a four-car garage. Drew listed this home in 2013 for $7.5 million and eventually sold it that same year for $6.35 million.

Barrymore also sold a home in the Hollywood Hills in the summer of 2018 for $16.5 million. Today, she resides in Manhattan, where she continues to host her successful talk show, "The Drew Barrymore Show."