Drew Barrymore Reflects on Being Body Shamed At 10 Years Old

Drew Barrymore Reflects on Childhood Body-Shaming and Addiction Struggles

Drew Barrymore, the beloved actress who shot to fame as a child star in the iconic film E.T. in 1982, recently opened up about the harsh criticisms she faced growing up in the spotlight. During a recent episode of The Drew Barrymore Show, the 50-year-old actress candidly spoke about being body-shamed as a young girl, recalling how people constantly commented on her appearance and compared her to her on-screen image.

Barrymore shared, “I was 10 years old and I just was told by everybody, ‘You don’t look how you did in E.T. You’re too heavy. You’re not blonde enough. You’re not old enough. You’re too young. You’re not tall.’ It’s like, I don’t know what I’m supposed to be for other people.”

Despite facing these challenges at such a young age, Barrymore emphasized the importance of self-acceptance and finding true happiness. She reflected on her past struggles with addiction, revealing that she began using substances like alcohol and cocaine at just 9 and 12 years old. However, she also highlighted the positive changes in her life since seeking help and moving past her troubled past.

In a 2025 interview with Us Weekly, Barrymore opened up about her unconventional childhood, noting that she didn’t have a typical upbringing due to the lack of rules and boundaries. She shared, “The whole concept of ‘no’ made me really rebellious. As if it didn’t apply to me.”

Barrymore also discussed her time in rehab at age 14, describing it as a turning point in her life. She expressed gratitude for the support she received during that challenging period and acknowledged that seeking help was the best decision she ever made.

Today, Barrymore is in a much better place and has found happiness and fulfillment in her life. She emphasized the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive people who encourage authenticity and honesty. Reflecting on her journey, she stated, “We pull ourselves up, hopefully, and we find people that encourage us to tell the truth and to finally have the opposite of shame.”

Overall, Drew Barrymore’s story is one of resilience, growth, and self-discovery. Despite facing numerous challenges in her youth, she has emerged stronger and more confident than ever. Her openness about her struggles serves as an inspiration to others facing similar obstacles, reminding them that it is possible to overcome adversity and find true happiness. The technological advancements in the healthcare industry have revolutionized the way doctors diagnose and treat patients. From artificial intelligence to telemedicine, these innovations have made healthcare more accessible and effective than ever before.

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