Drew Barrymore Shares Devastating Effect of Weight Comments at Age 10

by

Drew Barrymore is reflecting on a difficult time in her life.

During a recent appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, Drew Barrymore recalled facing criticism about her weight and looks when she was a young girl, while looking at old photographs.

“Seeing that picture is really upsetting,” Drew shared with Valerie Bertinelli and Ross Mathews. “I was only 10 years old when people started telling me I didn’t look like I did in E.T. They said I was too heavy, not blonde enough, and the wrong age – either too young or too old. Everyone just started commenting on my appearance.”

She explained that the ongoing criticism had been happening for several years, and she noticed her daughter was visibly upset whenever she looked at the pictures.

Drew explained that people change a lot as they grow up. He was grateful that, after forty years, at age fifty, he finally understood what truly mattered to him, and he could see that clarity reflected in his own eyes.

The former child actress is thankful she learned to ignore negativity as she grew up, believing that genuine happiness comes from the choices we make.

Drew acknowledged that oftentimes that choice for happiness is something “we fight for.”

She described the journey to self-worth as a challenging but rewarding inner struggle. It’s a daily effort, she explained, to finally reach a point where you can genuinely believe you deserve to be happy. And that’s okay if it takes time – the important thing is to learn it eventually.

The former Charlie’s Angels star also wanted to tell young viewers that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed by pressure to conform – you’re not the only one who feels that way.

She continued, saying she understood that feeling of discomfort. It’s like reaching a turning point towards adulthood, where you gain independence and the courage to prioritize your own happiness. It’s about learning to accept yourself, both inside and out, and stop trying to please everyone else.

Drew feels a sense of relief that she faced a major life transition early on, though she experienced a similar period of self-discovery around age 40. She realized during that time that ultimately, you can only depend on yourself.

Looking at the photo now, I realize something I didn’t understand before,” she explained. “You don’t have to accept things you don’t want to. It’s okay to set firm limits and protect yourself.

For a look back at Drew over the years, keep reading.

Read More

2026-01-16 05:47