The Powerful Thing Drew Barrymore Does for People Every Day, According to Jamie Lee Curtis Mary Ellen MorinDecember 19, 2025 at 4:27 AM 0 We all remember Drew Barrymore as the blondhaired little girl who befriended an alien in Steven Spielberg's 1982 blockbuster hit E.T. Her acting career started at just 6 years old, and she instantly became an American screen icon as she grew up in front of our eyes. Barrymore has gone on to have a successful career, starring in some memorable roles over the years—from forgetful Lucy in 50 First Dates to a karatechopping Dylan in Charlie's Angels.
- - The Powerful Thing Drew Barrymore Does for People Every Day, According to Jamie Lee Curtis
Mary Ellen MorinDecember 19, 2025 at 4:27 AM
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We all remember Drew Barrymore as the blond-haired little girl who befriended an alien in Steven Spielberg's 1982 blockbuster hit E.T. Her acting career started at just 6 years old, and she instantly became an American screen icon as she grew up in front of our eyes.
Barrymore has gone on to have a successful career, starring in some memorable roles over the years—from forgetful Lucy in 50 First Dates to a karate-chopping Dylan in Charlie's Angels. In 2020, the actress started her own talk show, The Drew Barrymore Show, in which she's known for providing an intimate, comfortable space and a lap dog for her guests to share their stories.
WhenJamie Lee Curtis sat down with Barrymore on her show this week, she told a story that brought on a comparison of the actresses' vastly different childhoods. This led to a poignant discovery about Barrymore's life that brought on the emotions.
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In the clip, the two are seen sitting on the floor in front of what Curtis calls the "compassionate comfort care couch," leaning in like they're old friends. Curtis tells a story about how her mom, actress Janet Leigh, would not allow her to audition for a role in the movie The Exorcist at 11 or 12 years old in an effort to protect her and her childhood.
"You didn't get that option," Curtis says. "No, I didn't," Barrymore confirms. This leads to Curtis praising Barrymore for what she does every day—leaning in, showing compassion, and listening to stories. According to Curtis, what Barrymore missed in childhood, her voice and choice, is exactly what she is giving to others as an adult. "It's a gift," Curtis says, referring to Barrymore's skillful listening, empathy, and hosting style that reflects care rather than performance.
Growing up in the spotlight can have a lasting impact on a person's emotional development and adult identity. Research shows that the pressures of early fame—from disrupted routines to intense public scrutiny- can influence many aspects of former child actors' lives well into their adult years. Drew Barrymore is among many other celebrities, including Natalie Portman and Jodie Sweetin have been candid about how their early experiences have shaped them into who they are today.
Barrymore was humbled and overcome with emotion in the clip of the interview, and fans have echoed Curtis's sentiment:
"The gift Jamie just gave Drew in the form of understanding and compassion is so beautiful ❤️," one gushing fan responded.
"The acknowledgement of what she wasn't given as a kid and the acknowledgement in what she's doing now because of it... This is beautiful! The way it unfolds is almost her own personal way of therapy. Couch time with Drew is therapeutic. @thedrewbarrymoreshow," another touchingly shared.
Related: Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore Share Surprising Truth About Movies They've Worked On Together
This story was originally published by Parade on Dec 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: "AOL Entertainment"
Source: Entertainment
Published: December 19, 2025 at 08:45AM on Source: RED MAG
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