Drew Barrymore turned the big 5-0 on February 22, 2025, and the Hollywood icon was showered with affection, surprises, and heartfelt tributes from her loved ones. Celebrated not only for her remarkable career but also for her resilience, Barrymore has been making waves since her childhood days, and her birthday bash was a perfect blend of personal milestones and public accolades.
Barrymore, who first captivated audiences with her role as Gertie in the classic film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial when she was just seven, was born to actress Jaid Barrymore and actor John Drew Barrymore. The legacy of her family—a lineage steeped in show business—adds another layer of significance to her life story. Her grandfather, John Barrymore, was one of Hollywood’s greatest stars, and her father followed suit, albeit after facing personal challenges.
During the February 21 episode of The Drew Barrymore Show, viewers witnessed her daughters, Olive and Frankie, surprise her with specially made birthday cakes and touching letters, highlighting their affection and admiration. Frankie expressed her admiration sweetly, stating, “Can you believe it! 50 years of being the most fabulous kindest person on earth!” Olive's letter introduced humor, with lines like, “Not in my 12 years of living have I found a mother as wonderful as you.”
The emotional atmosphere continued as Barrymore received her very own Pantone color, “The Drew Barrymore Yellow,” leaving her visibly moved. Adding to the joy, Rachel Dratch presented Barrymore with the Guinness World Record for being the youngest person to host Saturday Night Live, showcasing her breakneck rise through the ranks of Hollywood.
Truly, Barrymore’s career spans several decades, and she has evolved from child star to Hollywood powerhouse. Starting with Bogie and then dominating the box office with E.T., Barrymore’s filmography is rich with roles ranging from comedies to horror films, including her chilling performance as Casey Becker in Scream.
Not only did she shine on screen, but Barrymore also made her mark behind the camera. Launching her production company, Flower Films, she produced some of her most iconic films such as Never Been Kissed and 50 First Dates, showcasing her diverse talents and ability to connect with audiences across generations.
On her birthday, she was also remembered fondly by her peers. Personal video messages from friends like Adam Sandler, Molly Shannon, and Cameron Diaz echoed her impact on the industry and the hearts of those around her. Molly Shannon’s tribute particularly emphasized the genuine connection and joy Barrymore brings to those lucky enough to know her.
Barrymore’s candidness about her struggles with addiction has also contributed to her unique place in Hollywood. Open about her battles and personal growth, she spoke about her decision to prioritize her daughters and herself after her divorce, stating, “I don’t want my girls to grow up saying, ‘Oh wow, yeah, she really worked hard, but I didn’t see her.’ ”
Today, as Barrymore enters this new chapter of her life, her story serves as both inspiration and celebration. The challenges she overcame as she headlined her own talk show and nurtures her relationships with her daughters punctuate her transition from child actress to multifaceted Hollywood fixture, proving her resilience time and again.
Claiming her milestone birthday not merely as another year but as a reflection of her incredible life, Barrymore embraced this new age with her characteristic grace and humor. Stepping forward, she embodies what it means to be part of the famous Barrymore family—a center stage filled with history, talent, and undeniable charm.