Drew Barrymore is an American actress, producer, and director who gained fame as a child star and went on to establish herself as a respected figure in the entertainment industry. She was born as Drew Blythe Barrymore on February 22, 1975, in Culver City, California, into a renowned acting family.
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Barrymore began her acting career at a young age, making her debut in a television commercial at just 11 months old. She had her big break when she played the role of Gertie in the iconic movie “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” (1982), which brought her widespread recognition and praise from critics.
Despite experiencing personal struggles in her teenage years, Barrymore successfully transitioned to adult roles, delivering notable performances in films such as “Poison Ivy” (1992), “Scream” (1996), and “Ever After” (1998). In addition to her acting career, she has also ventured into producing and directing, with projects like “Never Been Kissed” (1999) and the Netflix series “Santa Clarita Diet” (2017-2019).
Known for her infectious charm and versatility, Drew Barrymore remains a beloved and influential figure in the world of entertainment. She, however, has faced various controversies and issues throughout her career. One longstanding rumor that has been attached to the actress is regarding her sexuality. Is Drew Barrymore gay? That we will find out in this article.
VOTE: What is Drew Barrymore’s Sexuality?
Drew Barrymore’s Sexuality: What Started The Gay Rumors
It’s no secret that Drew Barrymore has been the subject of longstanding rumors about her sexual orientation, with people curious about the renowned actress’ personal life ever since she stepped into the limelight. Speculations surrounding her sexuality likely stemmed from her vocal support for the LGBTQ+ community, which she has consistently expressed throughout her career.
In 2009, the actress was seen attending a marriage equality rally in Los Angeles in response to the California Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the anti-gay Prop. 8. When asked about her stance on the issue, she revealed that many of the people who influenced her while growing up were members of the LGBTQ+ community, and she credits them for shaping who she is today.
I was born, bred and raised amongst diversity. It has defined me and made me the person I am today.”
Drew Barrymore told the reporters
In recognition for her strong advocacy for gay rights, Barrymore received the Vanguard Award from GLAAD, an LGBTQ media monitoring organization, in the following year. In 2013, she also hosted the 24th GLAAD Media Awards and gave a heartfelt speech about her own experience of growing up without a “traditional family.” She shared that she learned that the definition of “family” is not fixed by society, but rather something you discover, create, and live.
I am who I am because of the people who influenced me growing up, and many of them were gay. No one has any right to tell anyone what makes a family. You choose your battles in this world. If you fight for everything, you’re just someone on a soapbox. This is something that means everything to me.”
Drew Barrymore
The actress also made headlines when she did an intimate interview and photoshoot with co-star Elliot Page for Marie Claire magazine. The shoot, which was meant to promote Barrymore’s directorial debut, “Whiplash,” included a photo of them locking lips. The actress also never shies away from gushing over Page’s “beautiful body” all throughout the interview.
Barrymore has always been vocal about her celebrity crushes. At the CoverGirl Cosmetics’ 50th anniversary party in 2011, she disclosed that she had a crush on Rachel Maddow, the MSNBC host and respected figure within the lesbian community.
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Drew Barrymore’s Coming Out Story
All the “evidence” mentioned above played a role in fueling rumors about Drew Barrymore’s sexuality. However, it is worth noting that some people may have overlooked the fact that the actress had already publicly come out several years ago.
In an interview with Contact Magazine in 2003, the actress openly talked about her sexual orientation by confirming that she is, indeed, bisexual.
Do I like women sexually? Yeah, I do. Totally. I have always considered myself bisexual.”
Drew Barrymore, Contact Magazine, 2003
I love a woman’s body. I think a woman and a woman together are beautiful, just as a man and a woman together are beautiful. Being with a woman is like exploring your own body, but through someone else. When I was younger I used to go with lots of women. Totally – I love it.”
the actress added
The confirmation somehow turned Drew Barrymore into a queer icon in the early 2000s, at a time when the subject wasn’t widely discussed.
Drew Barrymore’s Relationships: On Failed Marriages
Drew Barrymore has been legendary in so many ways. She hails from a legendary Hollywood family, had a remarkable career starting at the age of 5, and starred in iconic movies. Additionally, she bravely came out as bisexual and openly discussed her sexuality at a time when it was not as commonly discussed as it is today.
But do you know what else is legendary about her? It’s the fact that she has already walked down the aisle three times, in addition to being in a handful of high-profile relationships over the years.
Drew Barrymore and Jeremy Thomas (1994)
Yes, Drew Barrymore has been married three times already. The first time she walked down the aisle was with Los Angeles bar owner Jeremy Thomas. She was 19 years old when she met him, while he was 31 at the time. They exchanged their vows on March 20, 1994, just six weeks after dating.
Usually people live together first and then get married. I guess we’re doing it the old-fashioned way. Kind of.”
Barrymore told People after their wedding
The marriage, however, was short-lived—too short-lived, in fact, considering they filed for divorce approximately two months later.
Drew Barrymore and Tom Green (2000-2002)
Her second marriage was with comedian Tom Green. They met on the set of “Charlie’s Angels” and started dating in March 2000. They exchanged vows on March 7, 2001, in a surprise wedding at a private estate in Malibu, California, with famous guests such as Cameron Diaz and Courtney Love as witnesses. However, the marriage only lasted a year before they divorced in 2002.
At one point, Barrymore stopped believing in happy endings because both of her past marriages failed. She started to believe in good days, instead.
I’ve stopped believing in happy endings. I’ve started believing in good days. At the end of my movie, there’s honesty. There’s truth. There’s peace. What tomorrow will bring is still in question. There is a joy that’s earned by failure or triumph. All those things add up to teach us if we are open to it.”
Drew Barrymore told Parade, 2009
Drew Barrymore and Will Kopelman (2012-2016)
Her longest marriage was with art consultant Will Kopelman, the son of former Chanel Chief Operating Officer, Arie L. Kopelman. The couple was married from 2012 to 2016. They announced their engagement in January 2012 and exchanged vows on June 2, 2012, in California. During their marriage, they welcomed two children, Olivia and Frankie. Their marriage lasted for four years before they called it quits in April 2016.
Sadly our family is separating legally, although we do not feel this takes away from us being a family. Divorce might make one feel like a failure, but eventually you start to find grace in the idea that life goes on.”
they said in a joint statement
Contrary to the rumors, the actress clarified that there was no scandal involved in her divorce with Kopelman.
Nothing went wrong, which is cleaner, but makes it harder and more confusing because there isn’t The Thing to point to. We tried so hard to make it work. [A friend] said to me, ‘Divorce is the death of a dream.’ That’s exactly what it feels like, something so final you can’t get it back.”
Drew Barrymore told People Magazine
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Drew Barrymore’s Flings and Romances
Aside from her three failed marriages, Drew Barrymore has also dated several high-profile celebrities throughout her life.
She dated her fellow child star Corey Feldman from 1989 to 1990. Feldman recently revealed, when he appeared as a guest on Barrymore’s talk show, that it was Steven Spielberg who had set them up.
I got a call one day. My grandmother says, ‘We got a call from Steven [Spielberg’s] office, and the little girl from E.T. wants to meet you because she’s got a crush on you.'”
Corey Feldman revealed
After breaking up with Feldman, the actress dated Balthazar Getty, the heir of Getty Oil. They were both 15 years old when they dated from April to September 1990.
Then, the actress started dating Leland Hayward III, the grandson of the legendary producer Leland Hayward. Barrymore and Hayward were involved in a relationship in 1991 when they were 16 and 24 years old, respectively. However, their romance only lasted for a few months.
The actress was also linked to her Never Been Kissed and Scream co-star David Arquette. During his appearance on “Watch What Happens Live,” Arquette revealed that they dated as “very young kids”.
She’s just one of the sweetest, kindest people in Hollywood… We used to run around and just be silly.”
Arquette said in Watch What Happens Live, 2014
Barrymore, however, denied the relationship, stating that they were just friends, but Arquette insisted that they were more than that in a 2018 interview.
She denied it on Howard Stern, but we dated, Drew.”
Arquette told PeopleTV’s Couch Surfing, 2018
Drew Barrymore also dated, and was even engaged to, Jamie Walters. The couple started dating in March 1992 and got engaged in June of the same year. Unfortunately, they didn’t make it to the altar as they broke up a few months later.
Then, in 1994, the actress was linked to Eric Erlandson, the guitarist of Hole. The couple dated for two years before separating in 1996 — a relationship Erlandson didn’t speak highly of.
I have a negative view of it — being worshiped too much.”
Erlandson told L.A.Weekly
Also, according to Drew Barrymore’s 2004 interview with People, The Strokes drummer Fabrizio Moretti was the “most positive relationship” she had ever experienced. They met in 2001 following her divorce with Green. The couple dated for five years before ultimately parting ways in 2007.
Then the actress also dated Luke Wilson in the late ’90s.
When we first met, we were young and wild. I was dating [Luke], but I think he was also dating other people. It was an open relationship. We were young.”
Barrymore revealed
Drew Barrymore was also in a relationship with her He’s Just Not That Into You and Going the Distance co-star, Justin Long, from 2009 to 2010. The actress expressed that he was not only her boyfriend but also her best friend.
At some point, you decide who you want to be. You grow up. You make different choices and changes in your life. This relationship is great. It’s healthy, it’s productive, and it’s supportive. It’s full of humor and a lot of fun.”
the actress said in an interview with Oprah
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Is Drew Barrymore Gay?
Although Drew Barrymore had only dated men — not to mention that she was even married thrice — she does not identify herself as straight. The renowned actress openly identifies as bisexual, as she revealed in a 2003 interview with Contact Magazine.