Inside Drew Barrymore's complex relationship with father John Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore, who is a well known American actress, producer, and talk show host, has been recognized for her roles in iconic films such as, The Wedding Singer (1998), 50 First Dates (2004), and her long-running daytime talk show, The Drew Barrymore Show.

Drew marked her career debut through starring in E.T and heaped immense fame. However, her childhood was marred by struggles with fame, addiction, and personal issues.

Despite facing these challenges, the 49-year-old has become one of Hollywood's most beloved and strong stars, known for her candour and openness about her personal life.

Moreover, Drew is the daughter of late John Drew Barrymore, a well known Hollywood actor, born in 1932, and a member of the legendary Barrymore family,

John Drew Barrymore appeared in many during the 1950s and 1960s, including High School Confidential (1958) and Chatterbox (1977).

 However, his career was overshadowed by his struggles with alcohol and personal issues, and he never reached the level of fame his father or grandfather achieved.

John Drew Barrymore's personal life was tumultuous, marked by numerous marriages, including Drew Barrymore's mother, Jaid Barrymore.

The couple divorced when Drew was very young, and his instability and absence from Drew's life left a lasting emotional impact on her.

Drew Barrymore's relationship with her father, John Drew Barrymore, was complex and strained. As a child, Drew grew up in an unstable environment, with her father largely absent due to his struggles with addiction and personal issues.

In her memoir Wildflower and various interviews, Drew has reflected on her father’s absence, sharing that she had little contact with him as she grew older. Her father’s inability to be a consistent presence in her life left Drew with a sense of abandonment. She has said that he was not around much when she was a child and that he often failed to meet her emotional needs.

However, Drew has also spoken about finding some level of closure and forgiveness later in life. She expressed that, while their relationship was far from ideal, she ultimately accepted that her father’s struggles were beyond her understanding.

Charlie's Angels star has mentioned that after his death in 2004, she was able to release some of the anger and resentment, achieving a sense of emotional peace.

Despite the pain caused by their strained relationship, Drew Barrymore has worked to build a healthy family dynamic with her own children, ensuring that they receive the love and stability that she felt was lacking in her upbringing.