Drew Barrymore Opens Up About Childhood Cruelty Over Appearance, Sparking Outrage at Hollywood’s Harsh Standards
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Drew Barrymore, who became a beloved child star at the tender age of seven with her role in Steven Spielberg’s iconic film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, recently shared a deeply emotional reflection on the cruel scrutiny she endured about her appearance during her youth. On her self-titled talk show, Barrymore revealed that by the age of 10, she was subjected to relentless criticism about her looks, a revelation that has ignited a wave of public empathy and condemnation of Hollywood’s unforgiving standards for young performers.
“This picture, it just breaks my heart,” Barrymore said as she gazed at a photo of herself at age 10. She recalled being told repeatedly, “You don’t look like you did in E.T. You’re too heavy, you’re not blonde enough, you’re not old enough, you’re too young, you’re not tall.” These comments, she explained, were not isolated but had been ongoing for several years, leaving a lasting impact on her sense of self.
Barrymore’s candid admission resonates with many who have witnessed the often harsh realities faced by child actors. In a 2015 interview with The Guardian, she spoke about the volatile nature of early fame and the emotional toll of transitioning from stardom to obscurity. “To have such a big career at such a young age, then nothing for years — people going, you’re an unemployable disaster — that’s a tough trip to have by the time you’re 14,” she said.
Her recent reflections have struck a chord with fans and advocates alike, many of whom took to social media to express their support and outrage. One commenter wrote, “Shame on Hollywood!!! You were ten!!! Just a sweet kid doing her thing. You were amazing then and amazing now!” Another noted, “A 10-year-old girl should NEVER have to be pressured by anyone to look a certain way!! What you went through in Hollywood is three times as bad as a regular kid living outside of that bubble.”
The emotional weight of Barrymore’s story underscores broader concerns about the psychological effects of fame on children. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, children in high-pressure environments, such as the entertainment industry, may face increased risks of anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues. Barrymore’s experience exemplifies these challenges, as she described the “look in the eyes” of her younger self as one filled with confusion and pain, questioning her worth and identity.
Despite the hardships, Barrymore expressed a message of resilience and hope. Now at 50, she said, “What I’m so relieved about now is that it’s four decades later…I do know what’s important now, and the look in my eyes is so clear.” She emphasized that true happiness is a conscious choice, independent of external validation or conforming to imposed molds.
This conversation arrives amid ongoing discussions about the responsibility of the entertainment industry to protect child performers. Organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union have long advocated for stronger safeguards and mental health resources for young actors.
Barrymore’s openness has been praised for its authenticity and courage, shedding light on the often unseen emotional scars behind the glamour of Hollywood. As one fan poignantly remarked, “You can tell how much hurt that caused her and how she has carried that with her, since she was young! Look how emotional she gets over a picture of herself at that age! And how sad her eyes look in that picture!”
Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost behind childhood fame and the urgent need for compassion and reform in an industry that shapes so many young lives.
Leave a Reply