Drew Barrymore’s decision to step away from Hollywood to focus on her family and personal growth is one that many can understand, especially considering the pressures of balancing an acting career and motherhood. In her recent AARP The Magazine interview for the February/March 2025 issue, Barrymore, now 49, opened up about the personal journey that led her to make this tough but ultimately life-changing choice.
Reflecting on her time in Hollywood, she shared that when she reached her early 40s, she realized she wasn’t learning how to be the healthy, independent person and parent she wanted to be. She explained, “Being other people doesn’t help me figure that out right now,” acknowledging how playing roles for long hours kept her away from her daughters and prevented her from cultivating the kind of home life she dreamed of.
Drew Barrymore, who shares two daughters with ex-husband Will Kopelman, also spoke candidly about the pain of going through her divorce. She confessed how her dream family was falling apart, leaving her confused and unsure of her next steps. She described her past as “heavy,” “painful,” and “sad,” explaining that the emotional burden was something she had to carry for a while.
Despite the emotional turmoil, Barrymore eventually found a way to move forward. She shifted her focus to raising her children and building a life for herself that allowed her to be the parent she aspired to be. As a result, she’s now enjoying a new phase of self-discovery, free from the weight of Hollywood pressures.
It’s clear that while Barrymore’s journey through fame and personal challenges has been difficult, her focus on family and well-being has allowed her to rediscover herself in a way that feels fulfilling. Despite her past struggles, she now seems content in her role as a mother and a person, embracing her new path and finding healing in her life beyond acting.