Andie MacDowell isn’t shy about expressing how happy and fulfilled she feels in this new phase of her life as an empty nester. The veteran actress opened up about her journey during an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show.
In a preview of the January 24 episode, MacDowell shared how she has been adjusting now that all three of her children have left home. Talking to Barrymore, she admitted, “I’m happier now than I have been in a long time.” She also revealed that moving to South Carolina and prioritizing self-care—something she said took her a long time to learn—have played a big role in her newfound contentment.
However, the transition wasn’t easy. The Groundhog Day star recalled feeling a deep “void” when her kids moved out, as they had always been such a central part of her life. MacDowell shares three children—Margaret, Rainey, and Justin—with her ex-husband, Paul Qualley.
She credited her daughter Margaret Qualley, known for her role in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, for helping her shift her perspective. MacDowell revealed that Margaret pointed out she should be enjoying this phase of her life, but at the time, she wasn’t. “But now I am,” MacDowell admitted. “I’m having the time of my life now. It’s really good.”
Though she eventually found her happiness, she acknowledged that the adjustment was tough. When Barrymore asked if she could turn to MacDowell for advice when she faces a similar transition, the Red Right Hand actress playfully responded that she would be happy to help—by telling Barrymore “what not to do.”
With a laugh, she added, “Come to me, because I have all the information on how not to waste your time. How to get on with it and have a good time. I’ll tell you.”