What Is Drew Barrymore’s Net Worth?
Drew Barrymore, a multifaceted American talent as an actress, author, talk show host, director, and producer, boasts a net worth of approximately $85 million. This substantial financial standing reflects her decades-long career in the entertainment industry and successful ventures beyond acting.
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Born on February 22, 1975, in Culver City, California, Drew Barrymore began her acting journey at just 11 months old. While the story suggests she was nipped by a dog during her audition for a dog food commercial and responded by laughing rather than crying, which purportedly earned her the job. Later, she appeared in the 1980 science fiction film “Altered States,” but it was her role as Gertie, Elliot’s younger sister, in the iconic 1982 film “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” directed by Steven Spielberg (one of her godparents), that catapulted her to international fame. Following the success of “E.T.,” Barrymore secured roles in other notable films, including the 1984 Stephen King adaptation “Firestarter” and “Irreconcilable Differences” where she played a young girl in a legal battle to divorce her famous parents, earning her $100,000.
Transition to Adult Roles and Box Office Success
In the 1990s, Barrymore strategically transitioned from her child actor persona to more mature roles. One of the most iconic of these is probably 1992’s “Poison Ivy,” which was a box office disappointment in its theatrical release but went on to become a cult favorite on home video. By the late 1990s, she delivered memorable performances in films like “The Wedding Singer” (1998), co-starring Adam Sandler, for which she earned $1 million and in 1999 “Never Been Kissed” for which she earned $2.5 million. Her brief appearance in the 1996 slasher film “Scream” further solidified her versatility. This era marked a significant turning point in her career, leading to more prominent and financially rewarding roles.
“Charlie’s Angels” and Peak Earnings
The 2000s witnessed Drew Barrymore’s continued ascent to movie stardom, particularly with her role as Dylan Sanders in the “Charlie’s Angels” franchise. In 2000, her debut in “Charlie’s Angels” was worth $9 million and in 2003, she commanded $14 million for the sequel, “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle.” She appeared in smaller independent films at the same time, like “Donnie Darko” and “Confessions of a Dangerous Mind.” Her peak earnings reached $15 million per picture at the height of her career, placing her among the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood.
Flower Films and Producing Ventures
In 1995, Drew Barrymore co-founded Flower Films with Nancy Juvonen, a production company that played a pivotal role in shaping her career and boosting her net worth. Flower Films produced many of Drew’s movies between 1999 and 2019, including “Never Been Kissed,” “Donnie Darko,” “50 First Dates,” and “Fever Pitch.” Drew took $500,000 for “Donnie Darko” and $250,000 for “Confessions of a Dangerous Mind”. Flower Films also owns the film rights to “Charlie’s Angels,” so not only did Drew’s company produce the first two installments of the films (in 2000 and 2003), but also the 2019 re-boot. This venture allowed her to exercise creative control and benefit financially from the success of her films.
The Drew Barrymore Show and Current Projects
In 2020, Drew Barrymore embarked on a new chapter in her career by hosting “The Drew Barrymore Show,” a nationally syndicated daytime talk show. The show has provided a steady income stream, reportedly earning her millions per season. Barrymore continues to work on both the big and small screen as well as in a variety of other fields, including her cosmetics line, clothing brand, and even her own signature wine.
Salary Highlights and Notable Paydays
Throughout her career, Drew Barrymore has earned varying salaries depending on the size and scope of her roles. In 1995, she got $1.5 million for her role in “Mad Love,” and in 1998, she commanded a $3 million salary for “Ever After.” This flexibility has allowed her to pursue projects that align with her artistic vision while still maintaining a lucrative career.
Real Estate Portfolio
Drew Barrymore’s real estate investments have contributed significantly to her net worth. In 2010, Drew paid $5.5 million for a 6,258-square-foot mansion in Montecito, California, located on just over two acres of land. The six-bedroom, 7.5-bathroom home featured floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood floors, a large, sunny, eat-in kitchen, and multiple fireplaces. There was also a long wrap-around porch attached to the house, along with a guesthouse with two floors, a laundry room, a terrace, fruit trees all around the property, and a garage that can hold up to four cars. She listed this home in 2013 for $7.5 million and sold it that year for $6.35 million. In the summer of 2018, Barrymore sold a home in the Hollywood Hills for some $16.5 million. In 2019, she purchased a 5,600-square-foot home near the beach in the Hamptons for a little over $5.5 million, set on 1.7 acres, Drew listed this estate in May 2024 for $8.45 million. These strategic property acquisitions and sales have added millions to her overall net worth.