Drew Barrymore recently took a moment to reflect on one of the most pivotal moments in her career, opening up about the role that helped shape her life in ways she could never have imagined. On the January 23rd episode of The Drew Barrymore Show, Drew got candid with her Bad Girls costar, Andie MacDowell, about the experience that profoundly changed her. “When we did Bad Girls, I was 16. I was such a dumbass,” Barrymore admitted, laughing at the memory of her younger self. MacDowell, who’s now 66, was quick to jump in, showering Barrymore with praise, saying, “Oh my God, you were so beautiful and so good.”
Barrymore, 49, explained how much that movie shaped her life, revealing just how much the 1994 Western film meant to her: “I always talk about how much it changed my life. If I hadn’t done that film, there’s no way I’d be sitting here right now.” And those words were more than just nostalgia. Bad Girls wasn’t just another movie—it was a turning point in her career.
A Game-Changing Role: Bad Girls and Its Impact
Released in the early '90s, Bad Girls was a daring Western that followed four strong, unforgettable women: Cody (played by Madeleine Stowe), Anita (Mary Stuart Masterson), Eileen (MacDowell), and Lilly (Barrymore). Together, the women, known as the “Honky-Tonk Harlots,” were on a mission to break free from the confines of their circumstances, only to be pursued by two detectives hired to track them down.
Barrymore reflected on how much the movie taught her about the film industry. She described the experience of being on that set as an educational journey—one that didn’t just teach her the basics of filmmaking but revealed to her the power of truly caring about the work you’re doing. “It was that film that showed me if you care about something, be involved,” she said thoughtfully. For Drew, this wasn’t just acting—it was a lesson in involvement, collaboration, and passion. “I had not been on a film like that, which was really my school,” she continued.
What she may not have known at the time was how much of a defining chapter that film would become in her career. She explained to MacDowell that she could trace her most dramatic life changes directly back to that moment. “I feel like my whole life changed the most dramatically—I can trace it back to that experience with you,” Drew told her former costar, underlining just how significant their time together was.
“Little Traveling Circuses”: The Set as a Circus
Barrymore’s reflection on the movie sets brings to mind a concept that she found both strange and exhilarating. She described those sets as “little traveling circuses”—a vivid, almost surreal metaphor that MacDowell couldn’t help but laugh at. But MacDowell, too, had her own thoughts on the film experience, sharing a funny anecdote about her family’s teasing. “My family used to tease me and tell me that I was gonna join the circus, and I did. I joined the circus,” MacDowell said with a laugh, bringing some lightness to the conversation.
The idea of a circus is a fitting one when you think about the unpredictability and chaos of the film industry. The hustle and bustle, the traveling, the new environments—it’s all part of the wild ride that often shapes the careers of those in the industry. And for Barrymore, Bad Girls was her first real exposure to that world. It was like entering a completely different universe, one that would eventually set the stage for her future as a multifaceted star.
A Bittersweet Reunion and a Tearful Moment
For Barrymore, this reunion with her Bad Girls co-stars wasn’t just a chance to reflect—it also allowed her to reconnect with old friends. This isn’t the first time Barrymore has welcomed MacDowell back onto her show, and it’s clear that these reunions hold deep meaning for her. In fact, their first reunion on the The Drew Barrymore Show wasn’t complete without a surprise guest: Dermot Mulroney. When the studio doors opened, Mulroney appeared, and the emotional chemistry was immediate.
The moment was heartwarming—Mulroney, who starred alongside Barrymore in Bad Girls, couldn’t hold back his emotions as he embraced her. “I’m so happy to see you, I might cry,” he whispered to Barrymore, and true to his word, the tears started flowing. The two of them shared a touching moment, using a tissue to dry their tears. It was clear that the bond they formed on set remained strong, and their reunion was one of deep affection.
Barrymore, clearly moved by the gesture, expressed her gratitude for Mulroney’s kindness when they were filming Bad Girls. “You were so good to me. I really was, like, a lost 17-year-old,” she shared, acknowledging how much Mulroney had taken care of her during their time together on set. “I was having so much fun, but I didn’t know how to take care of myself. And you took such good care of me. You were so kind to me.”
Mulroney, wiping away his tears, shared his admiration for Barrymore. “I’m so proud of you,” he said, calling her an “incredible survivor.” The raw emotion in the moment was palpable, and Mulroney apologized to the audience for his tears, lightheartedly stating, “Sorry guys, I cry now. I knew I was gonna and I came anyway. I decided I’m gonna go ahead and cry in public!” It was a rare and honest moment, one that left both Barrymore and the audience with a sense of warmth and admiration for the deep connection these stars share.
The Power of Vulnerability: A Glimpse Behind the Scenes
What stood out most about this reunion wasn’t just the tears or the heartfelt words—it was the vulnerability on display. Barrymore has always been open about her journey in the spotlight, and seeing her reconnect with her co-stars in such a genuine, emotional way was a reminder of the shared experiences that bind actors together. As Barrymore aptly put it, “It is so nice to see a man cry, by the way.”
For Drew, the Bad Girls experience wasn’t just a moment in her career; it was a cornerstone. And while she’s gone on to achieve so much more since then, those early years in the industry shaped who she is today—not just as an actress, but as a person. The lessons learned, the bonds formed, and the personal growth that happened during that time are part of the very fabric of Drew Barrymore’s legacy.
Ultimately, this reunion was more than a nostalgic trip down memory lane—it was a celebration of how far Barrymore has come, of the people who helped her along the way, and of the deep connections that can last a lifetime. And just as Bad Girls was a pivotal point in Barrymore’s career, that emotional exchange with Mulroney and MacDowell reminded us all that even the brightest stars have their moments of vulnerability. It’s that authenticity that makes them shine even brighter.
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