It’s hard not to love Drew Barrymore. Like the name of her production company, Flower Films, the actress, producer and now-director is quirky and sweet. After charming audiences for nearly three decades, her directorial debut, ‘Whip It,’ rolls into theaters Friday. Here’s a look at how her career has blossomed over the years:

Growing up: Born into a family of famous actors, Barrymore was introduced to the entertainment industry at a young age. Although she made her film debut in 1980’s ‘Altered States,’ Barrymore’s breakthrough role was Gertie in ‘E.T.: the Extra-Terrestrial.’ Following her newfound stardom, Barrymore experimented with drugs and alcohol. After two stints in rehab, Barrymore acted in a handful of films that weren’t commercially successful, including 1992’s ‘Poison Ivy’ and ‘Guncrazy.’ During this time, Barrymore posed for the covers of Interview and Playboy magazines and completed a series of advertisements for Guess jeans.

Budding Career: In 1995, Barrymore starred in ‘Boys on the Side’ and had a role in ‘Batman Forever.’ The following year, she made an appearance in ‘Scream.’ It was also during this time that she established her reputation as queen of romantic comedies, starring in ‘Wishful Thinking’ (1997), ‘The Wedding Singer’ (1998), ‘Ever After’ (1998) and ‘Home Fries’ (1998).

Flowering: Barrymore co-founded Flower Films, a production company, with Nancy Juvonen in 1995. The first film produced by the company was 1999’s ‘Never Been Kissed,’ in which Barrymore played the lead role. Barrymore produced and acted in the 2000 remake of ‘Charlie’s Angels’ as well. Flower Films financed the cult-classic ‘Donnie Darko’ (2001), in which Barrymore played a small role. Barrymore tried her hand at a more serious part in 2001’s ‘Riding in Cars with Boys.’ Following that, she appeared in ‘Confessions of a Dangerous Mind’ (2002). In 2003, she acted in and produced ‘Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle’ and ‘Duplex.’

Flourishing: Barrymore’s Flower Films joined with co-star Adam Sandler’s Happy Madison production company to produce the 2005 film ’50 First Dates.’ Barrymore then lent her voice to 2006’s ‘Curious George’ and starred in ‘Lucky You’ (2007), in addition to ‘Fever Pitch’ (2005) and ‘Music and Lyrics’ (2007). In 2008, Barrymore’s voice appeared in the film ‘Beverly Hills Chihuahua.’ The following year she acted in and produced ‘He’s Just Not That Into You.’

Branching Out: Barrymore will make her directorial debut in the film ‘Whip It,’ starring Ellen Page (‘Juno’). Based on Shauna Cross’ novel ‘Derby Girl,’ ‘Whip It’ is the story of Bliss Cavendar, a Texas beauty pageant queen who trades in her crown for roller skates. Tired of her mother pressuring her to compete in pageants, Bliss adopts the moniker ‘Babe Ruthless’ and joins ‘The Hurl Scouts,’ a roller derby team in Austin, TX. Barrymore plays the role of ‘Smashley Simpson,’ one of Bliss’ teammates. The film also stars Marcia Gay Harden, Kristen Wig, Juliette Lewis, Eve, Jimmy Fallon and Daniel Stern.

kjmarren@syr.edu

Published on September 30, 2009 at 12:00 pm