Drew Barrymore’s Marriages and Relationships: A Journey Through Love and Life

Each relationship holds a mirror to personal growth and the courage to love again.

Written by Medha Deb, Integrated MA
Last Updated on

Drew Barrymore’s Marriages and Romances: Inside Her Love Life

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Drew Barrymore’s life has been a vivid tapestry of ups and downs, her romantic life no exception. Born into Hollywood royalty, her journey—marked by growth, self-discovery and resilience—has played out in public, inviting both scrutiny and admiration. With three marriages and several high-profile relationships, Barrymore’s love story is more than tabloid fodder; it’s a candid exploration of learning from the past, finding happiness in oneself, and redefining the narrative around love.

Early Years and Teenage Romances

Raised amid the glitz of Hollywood, Drew Barrymore entered the scene as a child star—catapulted to fame by E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial at age seven. She experienced her first relationships as a teenager, often with equally prominent young actors and personalities.

  • Corey Feldman (1989–1990): At just 14, Barrymore dated teen heartthrob Corey Feldman. Their relationship made headlines when they appeared together at the 1989 Academy Awards but fizzled after about a year.
  • Balthazar Getty (1990): Barrymore was briefly linked to Getty Oil heir Balthazar Getty, best known for his role in Lord of the Flies.
  • Leland Hayward III (1991): At 16, she was engaged to the grandson of famed Hollywood producer Leland Hayward, though the engagement ended before a marriage could take place.
  • Jamie Walters (1992–1993): Barrymore and actor Jamie Walters shared a passionate romance, complete with tattoos of each other’s names.

Who Are Drew Barrymore’s Ex-Husbands?

Barrymore’s romantic life was especially shaped by her three marriages, each distinct in character and outcome. While each relationship brought challenges and heartbreak, Barrymore’s openness about her relationships has inspired many, offering an honest look at heartbreak, healing, and personal growth.

Jeremy Thomas: The Impulsive First Marriage (1994)

Jeremy Thomas was a Los Angeles bar owner whom Barrymore met at age 19. Their whirlwind romance culminated in an impromptu wedding after just six weeks of dating—performed at Thomas’s bar, The Room, at around 5:30 am by a 24-hour minister. Barrymore later described it as a decision fueled by impulse more than intention.

  • The marriage lasted just 19 days before Barrymore filed for divorce, and their union was legally dissolved in 1995.
  • Reflecting back, Barrymore called the marriage “a joke” and admitted both she and Thomas weren’t prepared for the realities of commitment at that point in their lives.

Key Takeaways from the First Marriage:

  • This spontaneous marriage highlighted Barrymore’s search for stability and belonging after a tumultuous childhood.
  • It taught her to be wary of impulsive decisions, particularly those made under emotional duress.

Tom Green: Hollywood’s Eccentric Romance (2001)

Tom Green, a Canadian comedian and MTV personality, entered Barrymore’s life in 2000 when they met on the set of Charlie’s Angels. Their romance quickly escalated:

  • Barrymore and Green married at a private Malibu estate on July 7, 2001, with celebrities like Cameron Diaz and Courtney Love attending.
  • Their marriage faced early setbacks, including a house fire and Green’s cancer diagnosis.
  • Green filed for divorce about a year and a half after their wedding, finalizing their separation in 2002.

Despite the brief union, Barrymore and Green have publicly shared an amicable relationship in later years, even reminiscing fondly about their shared past on Barrymore’s talk show two decades later.

What Made This Marriage Unique?

  • The couple’s chemistry was undeniable but tested by personal and external crises.
  • Both have spoken candidly about the “unexpected turns” life can take and the importance of finding closure and friendship after heartbreak.

Will Kopelman: A Partnership Rooted in Family (2012–2016)

Will Kopelman, an art consultant and son of former Chanel CEO Arie Kopelman, became Barrymore’s third husband. Their relationship marked a new era—rooted in stability, family, and a mutual commitment to co-parenting.

  • They began dating in early 2011, married in June 2012, and have two daughters: Olive (born 2012) and Frankie (born 2014).
  • Barrymore has praised Kopelman’s skills as a father, emphasizing their shared goal of putting their children’s needs first above all else.
  • The couple separated amicably in 2016 but remain on good terms, co-parenting their children and prioritizing family harmony.

After Divorce: New Perspectives on Family and Stability

  • Barrymore’s third marriage exemplified growth—her role as a mother became her main source of fulfillment.
  • Despite differences, Barrymore and Kopelman have strived to maintain a “close, united family” for their children.

Other Notable Relationships and Romances

Barrymore’s dating history reflects a wide spectrum—from fellow actors to musicians—each relationship helping her learn more about herself and what she values.

NameProfessionRelationship PeriodNotes
Corey FeldmanActor1989–1990First high-profile romance, attended 1989 Academy Awards together
Balthazar GettyActor1990Brief relationship during teenage years
Leland Hayward IIIHollywood heir1991Brief engagement; relationship ended before marriage
Jamie WaltersActor/Musician1992–1993Had matching tattoos with each other’s names
Eric ErlandsonMusician (Hole guitarist)1994Said to have found a sense of family with him
Luke WilsonActor1996–1998Remained friends and worked together on Charlie’s Angels
Justin LongActor2007–2010 (on and off)Met on the set of He’s Just Not That Into You. Reunited several times.

Additional Noteworthy Romances

  • David Arquette: Briefly dated in the era of young Hollywood stars.
  • Fabrizio Moretti (The Strokes drummer): Their relationship in the early 2000s was widely covered in the media.
  • Sam Rockwell, Chris Miller, Ed Norton, and others: Barrymore has been linked over the years to a number of prominent actors and musicians, some for a few months, others as close friends.

Drew Barrymore’s Views on Love and Marriage

Through these experiences, Drew Barrymore has repeatedly shared honest, sometimes painful, and ultimately hopeful reflections on love, relationships, and family. In her own words, she has expressed skepticism about “happily ever after,” instead valuing authenticity and growth:

  • “I’ve stopped believing in happy endings. I’ve started believing in good days. At the end of my movie, there’s honesty. There’s truth. There’s peace.”
  • Barrymore emphasizes learning from past pain, finding joy in daily life, and embracing both triumphs and failures along the journey.
  • She continues to be a vocal advocate for maintaining optimistic perspectives, even after heartbreak.

Motherhood and New Priorities

Since her third divorce, Barrymore has found her deepest fulfillment in motherhood. She often credits her daughters for “showing her the truest form of love” and guiding her toward a more grounded, peaceful life.

  • Barrymore’s priority is co-parenting amicably, focusing on family wellness rather than traditional romantic “success.”
  • She remains close with her ex-husband Will Kopelman, celebrating family milestones together for the sake of their children.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many times has Drew Barrymore been married?

Drew Barrymore has been married three times: to Jeremy Thomas, Tom Green, and Will Kopelman.

Is Drew Barrymore currently in a relationship?

As of 2024, Barrymore has described herself as single and focused on motherhood and her career, despite a few brief rumored romances.

Does Drew Barrymore have children?

Yes, she has two daughters with her third husband, Will Kopelman: Olive (born 2012) and Frankie (born 2014).

What does Drew Barrymore say about marriage today?

Barrymore has been open about the challenges of love and marriage, expressing gratitude for the lessons learned and emphasizing the importance of daily happiness over fairy-tale endings.

Are Drew Barrymore and her exes on good terms?

Barrymore maintains amicable relationships with her former husbands, especially with Will Kopelman, as they focus on co-parenting. She’s also publicly shared friendly interactions with Tom Green.

Conclusion: Embracing the Journey

Drew Barrymore’s romantic history tells a story of early stardom, public scrutiny, heartache, resilience, and renewal. Across three marriages and other major romances, she’s learned to prioritize growth, honesty, and self-compassion—offering a perspective that’s as real and relatable as it is inspiring. Her journey is a testament to living—loving—without regret, and finding strength in each new day.

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Medha Deb
Medha DebCommerce Editor
Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.

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