Drew Barrymore’s Evolving Love Story: From Wild Open Relationships to Redefining Romance

Hollywood icon Drew Barrymore, now 49, has consistently captivated audiences, not just with her versatile acting career, but also with her remarkably candid approach to her personal life. Recently, the beloved actress and talk show host openly discussed her “young and wild” past, which famously included an open relationship with actor Luke Wilson, 52. This revealing conversation unfolded during an episode of The Drew Barrymore Show, where she reminisced with her long-time friend, Kate Hudson, 45, offering a rare glimpse into a lesser-known chapter of her vibrant romantic history.

The discussion brought to light a period when both Barrymore and Hudson were navigating their early twenties, immersing themselves in the bustling world of Hollywood. “When we first met, we were young and wild,” the 50 First Dates star shared with Hudson, underscoring the formative nature of their friendship amidst a backdrop of burgeoning careers and youthful adventures. Their shared history, rich with laughter, challenges, and evolving perspectives, provided the perfect foundation for such a frank and honest exchange on air.

Kate Hudson and Drew go WAY back. Back to a bar in Santa Monica when Drew was in (what ended up being) an open relationship with Luke Wilson.

Watch more: https://t.co/zdNWnaGGAB pic.twitter.com/1EuSF2FFl

— The Drew Barrymore Show (@DrewBarrymoreTV) January 27, 2022

The specific anecdote that captured widespread attention revolved around a memorable evening at Chez Jay’s, a historic bar and restaurant in Santa Monica. “I think it was at a bar/restaurant … Chez Jay’s in Santa Monica, with Luke [Wilson],” the Almost Famous star, Kate Hudson, recalled, setting the scene for Barrymore’s revelation. Hudson was reportedly in attendance because she was filming Alex & Emma with Luke Wilson at the time, providing a tangible link to the period. Drew, in her characteristically forthright manner, admitted her reason for being there was a romantic connection with Luke. “I was dating him,” she confessed, quickly adding a crucial clarification that redefined the narrative: “but I think he was also dating other people.”

Drew was swift to emphasize that this was not a tale of heartbreak or betrayal, but rather a reflection of a different approach to relationships in their formative years. “It was an open relationship; we were young,” the Never Been Kissed star explained with a nostalgic smile. “We’re just young, we’re having fun, we’re all playing, acting, hanging out. You’re not taking it all so seriously, and it was fun and we had the best time.” This period, likely in late 2002 or early 2003, saw Drew at 27 and Luke at 31, a time when both were enjoying burgeoning careers and exploring personal freedom without the intense scrutiny they would later face. It highlights a common sentiment among young adults in creative fields, where boundaries can be fluid, and experiences are often prioritized over conventional commitments.

Drew Barrymore’s Journey Through Monogamy and Marriage

While her open relationship with Luke Wilson was a snapshot of a particular phase, Drew Barrymore’s romantic history also includes several deeply personal and public monogamous relationships and marriages. Her quest for lasting love has been a significant part of her narrative, demonstrating a continuous evolution in her understanding of partnership and commitment. Over the years, Drew has been married three times, each union bringing its own set of lessons and experiences that have profoundly shaped her perspective.

Her first marriage was in 1994 to bartender Jerry Thomas. This whirlwind romance, which saw Drew at a young 19, lasted only two months before they separated, setting an early precedent for the intense public interest in her personal life. Despite its brevity, this period was indicative of Drew’s passionate nature and her willingness to dive headfirst into new experiences.

Years later, in 2001, she tied the knot with comedian Tom Green. Their relationship was highly publicized, known for its quirky charm and unconventional public appearances. They starred together in the film Freddy Got Fingered, a testament to their unique bond and shared creative spirit. However, this marriage also proved to be short-lived, with the couple splitting in 2002, just prior to her casual relationship with Luke Wilson. Despite the separation, Drew has spoken fondly of Tom Green in subsequent years, acknowledging the profound connection they once shared.

Her third and longest marriage was to art consultant Will Kopelman. They wed in 2012, marking a more mature and settled phase in Drew’s life. This union brought with it the profound joy of motherhood, as they welcomed two beautiful daughters: Olive Barrymore Kopelman, now 11, and Frankie Barrymore Kopelman, now 9. Drew often speaks about her children as the most important people in her life, and her role as a mother has become a central part of her identity. Although the marriage to Kopelman ended in divorce in 2016, they maintain an amicable co-parenting relationship, prioritizing their daughters’ well-being above all else. This demonstrated a significant shift in Drew’s approach to relationships and family, emphasizing respect and collaboration even after a marriage concludes.

Redefining Love: Drew’s Modern Approach to Dating and Relationships

Following her most recent divorce from Will Kopelman, Drew Barrymore embarked on a significant four-year hiatus from dating. This period was crucial for her to heal, focus on her children, and rediscover herself outside of a romantic partnership. Now single, and having re-entered the dating world, Drew faces new challenges, particularly those exacerbated by the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic. Her experiences have instilled in her a clear set of expectations and boundaries, profoundly influencing her perspective on finding love again.

During a candid conversation with Bobby Berk on an episode of The Drew Barrymore Show, she articulated a firm stance on her future romantic endeavors. “I would maybe live with someone again maybe, but I’ve had kids, and there’s no way. I will never, ever, ever, ever get married,” she asserted. This declaration, delivered with conviction, stems from a deep understanding of her priorities and a desire to protect the stability and happiness of her daughters. For Drew, the institution of marriage no longer aligns with her vision of a healthy, fulfilling life, particularly given the added complexities of blending families and enduring the scrutiny of public life.

Her decision to abstain from marriage is not born of cynicism but rather a pragmatic approach to life shaped by her past experiences. Drew values independence and the freedom to define her relationships on her own terms. She has openly discussed the difficulties of dating as a public figure and a mother, highlighting the need for genuine connection and understanding. The pandemic further complicated this, making traditional dating methods challenging and prompting a reliance on digital platforms, which come with their own unique set of filters and expectations. Yet, through it all, Drew maintains an optimistic outlook, believing that love can take many forms and does not necessarily need to conform to societal norms.

Her philosophy underscores a growing trend among individuals, particularly women, who are redefining what committed relationships look like. It’s about finding companionship and emotional intimacy without the pressures and expectations traditionally associated with marriage. For Drew, her children remain her utmost priority, and any romantic relationship must enhance, not detract from, their well-being. This modern approach to love reflects a profound sense of self-awareness and a commitment to creating a life that is authentically her own, filled with joy, connection, and peace.

The Drew Barrymore Show: A Platform for Authenticity

The Drew Barrymore Show has become a vital platform for Drew to share her life’s lessons, engage in meaningful conversations, and connect with her audience on a deeply personal level. Her willingness to discuss her “wild” past, her evolving dating life, and her firm future relationship choices exemplifies the show’s ethos of authenticity and vulnerability. Through honest dialogue with guests like Kate Hudson and Bobby Berk, Drew not only entertains but also inspires viewers to embrace their own stories and journeys.

The show allows her to explore themes of self-discovery, motherhood, and the complexities of human connection, making her a relatable figure for millions. Her openness about her past relationships, including the unique dynamic with Luke Wilson and her reflections on her marriages, provides valuable insights into personal growth and resilience. It reinforces the idea that life is a continuous learning process, and that evolving one’s perspectives on love and commitment is a natural part of that journey. Drew Barrymore continues to be a beacon of positivity and strength, proving that with authenticity and self-love, one can navigate even the most challenging aspects of life with grace and humor.