A raw, eye-opening conversation
Young entertainers Demi Lovato and Drew Barrymore disclose that they were provided illegal substances during their childhood years.
By Fatou Ferraro MboupPublished: Sep 18, 2024 at 12:41 PM
Quick read:
Demi Lovato's documentary, Child Star, brings former child actors together to discuss the harsh realities of growing up as entertainment industry prodigies. In an emotional conversation, Demi and Drew Barrymore spoke candidly about their struggles with substances, mental health, and the pressure they faced from a young age.
Demi Lovato and Drew Barrymore recently sat down for an unfiltered chat about the dark side of child stardom in Lovato's latest documentary, Child Star. The pair took a deep dive into their pasts, revealing the struggles and extreme pressures they faced during their rise to fame.
With tears in her eyes, Barrymore, now 49, spoke frankly about how her childhood molded her: "The sheer volume of feelings I've had since you told me you were making this ... certain behaviors and people in my life played a big part in my rebellious years." Barrymore, who started acting at just 11 months old, added that though she takes responsibility for her actions, she can't ignore the outside influences that contributed to her struggles: "I'm very accountable, but I can't deny the role that others played in my path."
Lovato, 32, responded empathetically, acknowledging the difficulty of not blaming others when faced with such external factors: "It's hard not to blame someone when you're getting drugs from them at a young age."
Barrymore revealed she was only 10 when she was first introduced to drugs, sharing that she used to get high with her mother's friend at that age. Reflecting on her own childhood as a mother of a 10-year-old daughter, Barrymore described her past as "unimaginable," though she admitted, "That's just how I grew up."
Both celebrities have been vocal about their battles with substance abuse. For Barrymore, those challenges escalated at 13, when her mother placed her in an institution to regain control of her life. Barrymore credits that experience with saving her, stating in a 2020 episode of The Drew Barrymore Show: "That place really did help me, and it did save my life. I wouldn't change a thing."
Lovato's documentary, Child Star, not only delves into the complex lives of former child stars but also sheds light on the impact of their early fame on their futures. In another segment, Lovato speaks with Casper star Christina Ricci, who admitted to turning to drugs and alcohol at a young age because she didn't know any other way to be happy. Lovato also discussed the ease of finding drugs while she was a Disney star, describing it as the only method she knew to cope.
Child Star, directed by Lovato and Nicola Marsh, brings together former child actors like Barrymore, Ricci, Alyson Stoner, Raven-Symone, Kenan Thompson, and JoJo Siwa, to explore the effects of early fame on their lives and careers. The film offers an unapologetic and emotional look into the hardships and harrowing realities of growing up in the spotlight.
Now streaming on Hulu, Child Star is a must-watch for anyone interested in the hidden struggles of Hollywood's young stars.
Behind the Scenes
- Demi Lovato's documentary, Child Star provides an in-depth look at the complex lives of former child stars and the impact of their early fame on their futures.
- The film brings together various former child actors like Drew Barrymore, Christina Ricci, and JoJo Siwa, to share their personal struggles and the challenging pressures they faced during their young careers.
- The candid conversations in Child Star underscore the systemic challenges child actors face within the entertainment industry and the long-lasting effects of growing up under such harsh conditions.
- In an emotional conversation, Demi Lovato and Drew Barrymore discussed the intense pressures and external influences they contended with during their rise to fame, including substances, mental health issues, and the lack of support they received.
- Drew Barrymore reveals that she was given substances as young as 10 years old by her mother's friend, and she struggled with addiction and mental health throughout her career.
- Demi Lovato has been open about her own struggles with addiction, bulimia, and traumatic experiences tied to her youth as a Disney Channel star.
Sources:
[1] Los Angeles Times (2021). "Demi Lovato says her Disney Channel management exploited her youth." https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2021-05-14/demi-lovato-management-exploited-young-talent
[2] Billboard (2021). "Drew Barrymore Talks Suicide, Addiction, and Finding Herself." https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/drew-barrymore/9595479/drew-barrymore-suicide-addiction-finding-herself/
[3] People (2021). "Demi Lovato Thinks Modern Child Actors Look 'Miserable'." https://people.com/movies/demi-lovato-thinks-modern-child-actors-look-miserable/
[4] Variety (2021). "Demi Lovato to Direct Documentary About Child Stars’ Mental Health Struggles." https://variety.com/2021/film/news/demi-lovato-to-direct-documentary-about-child-stars-mental-health-struggles-1235082405/
[5] Hulu (2024). "Demi Lovato’s Child Star Brings Former Child Stars Together to Discuss Their Struggles with Mental Health and the Impact of Early Fame." https://www.hulu.com/a/press/2024/child-star-demi-lovato.html
In the candid conversations featured in Demi Lovato's documentary, Child Star, celebrities such as Drew Barrymore and Demi Lovato share their personal struggles with substances, mental health, and the pressure they faced from a young age, shedding light on the wider issues within pop-culture and the entertainment industry as a whole.
The pair, who have both been open about their battles with addiction, reflect on their pasts, acknowledging the role external influences, like drugs and lack of support, played in shaping their experiences as child celebrities in entertainment's pop-culture landscape.
