Drew Barrymore Reveals Divorce From Will Kopelman Was ‘Devastating’
Actress Drew Barrymore recently shared her profound sadness regarding her divorce from Will Kopelman.
Single Parenthood: A Major Challenge
During a recent episode of her daytime talk show, Barrymore, 50, expressed that the most difficult aspect of the separation was navigating life as a single parent.
Barrymore and Kopelman, who were married for four years, from 2012 to 2016, share two daughters: Olive, 12, and Frankie, 10.
Conversation with Moon Zappa
The discussion arose during an interview with author Moon Zappa, 57, promoting her new book, “Earth to Moon.”
Barrymore initiated the conversation by asking Zappa about the pressures faced by mothers: “Do you think that we are also so determined to be these capable, accountable, and trustworthy moms? Did you find yourself constantly second-guessing every little decision along the way?”
Zappa’s affirmative response prompted Barrymore to elaborate on her own experiences with parental guilt and the emotional impact of her divorce.
Drew Barrymore recently spoke about the emotional impact of becoming a single parent on her talk show. (Pictured in New York City in February)
Barrymore and her former husband, Will Kopelman, share daughters Olive, 12, and Frankie, 10. They were married from 2012 to 2016.
Non-Traditional Family Dynamics and Childhood Experiences
“It was all very devastating to me, and recovering took a significant amount of time, particularly because it deviated from the traditional family structure I had always envisioned,” Barrymore explained. “Growing up as I did, I desperately wanted that conventional family life for my children.”
The “Poison Ivy” star admitted to experiencing envy towards children from what she perceived as more conventional family backgrounds.
Recalling childhood memories, she shared with Zappa, “It’s the little things, like needing soup when you’re sick. I remember at school, kids would go to the office to call their parents when they felt unwell, but I could never reach anyone.”
“I felt such jealousy towards those kids who could call and say, ‘Mom, Dad, please come get me.’ I just sat there wondering, ‘What must that be like?’”
In a clip shared on social media, Barrymore attempted to highlight a potential benefit of their unconventional upbringings.
“Growing up in your household, there was immense freedom, a great deal of autonomy,” she noted.
Zappa responded with a wry nod, stating, “That’s a generous reinterpretation. Neglect, autonomy…”
She then revealed that her father, musician Frank Zappa, “was such a prolific philanderer that [her mother Gail] was driven to madness by it.”
“He was?” Barrymore inquired, surprised. “Oh yes, absolutely,” Zappa affirmed.
This revelation seemed to provide Barrymore with a new understanding. “Oh my goodness, that clarifies a lot,” she responded. “Thinking about it now, it makes complete sense. I sensed there was some craziness happening, which is probably why I felt so at home there.”
Barrymore described the divorce as a significant emotional setback as it strayed from her envisioned traditional family structure. (Pictured in New York City in March 2024)
Barrymore, who was previously estranged from her mother Jaid, 78, now expresses gratitude, stating, “If she hadn’t allowed me to explore all these areas, I wouldn’t have discovered who I am.”
“I thought, ‘This is my kind of place… bring on the crazy, I feel genuinely comfortable and secure here,'” Barrymore added.
“I did meet your mother,” Zappa acknowledged with empathy. “You knew my mom,” Barrymore confirmed, before offering another positive perspective.
“I adore my mom,” Barrymore stated. “I am incredibly thankful to her because if she hadn’t, in a way, permitted me to explore all these different paths, I wouldn’t have become the person I am today.”
Barrymore and her mother, Jaid, 78, had been estranged for many years but have since reconciled, with Barrymore establishing “firm boundaries,” according to reports.