Fellow NPR listeners may have heard Terry Gross interviewing Drew Barrymore this week in anticipation of Saturday's premiere of HBO's Grey Gardens, a dramatized version of the 1975 documentary about Big and Little Edie Beale, aunt and cousin to Jackie O. whose existence descended into abject squalor.
I actually find Terry Gross's voice terribly smug, I don't like her giggly laugh, and I think she often cuts people off/interrupts them rudely. But, I listen to her show because she does interview some really amazing people - accomplished artists, actors, thinkers, influencers. I suppose people listen because of the great line-up and the great line-up comes because of the large audience. Talk about network effect!
I was really surprised and impressed to listen to Drew explaining her approach to her character, the "anguish" over estranged relationship with her mother, and how the legacy of being born into a family of actors has made acting an integral part of her soul's creative outlet. I know a lot of people assume Drew is kind of a ditz based on her roles in an endless string of romcoms, but I thought she sounded incredibly educated, drawing on a wider and more descriptive vocabulary than most people I know.
I've also got nothing but admiration for how she went from drug-addicted wild child to stylish 20-something to confident, mature businesswoman/producer... and now to thoughtful director. She's accomplished more in her first 30 years than I hope to accomplish in my lifetime, for real.
Listen to the full interview (34 min.) here.
EDIT: On another note, how do I get a hooded silk jumpsuit like the one Drew's wearing in that picture!?