John Drew Barrymore was born on April 4, 1932, in Los Angeles, California, as part of a legendary acting family. His father, John Barrymore, was a well-known actor, and his mother, Dolores Costello, was an actress as well. With such a strong background in the entertainment industry, it's no surprise that John Drew Barrymore followed in their footsteps and pursued a career in Hollywood.
Despite his family's success, Barrymore's journey to fame was not easy. At the age of 17, he ran away from home to pursue his dream of becoming an actor. He signed a movie contract and was cast in his first leading roles, but he ultimately abandoned them, leading to a rocky start to his career.
Throughout his life, Barrymore struggled with personal issues and legal troubles that made it difficult for him to maintain a stable career in Hollywood. Despite the support of his family, including his daughter Drew Barrymore, he often found himself in trouble with the law, making studios hesitant to hire him.
Despite his challenges, Barrymore did find some success in the film industry. Some of his notable films include "The Centurion," "Thunderbird," and "High School Confidential." He also had a brief marriage to actress Cara Williams from 1952 to 1959.
As the years went on, Barrymore became increasingly estranged from his family, but his daughter Drew still had fond memories of him. In a statement after his death, she described him as a "cool cat" and asked people to smile when they thought of him.
Overall, John Drew Barrymore's life was a complicated and tumultuous journey. Despite his struggles, he was able to leave a lasting impact on the film industry and his family. His legacy as a member of the iconic Barrymore acting dynasty will always be remembered in Hollywood history.