Drew Barrymore is advised to ‘give space’ to her guests following ‘intimate’ interviews
Drew Barrymore aims to make people feel “more at ease with physical touch” after receiving varied responses to her close-contact interviews.
The “50 First Dates” actress, 49, disclosed on Tuesday that she’s been cautioned against being too physically affectionate with her daytime talk show guests.
During a chat with “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo, Barrymore inquired whether it’s true that her co-star, Ariana Grande, is “as touchy” as she is. Erivo and Grande are known for holding hands frequently in their interviews for the hit musical.
“I’m really touchy,” Barrymore acknowledged. “People often tell me, ‘You might want to tone it down a bit.'”
She continued, “I’m single; I’m not seeing anyone. I don’t have that in my life. But I can’t imagine not holding hands, hugging, or being close to people.”
Erivo didn’t seem to mind the interaction; she and Barrymore held hands while discussing physical intimacy, with the Oscar nominee stating, “I’m like a friendly Capricorn who’s all about love and touch.”
Erivo suggested that many people are “too frightened” to engage in physical connection, thinking it must always be romantic, adding, “Physical touch is often how we communicate. … That’s how (Grande) and I relate sometimes.”
“If everyone could feel more at ease with physical touch, I would appreciate that,” Barrymore concurred.
Barrymore recently had a similar interactive interview with Grande on “The Drew Barrymore Show,” where they held hands several times during their discussion.
Barrymore is known for her notably tactile interviews, which have occasionally drawn criticism on social media.
Last year, a segment with Oprah Winfrey went viral after the two held hands and sat closely together, with one viewer remarking, “Drew has no concept of personal space, and I find it unsettling.”
Martha Stewart humorously acknowledged this feeling last month, lightly pushing Barrymore away when she got too close. “You’re the wrong gender,” Stewart joked.
In a discussion with Dax Shepard on his show in September, Barrymore admitted that “many people” tell her she is “too touchy.”
“It horrifies me when I hear that. But I just can’t help it,” she stated, while affectionately stroking Shepard’s arm.
Shepard, who agreed that Barrymore could touch him, added, “It’s a good thing you’re an average-sized woman. If you were a big guy doing this to everyone, it might come across differently.”