Drew Barrymore began her career at such an early age, we can say she was practically born on stage. At just 11 months, she appeared in a Puppy Choice Dog Food commercial, and got her first movie role at the age of 2, playing a boy in Suddenly Love.

At 5, she appeared in Altered States, and made herself into a household name with the blockbuster E.T. She was described by good friend and director Steven Spielberg as a teenager who was "13 going on 29."

She was born into a family famous for its love of being in the spotlight. Her kin include the legendary Lionel, John and Ethel Barrymore. Troubled times came for Barrymore, when she tried alcohol for the first time at age 9, and marijuana at age 10. Soon after, she turned to cocaine, and stirred controversy with her near nude appearances in Far From Home, and was forced into ASAP Family Treatment Center, a drug rehab clinic.

She stole her mother's credit card, escaped the clinic, and made a break for the Westcoast. She was unsuccessful, however, and was returned to rehab by authorities. She made a special appearance in a television movie warning teens about the dangers of drug abuse, only to fall back into her addiction.

July 1989 was her all-time low; she unsuccessfully attempted suicide, and was sent back to rehab. She was finally able to overcome her addictions, and decided she no longer needed any parental aid. She divorced her mother at the age of 15, and posed nude for a magazine cover not much later than that.

Her career began its recovery with roles in Poison Ivy, 2000 Malibu Road, and The Amy Fisher Story. More nudity followed with an appearance in the 1995 issue of Play.boy, one of the most popular issues ever.

Her career continued to blossom, with roles in Mad Love, Batman Forever and Boys in the Side. A 1996 role in Scream and a critically acclaimed performance in Woody Allen's Everyone Says I Love You confirmed her return to the top of her profession. Further roles included The Wedding Singer with Adam Sandler, Ever After, Home Fries and Never Been Kissed, which she also produced.

Barrymore has continued to persevere through a lot of adversity. Her persistence and energy have helped her recover from the difficulties of growing up in front of the camera and the public eye, and have shaped her into the strong and determined woman she is today.