Drew Barrymore, the amazing young actress who rose to fame with her role in the blockbuster film E.T., made her first appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Just seven years old at the time, Drew captured the audience’s attention with her charm and wit.
As she made her entrance, Drew stumbled on the step, causing a wave of laughter from the audience. Johnny Carson, always quick on his feet, joked about her mishap, mentioning that other guests had fallen on the same step in the past. Drew attributed her slip to her new, slippery shoes.
During the interview, Drew revealed that she sometimes picks out her own clothes and enjoys expressing her unique style. She also mentioned that she stays up late to watch The Tonight Show, specifically to see Johnny Carson, which surprised him. The young actress demonstrated her understanding of some of the jokes, fitting right in with the adult conversation.
Johnny Carson praised Drew’s healthy and lively appearance, and she mentioned her love for aerobics and dancing. She even shared a funny anecdote about dancing while her mom was constantly on the telephone. Drew’s outgoing personality and genuine enthusiasm charmed both Johnny Carson and the audience.
The conversation veered toward swimming, and Drew admitted her love for toys but expressed her hesitation to swim due to the cold water. She discussed how she tried scuba diving, but the goggles were too big, causing water to get in her eyes. Her candidness and relatable stories endeared her even more to the audience.
Johnny Carson called for a commercial break, and when they returned, he engaged in a playful conversation about Drew’s teeth. She displayed her retainer and playfully admitted that she wore it for alignment purposes. Johnny Carson praised Drew’s honesty, remarking that most women would not openly discuss wearing a retainer.
Drew’s appearance on The Tonight Show also touched on her experience filming E.T. She shared her initial hesitation to audition for the movie Poltergeist due to its scary nature but was eventually offered a role in E.T. Steven Spielberg, the director, interviewed her to ensure she could convey awe and wonderment, which was essential for the movie. Drew impressed Spielberg with her ability to scream and practiced at home to perfect her terrifying scream for the film.
The conversation then shifted to Drew’s family background in acting. She mentioned that her grandfather was the great actor John Barrymore but admitted that she did not enjoy one of his movies, as it was too scary. Drew attributed her affinity for acting to her family legacy.
Before the end of the show, Drew expressed her admiration for Dudley Moore and even sang a song she had composed about his cute face. Johnny Carson was thrilled by her performance and praised her talent.
As the interview concluded, Drew received an open invitation to return to The Tonight Show anytime she wished. Johnny Carson thanked her for her delightful presence and humor and playfully reminded her not to forget her teeth, referring to her retainer.
Drew Barrymore‘s first appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson was a memorable and lively conversation. Her natural charisma and candidness endeared her to both the audience and the legendary host himself. It was clear that Drew had a bright future ahead in the entertainment industry.
Air date: 28/07/1982 00:00:00
Originally aired on July 28, 1982
