Drew Barrymore has strict rule for her kids becoming actors

Drew Barrymore has a strict rule for her kids becoming actors.

The star started off her career in acting when she was only a young child herself, launching into fame as little Gertie in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.

A lot of Barrymore’s childhood was spent in the limelight, with her drug and alcohol abuse publicised in her young age. The now 49-year-old has been very open about these experiences, detailing them in her 1990 autobiography, Little Girl Lost.

The Charlie’s Angels star has a long list of film and TV work to her name since her breakthrough as a child actor but if her kids want to do the same, it seems they may have to wait a little while.

Drew Barrymore appeared in ET in the 80s. (Mark Sennet/Getty Images)

Barrymore is mum to Olive, 11, and Frankie, 10, who she shares with ex-husband, Will Kopelman. She’s previously been open about not buying Christmas presents for her daughters and doesn’t want them to be spoiled despite their affluent upbringing.

And the talk show host recently spoke to People about whether she’ll allow her children to go into acting careers.

“When I first had kids, I remember people asking me like, ‘Well, would you want your kids to go into the business?’ And it always gave me such a sad feeling, as if this business was so toxic,” she said.

The Scream star credits the ‘business’ for giving her ‘every opportunity under the sun’, adding that she ‘couldn’t appreciate [her] life more’.

Barrymore comes from a long line of actors with many of her grandparents and other family members all being in the acting industry. So, it may seem pretty fair that her kids would take an interest themselves.

Barrymore has two kids with her ex-husband, Will Kopelman. (Raymond Hall/GC Images/Getty Images)

“My kids ask me all the time - they would love to be in film or on social media or sing or whatever,” the star said.

“I always just say, ‘School plays, theatre camp, everything. But being in the public eye... it’s going to be when I think you’re ready.”

But Barrymore isn’t so sure yet when that would be, and it looks like Olive and Frankie may have to wait a few more years.

“As a parent, I would really love to support my kids when they’re older. What number is that? I don’t know, but it’s not 13 and it’s probably not 14,” she added.

Barrymore previously spoke on Demi Lovato’s 4D podcast about having firm rules to establish boundaries with her children.

She said: “Like, I’m your parent, I’m not your friend. You can be friendly and do activities; it’s not that it has to be this strict relationship.”