7 Surprising Ways Drew Barrymore’s Daughters, Olive And Frankie, Are Changing Her Life In 2025

Drew Barrymore’s journey from a tumultuous childhood star to a successful actress, producer, and talk show host has culminated in what she calls her most important role: being a mother to her two daughters, Olive and Frankie. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the girls are growing up quickly, with Olive now 12 and Frankie 11, and their presence is the 'north star' guiding every decision the star makes, especially as she navigates a modern, non-traditional family dynamic with their father, Will Kopelman.

The public rarely sees the two girls, a deliberate choice by the actress to shield them from the intense spotlight that defined her own youth. However, Barrymore has been increasingly open about her unique parenting style, her hard-and-fast rules—like her strict stance on cell phones—and how the girls' personalities are shaping her life, career, and her popular talk show, The Drew Barrymore Show. This is an in-depth look at the lives of Olive and Frankie and the fresh details of their family life.

Drew Barrymore: A Mother’s Biography and Family Lineage

Drew Blythe Barrymore is a name synonymous with Hollywood royalty, yet her path has been anything but traditional. Born on February 22, 1975, in Culver City, California, she is a member of the legendary Barrymore family of American actors, which includes her grandfather, John Barrymore. Her early life was marked by immediate fame following her iconic role in Steven Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), leading to a turbulent childhood that she has often discussed openly.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

Her experience growing up, which involved early exposure to adult situations and a difficult relationship with her parents, is the single most significant factor influencing how she chooses to raise her own children today. She has stated that her desire is to give Olive and Frankie the stable, traditional childhood she never had.

Key Biographical Facts:

• Full Name: Drew Blythe Barrymore
• Born: February 22, 1975 (Age 49 as of late 2024)
• Birthplace: Culver City, California
• Parents: John Drew Barrymore and Ildiko Jaid Barrymore
• Notable Films: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Firestarter, The Wedding Singer, 50 First Dates, Charlie's Angels
• Business Ventures: Founder of Flower Films production company, Flower Beauty, and host of The Drew Barrymore Show.
• Marriages: Jeremy Thomas (1994–1995), Tom Green (2001–2002), and Will Kopelman (2012–2016).

The Private Lives of Olive and Frankie Barrymore Kopelman

Drew Barrymore shares her two daughters with her third ex-husband, art consultant Will Kopelman. While the divorce in 2016 was "heavy, painful and sad," the two have developed what Drew describes as a successful, loving co-parenting relationship, focusing entirely on the well-being of the girls.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

The girls are rarely seen in the media, a conscious decision by both parents to ensure their privacy and allow them to grow up outside of the Hollywood bubble. However, the details Drew shares on her talk show and in interviews offer a clear picture of their personalities and milestones.

1. Olive Barrymore Kopelman: The Eldest Daughter

Olive, born in September 2012, is the elder of the two sisters, making her 12 years old as of late 2024. Drew has described Olive as thoughtful and possessing a unique, expressive spirit. In a heartwarming moment that went viral, Olive and Frankie surprised their mother for her 50th birthday on The Drew Barrymore Show with a heartfelt gift, showcasing their close bond.

Drew has shared that Olive is a great student and is beginning to navigate the pre-teen years. Her dedication to keeping the girls grounded is reflected in the little things, like their shared enjoyment of mundane activities, such as driving to the gas station together.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

2. Frankie Barrymore Kopelman: The Younger Sister

Frankie, born in April 2014, is the younger daughter, currently 11 years old. Drew has referred to Frankie as her "North Star" and "purpose," emphasizing how motherhood completely reoriented her life.

Frankie is often described as having a lively, spirited personality. The sisters are reportedly very close, and their contrasting personalities—one perhaps more reserved and the other more outgoing—create a balanced dynamic that Drew cherishes. Her focus remains on ensuring both girls feel loved and secure, despite their "untraditional family dynamic" post-divorce.

Drew’s Hard-and-Fast Parenting Rules and Philosophy (2024/2025 Updates)

Drew Barrymore’s parenting philosophy is a direct response to her own chaotic upbringing. She is determined to provide a structured, loving, and stable environment for her girls. Her approach is characterized by transparency, consistency, and a surprising strictness in certain key areas.

The Strict Cell Phone Ban and Digital Boundaries

In a highly publicized stance in May 2024, Drew reiterated her hard-and-fast rule: her daughters will not receive cell phones until they are much older, likely well into their teens. This decision is rooted in her desire to protect their childhood innocence and mental health, a stark contrast to her own early exposure to adult life. She shows solidarity with other parents struggling with this modern dilemma, stating that she knows this boundary is "what's best for them."

This commitment to digital boundaries extends to social media, which the girls are also shielded from, maintaining their private lives away from the constant scrutiny of public opinion.

Co-Parenting with Love: The Kopelman Connection

A key entity in the girls' lives is their father, Will Kopelman. Despite the divorce, Drew and Will have cultivated a successful co-parenting strategy. They prioritize their children above all else, often spending holidays and special occasions together as a family. Drew has publicly praised Will and his new wife, Alexandra Michler, for creating a blended family environment that is supportive and full of love.

This commitment to a harmonious post-divorce relationship ensures Olive and Frankie have consistent access to both parents and a stable family unit, even if it doesn't fit the "traditional family dynamic."

The Influence of Steven Spielberg and the ‘Game Time’ Mentality

Drew has often cited director Steven Spielberg, who cast her in E.T., as one of the few positive parental figures in her early life. This lack of a traditional parental guide has made her hyper-aware of her own role. She refers to motherhood as a "game time thing," where the stakes are incredibly high, and it forces her to be a better, more present version of herself.

Her ability to be transparent about her struggles and her past, a trait she noted in 2024, is what she believes makes her a better parent. She is open about the difficulty of the role, stating there is nothing more "humbling" than having kids.

The Future: How Olive and Frankie Inspire The Drew Barrymore Show

The actress’s professional life, particularly The Drew Barrymore Show, is heavily influenced by her daughters. She has used the platform to discuss parenting challenges, interview experts like Dr. Aliza Pressman, and share stories that resonate with her audience of modern mothers.

Drew has expressed that she believes she was "put on this planet to raise girls," and her mission now is to use her voice to inspire them and other women. Her show often features segments dedicated to motherly love and celebrating women, directly stemming from the inspiration she draws from Olive and Frankie.

As Olive and Frankie enter their pre-teen years, their mother continues to fiercely protect their privacy while simultaneously using her public platform to share the universal truths of modern parenthood. Her daughters are not just her children; they are the catalyst for her personal growth, her career focus, and her commitment to creating a life defined by stability, love, and strict, intentional boundaries.