Drew Barrymore isn’t just Hollywood royalty — she’s also one of the most relatable sober voices in the spotlight. She’s been open about her recovery for years, and on her daytime talk show, she’s made it her mission to create conversations that are equal parts candid, heartfelt and sometimes laugh-out-loud awkward (in the best way).
What makes The Drew Barrymore Show stand out is how often Drew welcomes celebrities who are willing to talk about sobriety, resilience and everything in between. For those of us who live alcohol-free — or are just sober curious — seeing these stories play out on daytime TV feels groundbreaking. It’s daytime’s answer to “representation matters.”
Here’s our curated roundup of the sober stars who’ve sat on Drew’s couch and reminded us that recovery belongs in the mainstream.
Chet Hanks
Chet Hanks could have leaned on his famous last name forever, but instead he chose to lean into something harder: sobriety. In his first talk show interview, he went deep with Drew about how recovery shifted his perspective, grounded his career and gave him a sense of purpose outside of the Hollywood spotlight.
When promoting Running Point, he also admitted what it was like to navigate those early sober days — including Kate Hudson’s parties (yes, plural). His honesty proved what many of us know: staying sober in social circles full of champagne toasts takes guts, grit and a little humor.
Orville Peck
Behind the fringed mask is a cowboy crooner with a recovery story. Orville Peck opened up to Drew about sobriety and called himself a “human bridge,” connecting fans from all walks of life.
For Peck, sobriety isn’t just about stepping away from alcohol. It’s about stepping fully into his art, his fandom and his unapologetic authenticity. That’s a tune we’ll happily keep on repeat.
Lucy Hale
Lucy Hale could have kept it simple: “former teen drama star, now thriving.” Instead, she chose to tell Drew why she got sober — and why it mattered to do it publicly.
Hale explained that addiction thrives in secrecy, and sharing her story helps break that cycle. Her willingness to open up shows fans that life without alcohol isn’t about missing out. It’s about leveling up.
Stefanie Wilder-Taylor
Stefanie Wilder-Taylor has always been the kind of writer who says what everyone else is thinking, but her interview with Drew took it even deeper. She talked about her struggles with alcohol and the moment she knew something had to change.
Her message was blunt and refreshing: sobriety is not something to whisper about. By being transparent, she’s proving that recovery doesn’t have to live in the shadows — it can thrive in the spotlight.
Lena Dunham
Lena Dunham is no stranger to headlines, but her conversation with Drew centered on something bigger than her next project: the stigma around addiction.
She pointed out how many people never get the help they need because they feel undeserving of support. Dunham’s candor was a reminder that recovery starts with believing you’re worth it — a message daytime TV desperately needed.
Selma Blair
Yes, Selma Blair showed us how to make a killer caramelized apple topping on The Drew Barrymore Show. But off-camera, she’s also shared her choice to get sober — a decision that gave her the strength to navigate both Hollywood and her multiple sclerosis diagnosis.
Blair’s presence was a quiet reminder: recovery isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s steady, resilient and simmering, like those apples on Drew’s stovetop. #QUITLIT REVIEW: Mean Baby, A Memoir of Growing Up by Selma Blair
It’s also worth noting that Valerie Bertinelli is newly sober. What started as a Dry January challenge in 2024 has turned into a long-term lifestyle choice.
Demi Moore, Mary J. Blige, and Danny Trejo
Demi Moore reflected on surviving a tough childhood. #QUITLIT REVIEW: Demi Moore’s Memoir & Recovery Journey. Mary J. Blige reminded us that resilience is basically her middle name. And Danny Trejo — the man with more IMDB credits than most people have Instagram posts — shared what decades of sobriety have given him: longevity and a second chance at life.
These icons prove that recovery isn’t a detour. It’s often the main road to greatness.
Other Guests and Candid Moments
Not every appearance was about sobriety, but authenticity was always the throughline. Eva Mendes opened up about meeting Ryan Gosling. Anne Hathaway remembered chopping her hair for Les Misérables right before her wedding. Gary Oldman described being a single dad while anchoring Harry Potter and Batman. Lindsay Lohan shared how becoming a mom fulfilled her lifelong maternal instinct.
Even when sobriety wasn’t center stage, Drew’s show created an atmosphere where vulnerability thrived.
Why It Matters
Daytime TV is often built around cooking demos and celebrity gossip. But Barrymore has carved out a lane where recovery stories live alongside lighthearted moments. One minute it’s apple pie, the next it’s addiction stigma. That mix is exactly why her show resonates.
For people in recovery, seeing sober celebrities on television sends a powerful signal: you are not alone, and you don’t have to drink to succeed, shine or survive. For the sober curious, it normalizes the idea that opting out of alcohol is not radical — it’s just another path to living fully.
At The Sober Curator, we’ve been following many of these stories long before they hit the daytime circuit. Watching Drew amplify them is proof that sobriety isn’t just “having a moment.” It’s part of the cultural conversation — and it’s not going anywhere.
Conclusion: Drew’s Legacy in Progress
Drew Barrymore is more than an interviewer. She’s part of a cultural shift. By using her platform to highlight sobriety, she’s helping millions of viewers reframe addiction and recovery.
Her guests — from up-and-comers like Chet Hanks to legends like Mary J. Blige — remind us that sobriety is not an ending, but a beginning. And if Drew has anything to say about it, recovery will keep trending until it’s no longer a headline — it’s just part of the story.
On a personal note, I once met Drew during her Wildflower book tour. When I walked up to the signing table, I completely lost my composure and squealed, “I LOVE YOU.” Without missing a beat, she looked up, smiled that signature Drew smile, and cheered back, “I LOVE YOU TOO.” While I’m sure it was a moment she’ll never remember, it’s one I’ll never forget. And maybe that’s the secret to her magic — she makes everyone feel seen, heard and loved, even in the smallest of moments.
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