In a recent episode of her daytime talk show, Drew Barrymore candidly revealed an intriguing behind-the-scenes anecdote from the filming of the 1999 romantic comedy "Never Been Kissed." Playing the insecure copy editor Josie, who had never experienced a real relationship, Barrymore found herself at a crossroads in her career as the film marked the inaugural project under her production banner, Flower Films.
"During that era, actors venturing into producing roles were met with skepticism," Barrymore reminisced. "The waters were untested, and simply being an actor didn't automatically qualify you for the intricacies of filmmaking. Economics played a pivotal role; if your film didn't pan out, your chances of producing again were slim."
"I was constantly on edge throughout the filming process," she continued. "Every moment was fraught with anxiety, knowing that if the movie didn't succeed, it could be our only chance. Despite the fun we had on set, my stomach was constantly in knots. Then, I would receive calls from the studio, urging me to tone down my appearance, saying things like, 'You're looking too unattractive. Please, rein it in.' And my response was always, 'Great!' But they'd quickly clarify, 'No, no, it's going too far.' So, I ultimately obliged and dialed back my performance, albeit reluctantly."
Barrymore explained that her decision to adjust her portrayal of Josie was only made when the studio appealed to her artistic sensibilities rather than her ego. "They said, 'We don't want you to lose the heart of the character by overdoing it for the comedy,'" she recalled. "And I thought, 'That's a fair point. Let me pull back a little.' And that's how you see Josie in the film - a more restrained version of me, and it worked. We were incredibly lucky, and I'm incredibly grateful. I walked around in disbelief that it all came together and that we got a second chance."
"Never Been Kissed" has since become one of Barrymore's most enduring and beloved films. Starring opposite David Arquette, Michael Vartan, Leelee Sobieski, Jeremy Jordan, Molly Shannon, and John C. Reilly, the romantic comedy received rave reviews upon its release, particularly praising Barrymore's lead performance.
"A charming romantic comedy with an engaging storyline and a star-studded cast, 'Never Been Kissed' solidifies Drew Barrymore's winning streak," read a review from Variety. "Barrymore shines throughout, exuding charm and vulnerability, particularly in her hilariously honest dance floor antics after unknowingly ingesting her first hash brownie. She brings Josie to life as a thoroughly relatable and endearing heroine."
