Drew Barrymore Shares the Truth Behind Her Decades-Long Friendship With Cameron Diaz

Ever since they met, these stars have been inseparable. Despite their hectic schedules, Cameron and Drew have remained best friends for years - decades, actually. Here's a closer look behind closed doors.

Through Thick and Thin

For decades Drew Barrymore and Cameron Diaz have been extremely close. And while many fans believe the two actresses met during the filming of Charlie's Angels, they had actually been friends before the movie.

Their friendship is more than any other Hollywood friendship, these two have withstood the test of time. From kids, marriages, movie sets, and more, through it all, Drew and Cameron have remained best friends! But there is more to their bond than meets the eye.

Charlie's Angels

When many people think of Cameron and Diaz together, they arguably are taken back to the year 2000 when these two celebs co-starred alongside Lucy Liu in the hit action-comedy Charlie's Angels. It was here that their friendship truly began to develop.

But that wasn't the only good thing that came out of the reboot. The girl trio was so beloved, and the box office grossed $264 million dollars that the film got the opportunity to have a sequel in 2003. The film had become a cultural legacy thanks to the three gal pals' chemistry both on and off-screen.

Three Leading Ladies

Drew, Cameron, and Lucy revealed that being on the set together and filming the iconic move was unreal! It was a pivotal moment for the three stars in their career. Especially because in past action movies, the female lead was attempted by the writers to be portrayed as more masculine - and in this movie, it wasn't.

Liu told The Morning Call, "Our movie isn't like G.I. Jane, where they took the femininity away from the woman." Drew also said, "Only men got to do the cool action movies. So I thought, 'Maybe I'll get to produce one day and get to do cool stuff too,' which is what happened when we did Charlie's Angels."

"An Unfortunate Circumstance"

Despite the good energy on the set, there were a few hardships they had to overcome regarding their real-life friendships. Because despite the fact that the three women got along great, Lucy and the male lead, Bill Murray, unfortunately, did not see eye to eye.

Drew revealed in 2021 to the New York Post, “What really happened was Bill was just in a - you know, comedians can be a little dark sometimes - and he just came in a bad mood. What you have to know is how much Lucy stood up for herself, and that was the great thing that came out of an unfortunate circumstance.”

The Only Exception

Cameron and Drew's friendship didn't just blossom while acting - they went on to stay in close touch over the years. In fact, they became such good friends that Cameron became the only person that Drew let sleep in her bed - something that the child star takes very seriously.

"I don't like co-sleeping with anyone; it's a thing," Barrymore confessed. "If it's, like, a lover, then obviously that's different, but no friends... but this one... oh my gosh," she continued to explain. "I mean, yeah, we've been everywhere together."

When Worlds Collide

Sadly, the two actresses haven't been in many films together since the 2003 sequel of Charlie's Angels, but that doesn't mean they don't make time to reach out amongst their busy schedules. So when they are finally seen together, fans are ecstatic to see they are still close.

In fact, in 2021, when the duo posted a picture on Instagram revealing that Cameron would be a guest on The Drew Barrymore Show, fans were buzzing. One person even wrote, "I love that you are both aging gracefully, and you look beautiful!" Another enthused, "The best friendship!"

Their Secret Nicknames

Many revelations were made when the two came together for Drew's birthday episode on her show, where they talked about their lives, career, and friendships. But arguably, the most shocking one was when they shared the nickname they have for each other: poo poo.

“It started out as classic boy humor, and it just evolved into a true term of endearment. And then it just stuck… we love it… it will never change,” Drew explained. “We call each other Poo Poo. I call her Poo Poo. She’s in my phone as Poo Poo,” Cameron added.

The Big Break

Today, the women are probably two of Hollywood's most well-known actresses. But Drew's career actually started when she was a young girl. With the majority of her family in the industry, it wasn't long before she herself was pushed into the spotlight.

In 1982, when she was just six years old, Drew was cast to play Gertie in the iconic film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. From there, her profession as a child star in Hollywood flowered. Though she became known for playing the "bad girl" in most of her roles.

Switching Gears

Eventually, the image that critics placed on her in the 80s changed as her skills in acting developed and she grew. By the time the end of the 1990s rolled around, Drew was performing in various types of roles and movies. Her range as an actress was quite impressive.

When she was 25 years old, the actress was brought on as the lead of Charlie's Angels. From there, she went on to be offered parts in more serious films, including Riding in Cars with Boys and Donnie Darko. These new types of roles helped launch her career into a whole new realm. 

Small-Screen Success

But Drew didn't just stick to movie acting - as the years went on, she also dipped her toes into television shows. And surprise, surprise, she was succeeding at that as well! In 2009, she received numerous awards for her part in the drama-documentary Grey Gardens.

The 47-year-old star was also a major part of Family Guy for a couple of years as the voice of Jillian. By 2017 she was given a lead role on Netflix's thriller horror-comedy series, Santa Clarity Diet. But by the time 2020 had come around, she had moved away from acting and begun her own talk show. As for her celebrity BFF?

Parallel Lives

While Drew was headed to celebrity-filled parties and movie sets at the young age of 6, Cameron was living a pretty average life. She described herself as an "adventurous, independent and a tough kid." So at 16 years old, she decided to see the world. And soon enough, she was off on a new adventure.

She traveled to many places like Japan, Australia, Mexico, Morocco, and Paris, until finally, 5 years later, she made her way back to her hometown of Los Angeles, California. It was then that she started modeling before trying out acting. And in 1994 she was cast in her debut film: The Mask.

Rise to The Top

Although Cameron had no experience acting, she was offered the lead role opposite famed actor, Jim Carrey. Luckily, the movie was a major success - but that didn't mean it was smooth sailing from there. For a few years, she took on small roles as she gained skills and knowledge in acting.

Finally, in 1997, she landed a part in My Best Friend’s Wedding alongside Julia Roberts and Michael O'Neal. But it wasn't until the movie There’s Something About Mary came out that she truly became a household name. And from there, her fame grew even more when she was placed on the "Sexiest Woman" list.

Goodbye Hollywood

Cameron's career was going strong for nearly two decades before she seemingly vanished from the industry. It was a mystery as to why - until finally, she revealed in 2020 to Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop: "[I] decided to stop making movies and really focus on my personal life, my personal relationships, my family, my friends."

Yet, after 8 years away from the spotlight, she came out of retirement to appear in an upcoming project that is set to be released this year. The 49-year-old actress will be starring alongside Jamie Foxx, with whom she ironically worked in 2014 for her last role in Annie.

Looking Back

As for where she stood with Drew? Both stars went on to build unbelievable careers after Charlie's Angels. And although they weren't exactly on the same path, they made sure to make time for each other whenever they could. It was a friendship that neither one wanted to ever lose.

But funny enough, it actually wasn't in 2000 when these two were first introduced to one another. In fact, they mentioned again in 2021 during an Instagram Live that their relationship actually first bloomed way back when they were both just in their teenage years.

From Server to Soul-Sister

Well, where did it all begin? The truth about where they met was first revealed in 2013. "She was 16, and I was 14 when we became friends," Drew told Katie Couric. "We were both LA kids. I worked in a coffeehouse, and she was a model, I served her coffee, and we had mutual friends, and we just knew each other from around town."

She added, "I will say this about her - she was always kind. Someone who looks like that, they could have an attitude, and she was the opposite. She was friendly and goofy and really nice." So when they grew up and Drew was casting for Charlie's Angels, she knew that Cameron was a perfect choice. And thus, history was made.

“We’re Here To Talk”

Drew shared the story yet again with her fans last year. She explained that it had been years since the first encounter, and yet still, they remained closer than ever. “She’s still my bestie and sister - sistie? That’s a new word. That’s Cameron Diaz. We’re here to talk, and we have things to talk about!” 

"Cameron and I have lived together in so many places, all over the world together, and she has always been the chef, she's the best cook ever," Drew revealed on Instagram Live before the two made her famous "really quick" and "super easy" air-fried zucchini fries.

Behind All the Glamour

"We've experienced birth, life, death, marriage, divorce - highs and lows, work, boyfriends, friends, travel - there is nothing we haven't done together," Drew added. This wasn't the first time she gushed about her admiration for her BFF. In 2020, Drew had Cameron and Lucy, their former co-star, on her talk show.

"The thing that I love about our friendship is that we have been there in all the big and important moments," she said. "We've also been there in the small moments and the casual moments, and the reason we are such good friends is because it's real and we go through real stuff with each other. It's not a Hollywood fairytale."

One Call Away

It's clear by now that no matter what, these two will have each other's back - from the good, the bad, and the ugly. So it comes as no surprise that Drew admitted during an interview with Good Housekeeping in 2016 that Cameron would be her first call if she were ever to be locked up.

The Scream actress confessed, “Not that any one of us is going to jail anytime soon. But 100 percent. She would, like, get in there and get you out.” Based on everything Drew has said about her friend makes us believe that she can quite literally do anything!

The Honest Truth

It's not just the fact that they are always there for each other for the big and small moments. According to Drew, Cameron is a great friend for various different reasons. Just like in her career as an actress, she is skilled at many things. Drew went on to list these qualities.

"If you're looking for the best dinner-cooking partner and watching-TV-on-the-couch friend, call her. If someone is in a medical situation, call her!" she continued. "She's the most loyal, fierce, fun, cozy friend. We have incredible honesty with each other, and we work hard on our lives and our friendship."

Support System

But don't worry, it's not always just Drew proclaiming her love for Cameron! The feeling is most definitely mutual. Back in 2012, Drew married Will Kopelman, but unfortunately, in 2016, they filed for divorce. And who was there for her in her time of need? Her BFF, of course!

The Bad Teacher actress said about being her friend support system, “Everybody pulls the wagons around, you know, our friends, whoever needs us at whatever point in time, even if it’s like something that the public doesn’t know about. Internally we’re all going like, ‘Okay, who needs us now?’”

The "Priceless" Parties

As for the joyous occasions: clearly, the Hollywood icons know how to party. But despite money not being an issue, they often opt not to get each other anything luxurious and instead choose to spend good ol' quality time with one another to celebrate another year around the sun.

"Usually, we get to actually be together," Cameron revealed about their b-day bashes. "We are not big gift-givers, we're more about experiences, so we always try to go someplace and do something with the girls and be together. Cook, eat, hang and stay up all night and just have the best time."

Immortal Bond

From partying to parenthood, clearly, they have withstood all the ups and downs of life together. So by now, they are basically stuck together for life! And honestly, it doesn't seem like either Cameron or Drew mind. Actually, it might be something they prefer…

In 2019 Drew spoke to People magazine about her show, Santa Clarita Diet. The interview asked the actress if (similarly to the series) there was anyone she would enter immortality with. Drew quickly responded that she would pick Cameron. "Luckily, she's in my life every day," she added.

Keeping Each Other Grounded

During the same interview, People magazine asked Drew about her friendship with the My Sister's Keeper actress. “Her and I are like sisters, and we see each other all the time, and it was just sort of where we are today. In some ways just another day in our world, but I felt like sharing it. I love her.”

"I always loved living life next to her because neither of us ever got lost in the Hollywood b*," she said another time about their lives together as BFFs. "We just wanted to live our lives. I think we had always remembered what was important and our friendships and our group of girlfriends that are very close-knit."

Not Blinded by the Lights

When it comes to friends in Hollywood, things can get tricky. It can be hard to know who to trust and who to be friends with. And if stars are lucky enough to find a good group of pals, they likely only talk about their careers and the world they live in. But when it comes to Drew and Cameron, these ladies keep it real.

"When we would sit around and talk, it was always heartbreak, love, life, loss; it was never vanity or career. It was always very important and real things, or the goofiest and stupidest and silliest [things]," Drew opened up about how she and her BFF remain authentic.

Their "Love Language"

Fans got a further glimpse of what being at home with Drew and Cameron is like during an Instagram Live. In fact, most of the time, it's Cameron chef-ing it up in the kitchen while Drew enjoys the yummy meals. Drew explained, "She's always been the chef."

"She's the best cook ever. Some days we'd be living in a hotel, and she'd teach me how to make pasta sauce. I know life with you in the kitchen." Cameron teased, "Our kitchen, the kitchen is where we've always been: it's where I always am. Food is my love language, it's the main ingredient in everything that I do: love."

From a Different Perspective

But forget food - the BFFs help each other with everything. According to AceShowbiz, Cameron even advised Drew how to become more environmentally conscious. "I made a promise to my best friend I would become someone who she had been pushing me to be," Barrymore confessed.

"...my whole life, which was environmentally aware, conscientious and living a certain lifestyle that was sustainable." Drew further told People, "She's been saying this since the '90s to me. Once I started living that way... [I] saw the world differently, and it made me put it all into practice."

More Than Friends

"We're like more than best friends, she's my sister," Drew opened up to ET in July of 2018. "We have much more of that kind of relationship; we're very honest with each other. We push each other. And we've had the majority of our lives spent side by side, really going through what real life is, which is an everyday high and low."

Nothing is better than seeing two women in the spotlight being able to share their experiences and success together without any drama, jealousy, or feuds. We can totally understand why so many fans are invested in this friendship - sometimes even more so than any other Hollywood relationship!

The One Complaint

When Drew first started her talk show, The Drew Barrymore Show, her first guest appearance was her best friend, of course. It began with a segment called Drew's News, where the actress opened up about how her friend forced her to go on activities she's not fond of, a.k.a. hiking.

“The one thing I don’t like doing with you is hiking because you have these giant German Shepherds, and you have these long legs. You are a Great Dane,” she joked. “And I have these short dogs and the legs of a Corgi dog, and I literally can’t keep up with you.”

Favorite Time of the Year

For the 50 First Dates actress's birthday, Cameron wanted to surprise Drew by showing up at her taping of The Drew Barrymore Show. But since she couldn't make it in person, she surprised Drew by making a virtual appearance. And let's just say it was such a sweet moment!

During the video visit, Cameron wished her best friend a happy birthday. "Truly, one of the great joys of my life is our friendship," her heartfelt message began, "When I think about you, literally I will cry because I just think you're so special, and to celebrate you every year, it's one of my favorite times of the year."

Mutual Love

After Cameron gave her friend a sweet message, the birthday girl responded,  “You’ve made me a better person my whole life. And you’ve seen me through everything. Ugly, beautiful, loss, life, birth. The fact that you love me means more than anything because you know every little thing about me. I love you!”

Both Drew and Cameron have made it obvious how much love they have for one another. It's clear this friendship is never one-sided, as these two have stood the test of time. And even more impressive, they stood the test of Hollywood friendships! We can't wait to see what other adventures these two will have together.