A Hollywood Reunion: Drew Barrymore and ‘Muse’ Sean Whalen Reflect on “Never Been Kissed”
In a heartwarming television moment, beloved actress and talk show host Drew Barrymore recently enjoyed a special on-air reunion with Sean Whalen, a familiar face from her iconic 1999 romantic comedy, “Never Been Kissed.” Whalen, a seasoned character actor, affectionately referred to Barrymore as his “muse,” highlighting the profound impact she had on his early career. The exchange, which took place during an episode of “The Drew Barrymore Show,” offered a nostalgic glimpse into the collaborative spirit of filmmaking and the lasting friendships forged in Hollywood.
Whalen, now 61, reminisced about his experience on the set of “Never Been Kissed,” recalling a pivotal moment where Barrymore, then 50, championed his performance. He recounted how director Raja Gosnell had asked him to film a scene involving a “booger,” a comedic element that Whalen felt didn’t align with the character he had meticulously crafted – Josie Gellar’s assistant, Merkin Burns. It was Barrymore, who also served as an executive producer on the film, who intervened, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to her cast.
“You said, ‘Then we’re not even going to shoot it because I don’t want the studio to ruin anything that Sean did,'” Whalen shared with Barrymore, his voice filled with emotion. He continued, “And you stood up for me in the first hour [of shooting] and I was blown away. I was just a young, goofy kid and you had no reason to do that.” This act of support, early in his career, left an indelible mark on Whalen.
“Never Been Kissed,” a film that defied its initial lukewarm reviews to become a cult classic, grossed $84.6 million worldwide against a $25 million budget. For Whalen, the experience was more than just a job; it was a transformative period. “The best comedy I ever worked on was Never Been Kissed and I’ve never forgotten it,” he gushed. “You have no understanding how it affected me. I’m directing now and producing, and my first film that I did, they got a crew for me, and I said, ‘I’m gonna get the cast.’ And just like you, I cast the right people and I went to every one of them and I said, ‘I learned this from Drew Barrymore. I want you to bring me whatever you want to do. And I trust all of you.'” Whalen’s heartfelt gratitude was palpable as he concluded, “Thank you for everything, Drew. You changed my life. You changed my life.”
Barrymore, a descendant of Hollywood royalty, has a long-standing appreciation for Whalen’s talent. Their professional relationship dates back to 1992 when they first met on the set of Avi Nesher’s horror film “Doppelganger.” In that project, Barrymore played Holly Gooding, while Whalen portrayed the Gas Man. Their connection extended beyond that initial collaboration. Barrymore revealed that Whalen was also a significant inspiration to her producing partner, Nancy Juvonen.
A Lasting Influence and a Busy Schedule
The esteemed actress and producer also revealed that Whalen was instrumental in their decision to cast him in the action-packed blockbuster “Charlie’s Angels.” In the film, Whalen played a memorable role as the bomb-wielding Pasqual on a plane, a character that added to the film’s thrilling ensemble. Whalen’s diverse acting portfolio also includes notable appearances in the disaster film “Twister” (1996) and Wes Craven’s chilling horror flick “The People Under the Stairs” (1991), solidifying his reputation as a versatile performer.
Beyond her celebrated acting career, Barrymore has established herself as a formidable presence in daytime television. “The Drew Barrymore Show,” now in its sixth season, continues to be a ratings success, ranking as the No. 2 syndicated talk show across key demographics, trailing only behind “LIVE! with Kelly and Mark.” Her commitment to the show underscores her passion for connecting with audiences and sharing engaging conversations.
Furthermore, Barrymore remains actively involved behind the scenes as a producer. She is also a central figure in the second season of CBS’s “Hollywood Squares” reboot, which is set to resume on February 22. This dual role as host and producer demonstrates her multifaceted talent and dedication to the entertainment industry.
The thrice-divorced mother of two is also venturing into new acting projects. She has a mystery role in Rachel Israel’s upcoming comedy “Influenced,” a film starring and written by her former sister-in-law, Jill Kargman. The film, formerly known as “Miracle on 74th Street,” is scheduled to screen at the Tampa Bay Jewish Film Festival on February 21. The star-studded cast of “Influenced” includes Gwyneth Paltrow, Jason Biggs, David Krumholtz, Christine Taylor, and Justin Bartha, promising a compelling cinematic experience.
Barrymore’s journey in the entertainment world began at a remarkably young age. Her prodigious talent was evident from her childhood, with breakout roles in blockbuster films such as “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” “Firestarter,” and “Irreconcilable Differences,” cementing her status as a child star who would go on to achieve enduring success. The recent reunion with Sean Whalen serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of mentorship and the profound impact that kindness and support can have on a career, echoing the sentiment that true stars not only shine brightly but also lift others along the way.
