Drew Barrymore: Beating the Odds
Episode 1 · 1999-09-08

- Documentary
Episode overview
Discover the life of the actress who grew up in the glare of Hollywood fame and fought her way back from personal turmoil to become one of the industry’s most resilient and beloved figures. The episode traces Barrymore’s early breakthrough in E.T., her chaotic childhood in a legendary acting family, and the struggles with addiction that nearly derailed her career before she reached adulthood. Through interviews, archival footage, and candid reflections, Biography explores how Barrymore rebuilt her life, reclaiming her career with acclaimed performances and a newfound sense of independence. The program highlights her evolution into a successful producer, entrepreneur, and talk‑show host, showcasing the determination and optimism that define her public persona. Ultimately, the episode presents a portrait of a woman who transformed hardship into strength, emerging as a symbol of perseverance and creative reinvention.
Season 11 episodes
1. Drew Barrymore: Beating the Odds1999-09-08
2. Fred Gwynne: More Than a Munster1999-10-19
3. Elizabeth Montgomery: A Touch of Magic1999-02-15
5. Richard Speck: Natural Born Killer1999-08-18
7. Andre the Giant1999-01-13
8. Nicolae Ceausescu: The Unrepentant Tyrant2000-09-21
10. Gene Tierney: A Shattered Portrait1999-03-26
12. The Tiffanys: Mark of Excellence1999-02-28
13. Linda Darnell: Hollywood's Fallen Angel1999-08-24
14. Mick Foley: Madman Unmasked1999-11-19
15. Marquis de Sade: The Depraved Aristocrat1997-07-14
16. Queen Noor: Between Two Realms1999-11-01
18. The Osmonds: Pure and Simple1999-09-09
19. Tanya Tucker: Country Rebel
20. Susan Hayward: The Brooklyn Bombshell1998-12-02
21. The Carpenters: Harmony and Heartbreak1998-01-12
22. Peter O'Toole: Acting Out Loud1999-10-07
23. Wayne Newton: King of Las Vegas
24. Dinah Shore: Sealed with a Kiss1998-10-19
25. Dorothy Dandridge: Little Girl Lost1999-08-23
26. Ida Lupino: Through the Lens1998-03-24
28. John Steinbeck: An American Writer1999-03-23
31. Bob Fosse: Dancing on the Edge1999-08-24
32. William Holden: An Untamed Spirit1999-04-27
33. Angie Dickinson: Tinseltown's Classiest Broad1999-10-26