Drew Barrymore Admits Other Stars Sometimes 'Warn' Her to 'Back Off'

Drew Barrymore opened up about one of the unexpected reactions that her tendency to lean into physical touch to connect with people, including guests on The Drew Barrymore Show, can sometimes illicit.

During a recent interview with Wicked star Cynthia Erivo, the two talked about their need for physical affection, with Barrymore admitting, "I’m so touchy! People have to warn me. They’re like, ‘Back off a little bit.’ I’m like, ‘Why?’”

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Erivo appeared to understand, explaining how much she and Wicked co-star Ariana Grande are physically affectionate with each other, saying, "If it’s not, like, connected, I’m like, ‘What’s wrong? What’s happening? Where are you?’”

"That's how I want life to be," said Barrymore, 49, wistfully.

Erivo, 37, continued, "I think we get a bit afraid of physical connection. I think we assume that physical connection can only be romantic."

Barrymore then cut in, exclaiming, "Yes, that's my point! You're saying it so much better than I did."

The actress, who plays Elphaba in Wicked, continued, summing up her beliefs on the subject by saying, "However we need to communicate is how we need to communicate. And I think we don’t give enough credit to how we need to communicate with our friends physically.”

Barrymore and Erivo began the interview with a hug and continued to hold hands and touch as they chatted on the set's couch.

Fans on TikTok shared support for Barrymore and Erivo, with comments like, "Physical connection is not always romantic. I love that," and "Drew never felt so heard 😂."

"I am here for platonic love. We need more of that," a third chimed in.

Others joked that Barrymore "met her match" and "found her people!"

Erivo appeared on the show not long after Grande came by for an interview as they both promoted their successful new movie Wicked, released in theaters on Nov. 22.

Next: Drew Barrymore Undergoes Shocking Transformation Live on the Air