Michael Douglas Recalls Meeting 11-Year-Old Drew Barrymore as Waitress

Michael Douglas recently reminisced about meeting Drew Barrymore when she was just 11 years old while she was working as a waitress in New York City. The actor recalled this unusual meeting, highlighting how Barrymore was serving him at a popular Manhattan restaurant in the early 1980s.

A Memorable Evening at a Popular Upper West Side Eatery

Douglas described the setting as a bustling restaurant called Columbus, located on Columbus Avenue in the Upper West Side. Reflecting on the experience during an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, he said,

“I’m in a restaurant called Columbus, and this is back in the early ’80s,”

and continued,

“It was a real hot restaurant, the hot spot up in the Upper West Side on Columbus Avenue. And we’re heading there one night and this waitress comes over to serve me and it’s this 11-year-old young lady here.”

Drew Barrymore’s Early Poise as a Server

Despite her young age, Barrymore evidently demonstrated impressive professionalism and charm during that encounter. Douglas joked about their brief exchange:

[She said,] ‘Hi, can I help you, please?’ I said, ‘Well, is it past your bedtime?’

and added, And you were incredible.

Shared Nightlife Memories with Cameron Douglas at Limelight

The conversation on the show also touched on Douglas’s son, Cameron, who crossed paths with Barrymore around the same time at the now-closed Chelsea nightclub Limelight. Barrymore herself acknowledged her clubbing days, telling Cameron,

“Yes, oh, I was all up in the clubs,”

and teasingly added,

“I mean, we got into a lot of trouble, you and I. And look at where we are now! I’m so proud of both of us.”

Drew Barrymore Reflects on Her Personal Growth and Family Focus

Barrymore shared how her priorities have shifted over time. Explaining her youthful lifestyle, she said,

“When I was young, I didn’t really have family,”

and described how she was involved in waitressing and nightlife with enthusiasm:

“I was out running around waitressing and clubbing, working,”

adding,

“Having the best time ever, by the way. Best time. But then you get older and you’re like, ‘What life am I looking to build and be a part of?’”

Early Club Experiences and Memorable Moments with Billy Idol

Barrymore’s early exposure to the nightlife scene was quite remarkable for a child, as she frequented famous clubs such as Studio 54 with her mother and even celebrated her 10th birthday party at a bar. She recently reflected on these wild times during an episode of her show when talking to musician Billy Idol. She said,

“I mean, Billy, that is where I see us,”

and continued,

“When I think of you, my mind is back in the old club days,”

before asking,

“What the hell do you remember from those days?”

Idol admitted, “Not very much,” to which Barrymore playfully responded,

“Me neither. I was hoping you could color stuff in for me.”

The Lasting Impact of Early Encounters and Evolving Careers

Michael Douglas meeting young Drew Barrymore highlights not only the unique intersections of celebrity lives but also shows how far both have come since those early days. Barrymore’s reflection on her youth and shifting focus toward family underscores a journey of growth amid the backdrop of New York’s vibrant nightlife and entertainment world.