Tess Needham

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The full circle of fandom

I’ve admired Drew Barrymore since I was in high school. My fandom came full circle the night I met her.

What is it about Drew Barrymore?
What is it about Drew Barrymore?
In the late 1990s, my friend brought magazine clippings of Drew to school
I collect my own pictures and take them to the hairdresser. "That would suit you!" he says.
I get told I look like her from some unlikely people, like the female sumo wrestlers from the Jim Rose Circus Sideshow. "You look like Drew Barrymore" they say.
When we get dial-up internet at home, I find The Grapevine — a community of "Drewbies" as effervescent and kind as drew herself.
I still have friends from that fan site, like Anne and Ashley. They created TheDrewseum.com and 'How Do You Drew' podcast.
I watch all her movies.
I keep collecting magazines and other items.
In 2003, I see her in person at a red carpet event.
In 2005, I'm featured in Marie Claire magazine as a Drew look-a-like.
Her 2009 Golden Globes gown inspires my wedding dress.
In 2015 I go to her memoir reading in San Francisco.
Thanks to Anne and Ashley, I connect with her business partner Chris at the event. He peeks out from behind the curtain and beckons me backstage.
And then... I meet Drew! She welcomes me as a Drewbie!
My fandom's come full circle.

2 responses to “The full circle of fandom”

  1. thedrewseum Avatar
    thedrewseum

    We love this so very much!! Such a sweet and nostalgic tribute (plus what a surprise to see our little cameo!). You are so very talented!

    Reply
    1. Tess Needham Avatar
      Tess Needham

      Thank you, friends! A lot of this would literally not have happened without you!

      Reply

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