Sarah Drew’s Grounded Journey Through Hollywood

Sarah Drew, known for her role in ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ shared insights into her enduring relationship with her husband, Peter Lanfer. They met nearly three decades ago while she was leading worship at a Christian youth camp. Their bond, rooted in faith, has helped her navigate the unpredictable nature of Hollywood.

Drew and Lanfer married in 2002 and have two children. She describes her husband as her ‘steady rock.’ He provides a sense of stability amidst the industry’s uncertainty. She emphasizes the importance of their partnership in parenting and life.

The actress depicted Hollywood as a volatile space where praise and criticism fluctuate rapidly. She refuses to let Hollywood define her self-worth, focusing instead on her identity beyond acting. This perspective allows her to maintain a stable personal life that does not depend on her career success.

“If I were not sure that my identity was firmly rooted first as a child of God, whose total identity is so much bigger than just who I am as an actress … I could so easily get caught up in the highs and … feel worthless based on how Hollywood has decided to value me,” Drew explained.

Sarah Drew’s upcoming movie, ‘Jimmy,’ highlights her role as Hedda Hopper, a significant Hollywood gossip columnist. The film, releasing on November 6, focuses on actor James Stewart. It highlights his military service and Hollywood comeback, including the 1946 classic ‘It’s a Wonderful Life.’

Drew shared how she was approached by Aaron Burns, who offered her the role. Despite knowing little about Hopper initially, Drew accepted based on the complexity of the character, a departure from her usual roles.

Her Christian faith guides her film choices, leading her to turn down roles devoid of meaningful content. Drew values projects that convey hope and connection over financial or prestigious gains. Her focus on meaningful storytelling involves discussions with her husband.

“It almost never is about what I might get paid … Those things are absolutely secondary to the first question, which is, ‘Do you want to tell the story? Is this story that you think is going to resonate with people?'” Drew said.

Ultimately, the stories she appreciates help audiences feel understood and less alone. This approach underscores her desire to contribute to projects that resonate beyond entertainment.