Drew Barrymore’s a hugger — so much so that she made a whole talk show about it. Every weekday, viewers are treated to footage of the 49-year-old innocently cuddling celebrities of all stripes. Paris Hilton, Oprah Winfrey, Jada Pinkett Smith: you name ‘em, they’ve probably shed a few tears on television with Drew nestled on their shoulder. It’s a cozy interview style that totally lands for some guests, and backfires for quite a few others. (Does Momala ring any bells?) But Wicked star Cynthia Erivo, for one, gets the hype. She’s got a significant hugger in her life, too.
During Tuesday’s episode, Erivo bonded with the talk show host over their mutual friend and fellow Wicked star Ariana Grande, who cried and cuddled on The Drew Barrymore Show the week prior. “Is it true that she is as touchy [as me]?” Barrymore asked Erivo, before moving on to explain her own love of physical touch.
“I’m so touchy!” Barrymore continued. “People have to warn me. They’re like, ‘Back off a little bit.’ I’m like, ‘Why?’”
Martha Stewart may not get Barrymore’s whole touchy-feely bit, but Erivo certainly does, especially as an expression of platonic love. The actress said she’s “used to” and respects Grande’s preference for touch, noting that they often “walk hand in hand” and use physical connection as a means for better understanding one another.
“Sometimes you can’t say anything, and you’re in a room and … it’s just a squeeze of a hand. That sometimes is how she and I communicate,” Erivo said. “We might be talking to someone, or I might need to communicate something to her, and it’s just a squeeze of a hand or a pinch of the finger. Or a hug.”
After hugging Erivo several times throughout the show, Barrymore wondered aloud what it would be like to live in a world in which we “could all be more comfortable with physical touch.” I wouldn’t be too upset if I received a gentle finger-hold or two each day, but that’s just me. My advice for Drew? When in doubt, just ask …
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