Sean Astin recalls concern for Drew Barrymore during her troubled teen years

Sean Astin has reflected on meeting Drew Barrymore as teenagers, saying he was concerned about her wellbeing during a chance encounter at a nightclub.

Speaking to The Guardian, the actor said he and Barrymore, who later starred together in 50 First Dates, shared a friendly hug but that he wondered whether she should have been in that environment.

Barrymore became a star at the age of six after appearing in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. She has since spoken openly about her difficult adolescence, which included substance abuse, mental health struggles and time in rehabilitation. In a 2015 interview with The Guardian, she described the period as "really rebellious" and said she had reached "rock bottom".

Astin said his own experience with child stardom was very different. He told The Guardian he was never interested in drugs, alcohol or a wild lifestyle, adding that he married at 21 and recently celebrated his 34th wedding anniversary.

The actor also recalled advising the young cast of Stranger Things during the show's second season in 2017, encouraging them to enjoy the experience of early success rather than worry about the pressures of fame.