5 Reasons Drew Barrymore And Justin Long’s ‘Deep Affection’ Still Matters (And Why He Still Loves Her)

Contents

The unique, enduring bond between Drew Barrymore and Justin Long continues to captivate fans and dominate headlines, even years after their romantic relationship ended. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the narrative surrounding the celebrity exes has only grown stronger, moving from a tearful on-screen reunion to a public display of deep, platonic affection that redefines what a breakup can look like. Their story, which began as an on-again, off-again romance, has evolved into a rare Hollywood friendship characterized by genuine love and mutual support, even extending to Long's current wife, Kate Bosworth.

The most recent updates come from Justin Long himself, who, in a candid podcast appearance, reflected on the "deep affection" he still holds for his former partner, echoing the sentiments of their emotional 2022 reunion on *The Drew Barrymore Show*. This is the definitive look at their relationship timeline, their current status, and the powerful reasons why their connection remains one of the most talked-about in Hollywood.

Drew Barrymore and Justin Long: A Dual Biography Profile

To truly understand the depth of their connection, it is essential to look at the impressive careers and personal lives of two of Hollywood's most beloved stars.

Drew Barrymore: The Hollywood Royalty

  • Birth Name: Drew Blyth Barrymore
  • Born: February 22, 1975, in Culver City, California
  • Family Lineage: Member of the famed Barrymore family of actors
  • Breakthrough Role: Gertie in Steven Spielberg's *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial* (1982)
  • Career Highlights: Starred in *Charlie's Angels*, *The Wedding Singer*, *50 First Dates*, and *Never Been Kissed*.
  • Current Role: Host of the Daytime Emmy-nominated talk show, *The Drew Barrymore Show*
  • Personal Life: Divorced from Will Kopelman (2016), with whom she shares two daughters.

Justin Long: The Endearing Everyman

  • Birth Name: Justin Jacob Long
  • Born: June 2, 1978, in Fairfield, Connecticut
  • Breakthrough Role: Brandon Wheeger in *Galaxy Quest* (1999)
  • Career Highlights: Known for roles in comedies and horror, including *Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story*, *Accepted*, *Jeepers Creepers*, and the critically acclaimed horror film *Barbarian* (2022).
  • Current Role: Active film and television actor, producer, and host of the *Life Is Short with Justin Long* podcast.
  • Personal Life: Married to actress Kate Bosworth (2023).

The On-Again, Off-Again Romance That Sparked Two Films

Drew Barrymore and Justin Long's romance was anything but simple, defined by its intensity and a "hedonistic" quality they both later acknowledged.

The Tumultuous Timeline (2007–2010)

Their relationship began in 2007, quickly becoming one of Hollywood's most talked-about couplings. They were known for their undeniable chemistry, which translated both on-screen and off. Their relationship was characterized by several breakups and reconciliations over a roughly three-year period, making it a true "on-again, off-again" dynamic.

While the romance was ultimately unsustainable, it was creatively fruitful. They starred in two major romantic comedies together, immortalizing their chemistry on film:

  • *He's Just Not That Into You* (2009): A star-studded ensemble film where they played a couple dealing with relationship anxieties.
  • *Going the Distance* (2010): A film that directly mirrored their real-life issues, focusing on a couple trying to maintain a long-distance relationship.

The breakup was reportedly amicable, rooted in the difficulty of maintaining a stable relationship amidst their busy careers and the public spotlight. However, the emotional investment was profound, a fact that became clear years later.

The Emotional 2022 Reunion: A Love That Endures

The turning point for the public perception of their post-breakup relationship came in September 2022, when Justin Long appeared as a guest on the season three premiere of *The Drew Barrymore Show*.

Tears and Honesty on Live TV

The reunion was immediately tearful and raw. Both Barrymore and Long became visibly emotional as they discussed their past. Barrymore hugged Long and told him, "I love that we've maintained our love," while Long admitted he would "always love Drew".

The conversation was a masterclass in healthy co-existence after a breakup. They reminisced about their "fun" and "hedonistic" time together and credited their relationship with helping them grow. The moment resonated deeply with audiences because it was a rare, honest look at the reality that love doesn't always disappear when a relationship ends. As Long later noted, "I don't think love disappears".

The Latest Chapter: Kate Bosworth and Enduring Affection (2024/2025)

The most compelling and fresh aspect of their story is how their enduring affection has seamlessly integrated with Justin Long’s new life, demonstrating an incredible level of maturity and goodwill among all parties involved.

Justin Long’s Candid Podcast Reflection

In a late 2024 appearance on Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s podcast, *Dinner's on Me*, Long reaffirmed his feelings for his ex-girlfriend. He spoke glowingly of Barrymore, reiterating that he holds a "deep affection" for her. He emphasized that the love they share is an enduring, non-romantic form of connection, proving that a deep, meaningful bond can transcend the boundaries of a traditional relationship.

The Kate Bosworth Connection

Justin Long is now happily married to actress Kate Bosworth, whom he met while filming *Barbarian*. In a powerful display of modern friendship, Drew Barrymore hosted Kate Bosworth on her talk show. Barrymore not only praised Bosworth but also applauded her engagement to Long, saying, "I'm so happy for you".

This public display of support between the ex-girlfriend and the current wife is a testament to the healthy, mature foundation that Drew and Justin built. It solidifies their status as a benchmark for how celebrity exes—and people in general—can maintain a loving, respectful, and supportive relationship long after the romance fades.

5 Lessons From Drew Barrymore and Justin Long’s Enduring Bond

Their journey offers invaluable lessons on love, loss, and maturity in the public eye. Their story proves that a breakup doesn't have to mean the end of love, just the redefinition of it.

  1. Love Doesn’t Disappear, It Transforms: As Justin Long stated, "I don't think love disappears." Their story illustrates that intense romantic love can evolve into a deep, affectionate, and platonic friendship.
  2. The Power of Emotional Honesty: The tearful 2022 reunion was powerful because it was unfiltered. Their willingness to be vulnerable about the pain and joy of their past relationship allowed fans to connect with their story on a deeper level.
  3. Maturity Redefines Friendship: The fact that Drew Barrymore can host and celebrate Kate Bosworth’s marriage to her ex-boyfriend is a pinnacle of celebrity maturity. It highlights a focus on happiness over ego.
  4. Chemistry Translates Beyond Romance: Their on-screen chemistry in *Going the Distance* and *He's Just Not That Into You* was real, but their current connection shows that chemistry can fuel a productive, supportive, and lasting friendship.
  5. The Importance of Mutual Respect: Despite the on-again, off-again nature of their dating years, the foundation of respect remained, allowing them to remain a positive force in each other’s lives and careers, especially with Justin's recent success in films like *Barbarian*.

The story of Drew Barrymore and Justin Long is not just a celebrity romance; it is a powerful example of modern love's complexity. Their journey from passionate ex-lovers to deeply affectionate friends—a bond that even embraces new partners like Kate Bosworth—serves as a refreshing and honest counter-narrative to the typical Hollywood breakup.

drew barrymore and justin long
drew barrymore and justin long

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