Drew Barrymore experiences hot flash during talk show food segment

Drew Barrymore found herself suddenly experiencing a hot flash while trying to lead a discussion on food expiration dates on her talk show. 

Wednesday’s episode of The Drew Barrymore Show opened with the host being quickly fanned by her pals Valerie Bertinelli, Ross Mathews, and Danny Seo as she attempted to pull off her plaid jacket. 

“We’re fanning Drew down because,” Mathews began, with Barrymore finishing the sentence, “I’m experiencing a hot flash. It’s happening again. God, it’s so hot.” 

Bertinelli quickly helped Barrymore out of her coat, only to be shocked by its temperature. “Oh my God, this is… It’s like a hot blanket,” she said. “Like a thermos,” Mathews added, looking over at Barrymore to make sure that she was okay.

According to the Mayo Clinic, hot flashes are a sudden feeling of warmth that spreads throughout the upper body, often affecting the face, chest, and neck. They are a common symptom for people who are undergoing menopause.

“It’s just so weird that they come out of nowhere, you know?” Barrymore confessed to the condition as she continued to fan her face. “I’m so lightheaded right now.”

Mathews then encouraged the audience to help fan Barrymore to try and get her through the experience. “Thank you so much,” she told the crowd. “I wish I could just start taking my clothes off, but that would get weird.” 

Sign up for Entertainment Weekly‘s free daily newsletter to get breaking news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.

Ever a professional, Barrymore then pivoted into the segment, which was supposed to feature Seo teaching them all about food expiration dates. A fitting conversation because, as Barrymore joked, “I feel like I’m having an expiration date, physically, right now.”

While she played off the hot flash in true Drew fashion, Barrymore continued to fan herself throughout the segment and gave Mathews a brief smile when he checked in to make sure she was okay. 

“We’ve all been there when we’re throwing away food in the fridge, we think, ‘Why are we doing this?’” Mathews said, prompting Barrymore to reply, “A fridge, God, I’d love a fridge right now.” 

Barrymore, 50, has been open about her perimenopause journey on her talk show over the years and even had her first-ever hot flash while interviewing Murder Mystery 2 stars Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler in 2023. 

“For the first time, I think I’m having my first hot flash!” Barrymore explained on the show as Aniston helped her fix her microphone. “Do you feel this?”

Aniston then pressed a hand to Barrymore’s chest. “Oh, I do,” she replied. “It’s internal heat.” 

Sandler, one of Barrymore’s longtime pals, seemed concerned at the time as he quickly leaned over and took Barrymore by the hand. “It’s a warm hand!” He agreed, holding onto it. “Yeah, you got a hot hand.” 

“That’s good, ‘cause if it was cold, that would be worrisome,” Barrymore teased. “Anyhow! Well, I’m so glad I have this moment documented!” 

The Drew Barrymore Show airs weekdays on CBS.