At a trendy Los Angeles nightclub in the mid-’80s, rock royalty Gunnar and Matthew Nelson found themselves in a situation that would shape the future of a Hollywood star in the making. The twin brothers, known for fronting the band Nelson and being the sons of the late rock icon Ricky Nelson, recently revealed a moment from their complicated upbringing that involved stepping in to protect a young Drew Barrymore. Their new memoir, “What Happened to Your Hair?” delves into their turbulent childhood under the Hollywood spotlight.
Growing up with a mother who struggled with alcohol, Gunnar and Matthew found solace in their music and their unbreakable bond as twins. Despite their challenging upbringing, they managed to stay grounded in an industry where many children of fame faltered. One fateful night at Helena’s club, they encountered an 11-year-old Barrymore, brought there by her mother for reasons unknown. Concerned by the sight of a young girl surrounded by adults in a nightclub setting, the Nelson brothers took it upon themselves to protect her from unwanted attention.
Remembering the incident, Matthew shared, “We saw this sweet little girl and knew we had to help her.” As creepy individuals approached Barrymore, Gunnar and Matthew positioned themselves on either side of her, acting as a shield against any unwelcome advances. Their actions left a lasting impact on Barrymore, who never forgot their kindness and protection in a moment of vulnerability.
Barrymore, who has been candid about her early exposure to Hollywood and the challenges it brought, recently shared a different kind of vulnerability on “The Drew Barrymore Show.” Opening up about a health scare that shook her to the core, the actress reflected on the experience with honesty and strength.
In a world where childhood fame often leads to turmoil, Gunnar and Matthew Nelson’s act of kindness towards a young Drew Barrymore serves as a reminder of the power of compassion and protection in an industry known for its pitfalls. Despite their own struggles growing up in the limelight, the brothers chose to intervene and lend a helping hand to a fellow child star in need. Through their memoir and ongoing reflections, they continue to shed light on the complexities of fame and the importance of supporting one another in the face of adversity.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.