Drew shared that her first show, Everwood, aired in 2002, a time when online message boards were the primary platforms for audience feedback. She admitted to being “addicted” to reading them, which turned out to be a painful experience. In the show, she played the “wallflower best friend” of Emily VanCamp, portraying a character with glasses, frizzy hair, and no makeup. Drew described herself as the “ugly duckling” of the cast.
While many viewers praised her performance, a few cruel comments left a lasting impact. One particularly hurtful remark claimed she was “so ugly that the television cracks every time she steps in front of it.” Drew confessed these words still affect her deeply, even years later.
The actress also shared insights about her upbringing, revealing that her mother, a scientist, emphasized academics over appearances. Drew focused on achieving good grades and pursuing her dream of becoming an actress, without ever considering if she fit society's standards of beauty.
Reflecting on the damage caused by those early criticisms, Drew admitted they made her question her self-worth. However, her resilience and talent have since led to a thriving career, including her iconic role as Dr. April Kepner on Grey’s Anatomy.