Hey there, friends! Can you believe it? It’s been a full two decades since the beloved movie Never Been Kissed first hit theaters on April 9, 1999. That’s right—20 years of Drew Barrymore shining as Josie Grossie, a character who captured the hearts of so many. Drew, now 44, is still absolutely head over heels for the film, just as she was back when it was released. To honor the movie's milestone anniversary, Drew took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message about the film that marked the beginning of her production company, Flower Films.
“When Nancy Juvonen and I set out to make Never Been Kissed, all we wanted was to create something that truly resonated with the way so many of us felt growing up,” Drew explained. “It wasn’t polished or perfect—it was raw, ridiculous, and absolutely beautiful. It helped us figure out what truly mattered and what didn’t.” This movie wasn’t just entertainment; it was a journey of self-discovery.
The Story Behind Josie Grossie
In this iconic film, Drew plays Josie Grossie, a young and eager junior copywriter at a local newspaper. Josie gets handed an assignment that changes everything—she has to go undercover as a student at her old high school to uncover the secrets of teenage life, helping parents understand their kids better. Sounds simple, right? But as Josie dives deeper into her role, things start to spiral. Following her brother's advice, she attempts to join the popular crowd, only to find herself tangled in a web of complications. It’s a story that reminds us how easy it is to lose ourselves while trying to fit in.
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Why Never Been Kissed Stands the Test of Time
So, what makes Never Been Kissed such a timeless classic? Drew herself has some thoughts on that. “Humor and humility are like best friends, and that’s what makes this film special,” she said. “Life isn’t all sunshine and roses—it’s messy, it’s painful, but it’s also laugh-out-loud funny. We wanted to capture that balance, and I think we did. Everyone feels vulnerable at some point, especially when they’re figuring out who they are and what they stand for. And, let’s face it, we all crave a little romance in the mix too.”
As the 20th anniversary approached, Drew opened up to Vanity Fair about why Josie’s character holds such significance. “I wanted to make a movie that truly reflected how girls feel,” she revealed. “We’re vulnerable, we’re brave, and we don’t always fit in. How do you embrace who you are, flaws and all, instead of trying to be someone you’re not? And let’s be honest, we all want a touch of romance in our lives. That’s why this film remains so close to my heart—I’ll always be Josie Grossie.”
