Sarah Drew says her faith and her husband, Peter Lanfer, provide the stability she says Hollywood lacks. The actress, known for "Grey's Anatomy" and "Supernatural," told Fox News Digital that her identity is rooted in her role as a "child of God" rather than her career as an actress.
Drew met Lanfer nearly three decades ago while leading worship at a Christian youth camp. The couple married in 2002 and have two children. Drew described Lanfer as her "steady rock" and "safe haven" since before she achieved success in the industry. She said their partnership helps them navigate the unpredictability of entertainment, noting that when one partner feels shaky, the other provides strength.
The actress described the entertainment industry as a business that can celebrate an actor one moment and discard them the next. Drew said Hollywood offers no stability, leaving actors at the whim of whoever is currently making decisions about who is interesting. She explained that without her faith, she could easily become caught up in the highs of success or devastated by the lows of rejection.
Drew stated that without that firm spiritual foundation, she might believe she was the best thing on earth during peak moments, only to feel utterly worthless when the industry's valuation of her dropped. She emphasized that this internal truth keeps her from being defined by external validation.
Drew is currently promoting "Jimmy," a biographical drama scheduled for nationwide theatrical release on Nov. 6. The film follows actor James Stewart's military service and his eventual comeback in Frank Capra's 1946 classic "It's a Wonderful Life." Drew plays Hedda Hopper, a gossip columnist described by producer Aaron Burns as "formidable and complicated." Drew said she accepted the role before reading the script because she had always been a fan of Stewart and rarely gets the chance to play such a complex character.
Her faith also influences which projects she accepts. Drew said she has turned down roles that lacked a meaningful message or hope. She explained that she is drawn to stories that help people feel less alone, often featuring redemption or restoration arcs.
When evaluating projects, Drew said she and Lanfer first consider whether she wants to tell the story, rather than focusing on pay or prestige. She said the stories she is drawn to allow audiences to see themselves in the characters, providing a cathartic experience that makes them feel seen.