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Actress Sarah Drew, beloved for her role as Dr. April Kepner on Grey’s Anatomy, has been captivating audiences since her teen years. However, in a candid conversation on the Broad Ideas podcast with Rachel Bilson and Olivia Allen, the 44-year-old opened up about a challenging chapter in her career and its lasting effects.
From 2004 to 2006, Drew played Hannah Rogers, a self-proclaimed “ugly duckling” character in the drama series Everwood. Social media wasn’t around back then, but fans still had platforms to share their unfiltered opinions on online message boards. Drew admitted she became addicted to reading these posts, which ranged from glowing praise to harsh criticisms.
“It’s the worst thing ever. It was so bad for me,” Drew recalled, describing how her character’s appearance, complete with glasses, frizzy hair, and no makeup, became a target for ridicule. One cruel comment stuck with her: ‘Sarah Drew is so ugly that the television cracks every time she steps in front of it.’
Drew explained that growing up, she wasn’t preoccupied with looks or fashion. “I wasn’t conscious about my appearance. I didn’t wear makeup, and I focused on working hard and succeeding,” she shared. But the Everwood role, which came during her early 20s, coincided with a barrage of negative feedback that planted seeds of self-doubt. She began questioning her worth: “Am I an ugly person? I guess maybe I’m an ugly person.”
Reflecting on those years, Drew described the experience as “damaging” and pointed out how humans aren’t designed to process relentless criticism. As a mother of two, she now worries about the overwhelming negativity on social media and its potential impact on her kids. “We are not built for this feedback. Our nervous systems are not built to take in all of this feedback,” she warned.
On another podcast, Call It What It Is, Drew delved into her history of being cast in “odd” or overlooked roles. “It’s always like a weird stalker after Mr. Schue, a pathetic wife in an unhappy marriage, or the ugly best friend,” she said, referencing characters she portrayed before her breakthrough on Grey’s Anatomy. Her role as April Kepner marked a turning point, particularly as her character developed a romantic storyline with Jesse Williams’ Dr. Jackson Avery.
Today, Drew has embraced a different kind of role — the romantic lead. She’s appeared in heartwarming TV movies for Hallmark and Lifetime, including her current project, Mistletoe Murders, where she plays Emily Lane, a Christmas store owner with a knack for solving local mysteries.
While Drew’s journey has had its ups and downs, she’s emerged stronger, proving that even harsh criticism can’t dim her talent and resilience.
