Veteran actress Sarah Drew, best known for her role on Grey’s Anatomy, recently opened up about how her marriage and Christian faith have sustained her throughout a three‑decade career in an industry she describes as “unpredictable.” While promoting her upcoming biographical drama “Jimmy,” Drew reflected on meeting her husband, Peter Lanfer, nearly thirty years ago while leading worship at a Christian youth camp.
Faith and partnership as a foundation
“He’s been my steady rock and safe haven since before I had any success in this industry,” Drew told Fox News Digital. The couple married in 2002 and have two children. Drew emphasized that their partnership extends beyond marriage to parenting and everyday life, noting that whenever one feels shaky, the other provides “rock‑solid strength” and a safe harbor.
Hollywood’s volatility and the need for identity beyond fame
Drew described the entertainment business as a place where an actor can be celebrated one moment and forgotten the next. She warned against letting Hollywood dictate self‑worth, saying, “If I weren’t rooted in the truth that I am a child of God, I could easily become either a self‑proclaimed gift to the Earth or feel absolutely worthless based on the industry’s shifting opinions.” This conviction, she said, keeps her grounded when projects are delayed or roles disappear.
Selecting roles with purpose
Her faith also shapes the projects she chooses. Drew said she has turned down scripts that lacked a hopeful or meaningful message, explaining, “I don’t want to be part of something that leaves audiences feeling darker or more devastated. I want stories that offer redemption, that help people feel less alone.” She added that decisions about roles are often discussed with her husband, with the first question being, “Do we want to tell this story?” rather than focusing on pay or prestige.
Upcoming film “Jimmy”
In the forthcoming film “Jimmy,” Drew portrays Hedda Hopper, the influential gossip columnist of Hollywood’s golden era. The biographical drama follows actor James Stewart’s military service, his post‑war struggles, and his eventual comeback in the 1946 classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Drew said she was drawn to the project because of its historical significance and its themes of perseverance and faith.
Balancing career, family, and faith
Beyond the screen, Drew credits her marriage and shared belief system for helping her navigate the pressures of parenthood and public life. “We are real partners in parenting and in being humans in this world together,” she said. The actress highlighted that her identity as a wife, mother, and child of God remains paramount, outweighing any accolades or box‑office numbers.
Sarah Drew’s story underscores a broader conversation about how faith‑based values can provide stability and purpose for those working in high‑profile, often fickle industries. Her experience offers a testament to the power of marriage, family, and a steadfast belief in something larger than oneself.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
