**Senator Ted Cruz Shares Surprising Encounter with Drew Barrymore at World Cup Final**
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Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz recently recounted his unexpected meeting with Hollywood actress Drew Barrymore during the 2026 World Cup final, which took place on 19 July. The senator shared details of their encounter on a recent episode of his podcast, “Verdict with Ted Cruz,” where he described Barrymore’s warm and approachable personality.
Cruz, who attended the highly anticipated match between Spain and Argentina with his daughter Catherine, expressed genuine surprise at the actress’s friendliness. “You know who we met at the game?” Cruz asked his co-host Ben Ferguson, revealing the star’s identity with enthusiasm. “Drew Barrymore.”
The senator expressed a sense of nostalgia as he explained that his daughter, who is 15, was not familiar with Barrymore’s iconic roles, stating, “It made me feel a little bad because Catherine didn’t know who Drew Barrymore was. Oh god, I feel old.” Cruz reminisced about the actress’s fame and success during his youth, citing her role in the classic film *E.T.* as a benchmark for her career.
Despite the common perception of Hollywood’s occasional disconnect with political figures, Cruz described his conversation with Barrymore as pleasant and engaging. He stated, “She was the nicest person, and she was charming… We had a great conversation.” The senator praised Barrymore’s authenticity, referring to her as “real and fun” and expressing his admiration for her approachable nature.
Cruz recounted how Barrymore welcomed everyone with open arms, quite literally, revealing, “Every person she met, she’d go and hug them… and I’m like, ‘Holy crap, Drew Barrymore is hugging me.’ It wasn’t fake, it was just kind of a real… She’s an expressive, nice person.” Their exchange reportedly lasted around 20 minutes, during which Cruz asked Barrymore about her favourite film projects throughout her long-standing career.
The actress cited her childhood role in *E.T.* and her participation in *Charlie’s Angels* as highlighted moments in her work. Cruz reflected on his disappointment that his daughter was unaware of the 2000 film, which also featured Cameron Diaz and Lucy Liu. He noted, “That was a good movie, that was well done,” clearly eager to share his love for cinema with his daughter.
Barrymore also mentioned her collaborations with comedian Adam Sandler, with *50 First Dates* receiving particular praise from Cruz. He admitted, somewhat sheepishly, “It will weaken my ‘bro creds,’ but I kinda like some rom-coms.” Cruz’s openness regarding his affection for romantic comedies drew a supportive response from Ferguson, who stated he had no shame in admitting his own enjoyment of the genre.
In addition to her accomplishments on the big screen, Barrymore has become a notable presence on television. Her talk show, *The Drew Barrymore Show*, has highlighted her engaging personality and penchant for connecting with her guests through affectionate gestures. Known for her “huggy” approach, Barrymore doesn’t shy away from playful antics, including dressing as her beloved character Gertie from *E.T.* while interviewing actors such as Ryan Gosling.
Cruz’s candid account provides a glimpse into an unexpected camaraderie between political figures and Hollywood stars and highlights the importance of personal connections, regardless of celebrity status. His reflection on the encounter reveals not only a deeper appreciation for Barrymore’s work but also showcases the enriching experiences that arise from human interaction, transcending political divides and social boundaries.