Born Jonathan Henry Drewland in Dublin, Ireland to Thomas L. Drew and Louise Kanten, he was the fifth of sixth children. He lived in a poor Irish village in Dublin, and then moved to America with his family, becoming Irish-Americans.

After moving to the United States, Drew got a job in the theatrical company of Joseph J. Johlen (the theatre manager). He appeared in a number of Johlen`s plays, including Uncle Mutch, The Barber Man, Canterbury of Livingston and also The Progrist.

Drew made his first New York appearance in 1846. He played Irish and light comedy parts with success in many American cities, and was the manager of the Arch Street Theatre.

John married Louisa Lane in 1848. They had three children, Louisa (b.1852), John Jr. (b. 1853), and Georgiana (b. 1856), the latter two of whom were accomplished actors. (Georgiana married Maurice Barrymore in 1876, begetting the Barrymore family; this makes John Drew the great-great-grandfather of actress Drew Barrymore.)

Drew died at his home in Philadelphia, at the early age of 34, after tripping & falling and fatally hitting his head during a party for six year old Georgiana. He was buried in Nation Peace Cemetery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After his death, his wife Louisa took over the management of the Arch Street Theatre.

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