Full Breakdown
Sarah Drew Attributes Overcoming Fear to Father’s Faith-Based Advice, Guides New Lifetime Role
5/24/2026, 12:26:29 PM
Core Event: Father’s Advice Shapes Actress’s Approach to Fear and New Film
Sarah Drew told Fox News Digital that a letter from her father, a pastor, introduced “aggressive gratitude,” a practice she used to manage anxiety about motherhood and to prepare for her role as Ali Corley in Lifetime’s drama *When I Said I Do*.
Background & Context: From “Grey’s Anatomy” to Motherhood and Faith
The 45-year-old actress left *Grey’s Anatomy* in 2018, has written two Lifetime Christmas movies, and continues acting. She describes faith as a constant guide and says her parents encouraged her acting as a “gift” for “goodness.” Pregnancy-related panic attacks led her to seek her father’s biblical counsel.
Key Figures & Groups
- Sarah Drew – Actress, mother of two, devout Christian.
- Pastor father – Provided the “aggressive gratitude” concept and biblical verses.
- Lifetime – Network airing *When I Said I Do*.
Data & Statistics
Drew is 45, has two children, and served on *Grey’s Anatomy* from 2010-2018. The Lifetime film premieres Saturday (date not specified). She has authored two Christmas movies for the network.
Official Statements & Responses
Drew said replacing fear with deliberate gratitude “shifts brain chemistry” and creates a new neural pathway. She defined her purpose as “making a connection with people through storytelling,” rejecting motivations tied to fame or follower counts. She noted her parents never doubted her career, urging her to “love some people” as a guiding principle.
Verbatim Quotes
- “But the biggest thing that stuck with me was that the best way to combat fear is with aggressive gratitude,” — Sarah Drew
- “You’re replacing the scary and the dark with, ‘I’m grateful that there is oxygen in my lungs. I am grateful that I have a roof over my head. Look, I have this beautiful meal. I’m so grateful for this. Thank you for this. Thank you for that.’ All of a sudden, your brain chemistry starts to shift. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER” — Sarah Drew
- “I don’t want any moment to be motivated by, ‘What’s this going to get me? How is this going to be a stepping stone for the next thing? How many followers should I have?’ All the things that come with gaining notoriety,” — Sarah Drew
- “She was just soaking up every single second of this experience because it had been the most magical thing that had ever happened to her.” — Sarah Drew
What’s Next
After *When I Said I Do* airs, Drew plans to pursue additional faith-inspired storytelling projects, including potential future collaborations with Lifetime and further scriptwriting endeavors.
