Surprising Age Gaps in Films and TV That We Can't Ignore

Tom Skerritt and Drew Barrymore

The movie *Poison Ivy* might just take the cake for creepy age gaps, starring Tom Skerritt and Drew Barrymore in this controversial erotic thriller. Drew plays a young schoolgirl who manipulates her way into a classmate’s family and seduces the father, a character who could easily be her own dad’s age. But the real-life context makes it even more unsettling. During filming, Tom was nearly 60 years old, while Drew hadn’t even turned 18

The two actors shared multiple intimate scenes, which feel incredibly uncomfortable to watch given their stark age difference. With a gap of over 40 years between them, it’s as scandalous as it gets. The film raises questions about Hollywood’s portrayal of relationships and the boundaries of on-screen chemistry. Why did filmmakers think this was acceptable? It’s a prime example of how age disparities in entertainment can leave audiences feeling uneasy, even decades later.