Drew was educated at a fine academy in Philadelphia, but the life of the theater would become his primary focus at a young age.

[3] Under Daly's management, John Drew developed his reputation for versatility, appearing in many varieties of play, but especially in contemporary works that are rarely performed or remembered today.

His final Broadway play was The Circle co-starring fellow veteran star Mrs. Leslie Carter and proved to be a popular comeback for the two Victorian actors.

Highly esteemed by his fellow actors, John Drew was elected lifetime president of New York City’s theatrical club The Players.

He died in San Francisco on July 9, 1927, shortly after being visited by his nephews John and Lionel Barrymore, both of whom had taken time off from movie-making on the West Coast.