The E.T. Cast: Where Are Your Favorite Stars Now?
It's a movie that, well, just about everyone knows. The story of Elliott, a boy who finds a visitor from another world, truly captured hearts. For many, that initial viewing was a moment of pure magic, a time when anything felt possible. Now, years later, you might be curious about the actors who brought those beloved characters to life. What has the et cast been doing since that supernatural movie premiered?
That incredible tale of friendship between a human child and an alien creature still holds a special spot for so many people. It was a film that taught us about acceptance, courage, and the power of connection. The performances were, in a way, very moving, making us feel every bit of joy and sorrow right alongside the characters.
So, if you’ve ever wondered what ever happened to Henry Thomas, Robert MacNaughton, and more, you are in the right spot. Here's what the cast of 'E.T.' is up to all these decades later. We will, you know, take a look at their journeys since that iconic film.
Table of Contents
- Henry Thomas: Elliott, the Boy Who Befriended an Alien
- Drew Barrymore: The Unforgettable Gertie
- Dee Wallace: Mary, the Loving Mother
- Robert MacNaughton: Michael, Elliott's Older Brother
- Peter Coyote: Keys, the Government Agent
- Frequently Asked Questions About the E.T. Cast
- The Enduring Magic of the E.T. Cast
Henry Thomas: Elliott, the Boy Who Befriended an Alien
Henry Thomas played Elliott, the central figure in the E.T. story. His performance as a sensitive, lonely boy who finds a unique friend was, quite frankly, very touching. He really made us believe in the bond between Elliott and E.T. His portrayal captured the wonder and innocence of childhood, which is something special.
Biography and Early Life
Born in San Antonio, Texas, Henry Thomas got his start in acting at a very young age. His role in 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial' was, you know, his breakout. It made him a household name almost overnight. Before that, he had done some smaller acting jobs, but nothing quite like this.
His quiet demeanor and expressive eyes were, apparently, perfect for the part of Elliott. He seemed to really get what the character was about. This role, in a way, defined much of his early career, setting him on a path in the entertainment world.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Henry Jackson Thomas Jr. |
| Birth Date | September 9, 1971 |
| Birth Place | San Antonio, Texas, USA |
| Role in E.T. | Elliott Taylor |
| Notable Works | E.T., Legends of the Fall, The Haunting of Hill House, Doctor Sleep |
Life After E.T.: A Continued Acting Path
After 'E.T.', Henry Thomas kept working in films and television. He appeared in movies like 'Cloak & Dagger' and 'Raggedy Man'. He took on a variety of parts, trying to show different sides of his acting skills. He also, you know, stepped away from the spotlight a bit at times.
In more recent years, he has found a new audience through his work with director Mike Flanagan. He has been in several of Flanagan's horror projects, like 'The Haunting of Hill House' and 'Doctor Sleep'. These roles, in a way, showed a more mature and darker side to his acting. He also, quite honestly, has a music career, releasing albums and touring.
Drew Barrymore: The Unforgettable Gertie
Drew Barrymore played Gertie, Elliott's younger sister. Her performance was, well, just adorable and very natural. She brought a lot of humor and innocence to the character. Gertie's reactions to E.T., from fear to pure delight, were, basically, some of the film's most memorable moments.
Biography and Early Life
Drew Barrymore comes from a long line of actors, the famous Barrymore family. She started acting at a very young age. Her role as Gertie in 'E.T.' made her a child star, almost instantly. She was, you know, quite young when she filmed it, which makes her performance even more impressive.
Her early life was, in some respects, very public and had its difficulties. She worked through those challenges, which is something many people admire. She showed a lot of strength, really, to overcome those early struggles.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Drew Blythe Barrymore |
| Birth Date | February 22, 1975 |
| Birth Place | Culver City, California, USA |
| Role in E.T. | Gertie |
| Notable Works | E.T., The Wedding Singer, Charlie's Angels, 50 First Dates, The Drew Barrymore Show |
From Child Star to Hollywood Powerhouse
Drew Barrymore has had an incredibly successful career. After her child star days, she made a big comeback as an adult actress in the 1990s. She starred in popular romantic comedies like 'The Wedding Singer' and '50 First Dates'. She also, you know, showed her action side in 'Charlie's Angels'.
Beyond acting, she became a successful producer with her company, Flower Films. She has, you know, produced many films and TV shows. More recently, she launched 'The Drew Barrymore Show', a daytime talk show. She is, in a way, a very versatile person, always trying new things in the entertainment world. She has, basically, shown how to grow from a child actor into a major figure in Hollywood.
Dee Wallace: Mary, the Loving Mother
Dee Wallace played Mary, the single mother of Elliott, Gertie, and Michael. Her role was, frankly, very important. She had to show the struggles of a parent trying to raise children while also dealing with, you know, the strange events happening in her home. She made Mary feel very real, a mother who cares deeply for her kids.
Biography and Early Life
Dee Wallace was born in Kansas City, Kansas. Before 'E.T.', she had already built a name for herself in the horror movie genre. She was, you know, in films like 'The Hills Have Eyes' and 'The Howling'. These roles showed her ability to portray strong, often terrified, characters.
Her work in 'E.T.' was, in a way, a bit different from her usual roles. It allowed her to show a softer, more maternal side. She has, basically, a very extensive acting background, which really helped her bring Mary to life.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Deanna Wallace |
| Birth Date | December 14, 1948 |
| Birth Place | Kansas City, Kansas, USA |
| Role in E.T. | Mary Taylor |
| Notable Works | E.T., The Howling, Cujo, Critters, The Lords of Salem |
A Prolific Career in Film and Television
Dee Wallace has continued to work steadily in Hollywood since 'E.T.'. She is, you know, very well-known for her work in horror films, often called a "scream queen." She has appeared in many movies, both big and small. She is, in some respects, always working, taking on new parts.
Her career includes roles in films like 'Cujo', 'Critters', and many independent horror projects. She also makes appearances on television shows. She is, basically, a very reliable and busy actress, always finding new ways to share her talent with audiences. Her dedication to acting is, you know, very clear.
Robert MacNaughton: Michael, Elliott's Older Brother
Robert MacNaughton played Michael, Elliott's older brother. He was, in a way, the typical older sibling, a bit skeptical at first but then very protective. His reactions to E.T. were, you know, quite funny at times. He showed a nice mix of annoyance and genuine care for his younger brother.
Biography and Early Life
Robert MacNaughton was born in New York City. 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial' was, for him, his most famous role. Before this, he had done some stage work and a few television appearances. He was, basically, a young actor trying to make his way in the business.
His portrayal of Michael was, you know, very relatable. He captured the essence of a teenager dealing with a very unusual situation. He showed, in a way, a good range of emotions, from frustration to loyalty.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Robert MacNaughton |
| Birth Date | December 19, 1966 |
| Birth Place | New York City, New York, USA |
| Role in E.T. | Michael Taylor |
| Notable Works | E.T., I Am the Cheese, A Table for One |
A Different Kind of Journey
After 'E.T.', Robert MacNaughton continued acting for a while, but his career took a different path. He appeared in a few other films and TV shows. He eventually, you know, moved away from full-time acting. He pursued a career in the postal service, which is, in a way, very different from Hollywood.
He did, however, return to acting later in life, taking on roles in independent films and stage productions. He has, basically, found a way to balance his passion for performing with other interests. His story is, you know, a good example of someone who found success and then chose a different kind of life for a time.
Peter Coyote: Keys, the Government Agent
Peter Coyote played Keys, the government agent who leads the search for E.T. He was, in a way, the face of the adult world's attempt to understand and control the alien. His character was, you know, not really a villain but someone doing his job. He showed, basically, a growing understanding and empathy for E.T. as the story went on.
Biography and Early Life
Peter Coyote was born in New York City. Before his acting career, he was, in some respects, very involved in counter-culture movements in the 1960s. He was, you know, a member of the San Francisco Mime Troupe and the Diggers. This background gave him a unique perspective on life and art.
He began acting in films in the late 1970s. His role in 'E.T.' was, basically, one of his most recognizable early film roles. He brought a quiet intensity to the character of Keys, which was, you know, very effective.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Peter Coyote |
| Birth Date | October 10, 1941 |
| Birth Place | New York City, New York, USA |
| Role in E.T. | Keys |
| Notable Works | E.T., Jagged Edge, Bitter Moon, The Roosevelts: An Intimate History (narrator) |
Beyond the Trench Coat
Peter Coyote has had a very diverse and active career since 'E.T.'. He is, you know, a respected actor, appearing in many films and television shows. He has also become a highly sought-after voice actor, especially known for his narration work. He has, basically, a very distinctive voice that many people recognize.
He has narrated numerous documentaries, including many by Ken Burns, such as 'The Civil War' and 'The Roosevelts: An Intimate History'. He is also an author, writing books about his experiences and spiritual journey. He is, in a way, a very thoughtful and versatile artist, continuing to contribute to different creative fields. You can learn more about his extensive work on his official website, which is petercoyote.com.
Frequently Asked Questions About the E.T. Cast
People often wonder about the actors from this special movie. Here are some common questions about the E.T. cast.
What happened to the boy who played Elliott?
The boy who played Elliott is Henry Thomas. He continued acting after 'E.T.', taking on various roles in film and television. He is, you know, still acting today, appearing in projects like 'The Haunting of Hill House' and 'Doctor Sleep'. He also has a music career.
Is the E.T. cast still friends?
While the original child cast members, Henry Thomas and Drew Barrymore, have remained in touch over the years, their close bond from filming is, you know, something special. Drew Barrymore has, apparently, often spoken fondly of Henry and their shared experience. They have, basically, reunited publicly several times, showing a lasting connection.
How old was Drew Barrymore when she filmed E.T.?
Drew Barrymore was, in fact, very young when she filmed 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial'. She was, you know, only six years old during production. Her ability to deliver such a memorable performance at that age is, basically, quite remarkable.
The Enduring Magic of the E.T. Cast
The actors of 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial' brought a timeless story to life. Their performances, from the very young to the more experienced, helped make the movie a classic. It's clear that the magic they created on screen has, you know, stayed with people for decades. The film, and its cast, continue to hold a special place in the hearts of many.
It's fascinating to see how their lives and careers have unfolded since that iconic movie. Each member of the et cast has, in a way, taken a unique path. Yet, they are all connected by that one extraordinary experience. It's a reminder of the powerful impact a single film can have on people, both those who watch it and those who create it.
What are your favorite memories of the E.T. cast? Share your thoughts and tell us which actor's journey you find most interesting!
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) - Posters — The Movie Database (TMDB)
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) - Posters — The Movie Database (TMDB)
E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial UHD4K + Blu-Ray (40th Anniversary Edition
