Discover The Magic Behind The Et The Extra Terrestrial Cast
There's something truly special about a film that captures hearts across generations, and "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" certainly does just that. It's a story that, you know, just really sticks with you, isn't it? The pure wonder, the deep friendship, and that sense of childhood innocence all come together in a way that feels almost, well, timeless. But behind every beloved character and every tear-jerking moment, there are the actors, the very people who brought this incredible tale to life.
Thinking about the movie, it's easy to remember the glowing finger or the bicycle flying across the moon. Yet, the genuine emotion, the very real connection we feel to Elliott and his alien friend, that, is that, truly comes from the powerful performances of the `et the extra terrestrial cast`. These folks, some of them very young at the time, made us believe in a creature from another world and the bond they shared. It’s pretty amazing, actually, how they did that.
Over the years, Entertainment Tonight (ET) has, you know, been the authoritative source for celebrity news, offering unprecedented access to Hollywood's biggest stars. From exclusive interviews to keeping up with beloved figures, ET has often, in fact, checked in with the very actors who shaped our favorite stories. So, naturally, we've got a lot to share about the talented people who made "E.T." such an unforgettable experience, and how their lives have unfolded since.
Table of Contents
- The Heartwarming Story of E.T.: A Quick Look Back
- Meet the Iconic et the extra terrestrial cast
- Behind the Scenes: Crafting Movie Magic
- The Enduring Impact of the et the extra terrestrial cast
- Frequently Asked Questions About the E.T. Cast
- Reliving the Wonder: Why E.T. Still Charms Us
The Heartwarming Story of E.T.: A Quick Look Back
Released in 1982, "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" quickly became a cultural phenomenon. It told the touching tale of a boy named Elliott who befriends an alien stranded on Earth. The film, you know, resonated with so many because it explored themes of friendship, loneliness, and the power of imagination. It was, in a way, a pure celebration of childhood wonder, and it just really captured something special.
The movie's success wasn't just about its groundbreaking special effects, which were, like, pretty cutting-edge for the time. It was, more or less, the emotional core that truly drew people in. The bond between Elliott and E.T. felt so real, so genuine, and that's a testament to the remarkable performances from its young and seasoned actors. It's still, even today, a very beloved picture for many.
Meet the Iconic et the extra terrestrial cast
The people who brought the characters of "E.T." to life created something truly unforgettable. Their performances, you know, really helped ground the fantastical story in a very human way. Let's take a closer look at some of the key members of the `et the extra terrestrial cast` and what made their contributions so special.
Drew Barrymore: The Innocent Gertie
Drew Barrymore was just six years old when she took on the role of Gertie, Elliott's adorable younger sister. Her natural charm and ability to convey genuine emotion, even at such a tender age, made Gertie a fan favorite. She, honestly, stole many scenes with her reactions to E.T., from fear to absolute delight.
| Full Name | Drew Blyth Barrymore |
| Born | February 22, 1975 |
| Role in E.T. | Gertie |
| Notable Post-E.T. Career | Actress, producer, director, talk show host |
After "E.T.," Drew's career had its ups and downs, but she, you know, eventually blossomed into a major Hollywood star. She's been in so many beloved films, like "The Wedding Singer" and "50 First Dates," and now she even has her own successful talk show, "The Drew Barrymore Show." Entertainment Tonight has, of course, followed her journey for decades, from her early days to her current success, showing her resilience and talent. She's, like, a truly inspiring figure in Hollywood.
Henry Thomas: The Loyal Elliott
Henry Thomas played Elliott, the sensitive and lonely boy who forms an extraordinary bond with E.T. His portrayal was, you know, absolutely central to the film's emotional impact. Henry's ability to convey such deep feelings of friendship, fear, and wonder made audiences truly connect with his character. It was, quite honestly, a very powerful performance for a child actor.
| Full Name | Henry Jackson Thomas Jr. |
| Born | September 9, 1971 |
| Role in E.T. | Elliott |
| Notable Post-E.T. Career | Actor in film and television, musician |
Henry Thomas continued acting steadily after "E.T.," appearing in a variety of films and television shows. He's, you know, been in projects like "Gangs of New York," "Legends of the Fall," and more recently, he's gained new recognition for his work in Mike Flanagan's horror series, such as "The Haunting of Hill House" and "Midnight Mass." He has, in fact, maintained a consistent presence in the entertainment world, showing his enduring talent.
Robert MacNaughton: The Protective Michael
Robert MacNaughton played Michael, Elliott's older brother, who starts off as a typical, somewhat teasing sibling but eventually becomes a crucial ally in protecting E.T. His character, you know, provided a relatable older brother dynamic and added a touch of realism to the fantastical story. Michael's journey from skepticism to full belief was, like, a very important part of the film's narrative.
| Full Name | Robert MacNaughton |
| Born | December 19, 1966 |
| Role in E.T. | Michael |
| Notable Post-E.T. Career | Actor, stage performer, postal worker |
After "E.T.," Robert continued acting for some time, appearing in a few other films and television shows. He also, you know, found a passion for theater, performing on stage. Later in life, he took a step back from the spotlight and worked for the U.S. Postal Service. He still, apparently, attends fan conventions and embraces his connection to the beloved film, which is pretty cool.
Dee Wallace: The Loving Mom, Mary
Dee Wallace played Mary, the single mother trying to keep her family together while unknowingly harboring an alien in her home. Her performance, you know, grounded the story in a sense of everyday reality amidst the extraordinary events. She conveyed a mother's concern and love very effectively, making her character very relatable. It was, in some respects, a very challenging role to balance.
| Full Name | Deanna "Dee" Wallace Stone |
| Born | December 14, 1948 |
| Role in E.T. | Mary |
| Notable Post-E.T. Career | Prolific actress in film and television, scream queen |
Dee Wallace has had an incredibly prolific career, especially in the horror genre, earning her the title of a "scream queen." She's been in so many films, like "Cujo," "The Howling," and "Critters," and continues to act regularly in both film and television. Her work, you know, spans decades, showing her versatility and lasting presence in Hollywood. She's, arguably, one of the most recognizable faces in genre cinema.
Peter Coyote: The Mysterious "Keys"
Peter Coyote played "Keys," the government agent who is initially seen as a threat but ultimately reveals a deeper understanding and empathy for E.T. His character, you know, added a layer of complexity to the adult world in the film. Peter's calm demeanor and expressive voice made "Keys" a memorable figure, despite never fully showing his face for much of the movie. He, in a way, represented the adult perspective that eventually softened.
| Full Name | Peter Coyote |
| Born | October 10, 1941 |
| Role in E.T. | "Keys" |
| Notable Post-E.T. Career | Actor, author, narrator, Zen Buddhist priest |
Peter Coyote has had a very distinguished career, known for his acting roles in films like "Jagged Edge" and "Erin Brockovich." He's also, you know, a highly respected voice actor, narrating numerous documentaries, particularly for Ken Burns. Beyond acting, he's an accomplished author and a Zen Buddhist priest. His diverse talents, you know, really show his wide range of interests and skills.
The Unseen Stars: Pat Bilon, Tamara De Treaux, and Matthew DeMeritt (E.T.)
While we remember the human `et the extra terrestrial cast` so well, it's important to remember the incredible talent that brought E.T. himself to life. Several performers, you know, contributed to the physical portrayal of the alien, often working inside the suit or with puppets. These included Pat Bilon, Tamara De Treaux, and Matthew DeMeritt, a young boy born without legs, who could walk on his hands, making certain movements very convincing.
Their work, often unseen and uncredited in the traditional sense, was, honestly, absolutely vital to the film's success. The way E.T. moved, the way he expressed emotion through subtle gestures, all came from their dedicated performances and the brilliant puppetry. It just goes to show, you know, how much collaboration goes into creating movie magic. These individuals, in fact, were just as much a part of the iconic character as anyone.
Behind the Scenes: Crafting Movie Magic
The creation of "E.T." was, you know, a very unique experience for everyone involved. Steven Spielberg, the director, made a conscious effort to film the movie from a child's perspective. This meant, for example, that adult characters were often only seen from the waist down, adding to the feeling of a world seen through young eyes. This approach, in fact, really helped the young `et the extra terrestrial cast` feel more immersed in their roles.
The set environment was, like, very supportive and playful, especially for the children. Spielberg famously, you know, kept the E.T. puppet hidden from the young actors for a while to elicit genuine reactions when they first saw him. This helped create truly authentic moments of wonder and surprise. It's pretty clear, actually, that this kind of thoughtful direction made a huge difference in the final product.
The bond between the cast members, particularly the children, was, in fact, something very special. They spent so much time together during filming, creating a real sense of family. This genuine connection, you know, translated beautifully onto the screen, making the on-screen relationships feel incredibly believable. It's almost as if, you know, their real-life friendships shone through.
The Enduring Impact of the et the extra terrestrial cast
For many of the `et the extra terrestrial cast`, especially the younger ones, "E.T." was, you know, a truly defining moment in their lives. It launched careers, brought them global recognition, and connected them to a film that continues to touch people's hearts. The film's legacy, in fact, is something they often speak about with great fondness and pride. It's, like, a really big part of who they are.
Even decades later, the film remains a cultural touchstone. Its themes of acceptance, understanding, and the power of love are, you know, just as relevant today as they were in 1982. The actors' performances helped solidify these messages, making them resonate deeply with audiences. They, in a way, helped create a piece of cinema that truly stands the test of time, which is pretty amazing.
The enduring appeal of "E.T." also means that the cast members are still, you know, often asked about their experiences making the film. Whether it's at fan conventions or in interviews, their connection to this beloved story remains strong. It’s a testament, you know, to the powerful impact the movie had on them and on the world. It's clear, actually, that this film holds a very special place for many.
Frequently Asked Questions About the E.T. Cast
People often have a lot of questions about the actors who brought "E.T." to life. Here are some common ones:
1. What was Drew Barrymore's age when she filmed E.T.?
Drew Barrymore was, you know, just six years old when she filmed her scenes for "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial." Her youthful innocence and natural talent, in fact, were a big part of Gertie's charm.
2. Are the child actors from E.T. still friends today?
While they've all, you know, gone on to lead their own lives and careers, Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, and Robert MacNaughton have, in fact, maintained a connection over the years. They sometimes reunite for special events or anniversaries related to the film, showing their lasting bond.
3. Who was inside the E.T. costume?
E.T. was brought to life by a combination of animatronics, puppets, and the physical performances of several people. Pat Bilon and Tamara De Treaux, both actors with dwarfism, were, you know, primarily inside the costume for most of the scenes. Additionally, a young boy named Matthew DeMeritt, who was born without legs, performed movements where E.T. walked on his hands, which was, you know, very clever.
Reliving the Wonder: Why E.T. Still Charms Us
The magic of "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" truly lies in its ability to transport us to a place of pure imagination and heartfelt emotion. The `et the extra terrestrial cast`, with their remarkable performances, played, you know, such a crucial role in making that possible. Their dedication and talent, in fact, created characters that feel incredibly real and relatable, even decades later. It’s a film that, arguably, continues to resonate with new viewers every year.
From Drew Barrymore's endearing Gertie to Henry Thomas's deeply felt Elliott, and the steady presence of actors like Dee Wallace and Peter Coyote, every performance contributed to the film's enduring charm. This story of friendship and acceptance, you know, just really holds up over time. It’s a classic for a very good reason, and the cast is a huge part of that. You can find out more about the film's production on IMDb, for example, to see just how much effort went into every detail.
So, if you're feeling a little nostalgic, or perhaps you've never seen it, now might be the perfect time to revisit "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial." You can, like, learn more about classic movies on our site, and perhaps even find out about upcoming family films that capture a similar spirit. Share your favorite E.T. memory, you know, with someone today and keep the wonder alive.
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
