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The E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Cast: 5 Iconic Stars And Where They Are Now After The 40th Anniversary Reunion

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Few films have captured the global imagination quite like Steven Spielberg’s 1982 masterpiece, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. The story of a lost alien and the 10-year-old boy, Elliott, who befriends him, became a cultural touchstone and, for a decade, the highest-grossing film of all time. As of this current date in late 2025, the film’s legacy remains strong, thanks in part to recent 40th-anniversary celebrations that brought the beloved cast back into the spotlight, reminding fans of the magic they created.

The young actors who led this cinematic phenomenon were instantly immortalized, but their lives and careers have taken fascinating, often unexpected, turns since they first uttered the phrase "E.T. phone home." From a major talk show host to a celebrated horror movie veteran and a former mail carrier, here is the complete, up-to-date look at the main cast of E.T. and what they are doing today.

The E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Main Cast: A Complete Profile

The core cast members were a blend of seasoned veterans and fresh-faced child stars who delivered performances that felt genuinely heartfelt, a testament to director Steven Spielberg’s unique approach to working with children.

  • Henry Thomas (Elliott Taylor)
    • Role: The sensitive, lonely 10-year-old boy who discovers and bonds with E.T.
    • Born: September 9, 1971, in San Antonio, Texas.
    • Career Highlights Post-E.T.: Thomas successfully transitioned from child star to a versatile adult actor. He has frequently collaborated with director Mike Flanagan, starring in Netflix horror hits like The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, and Midnight Mass. His recent work includes the 2023 film Pet Sematary: Bloodlines.
    • Current Status: Highly active in film and television, often praised for his dramatic and genre work.
  • Drew Barrymore (Gertie Taylor)
    • Role: Elliott's adorable, scene-stealing little sister who initially struggles to keep the alien a secret.
    • Born: February 22, 1975, in Culver City, California.
    • Career Highlights Post-E.T.: Barrymore overcame a well-documented tumultuous childhood to become one of Hollywood's most successful figures. Her major film roles include The Wedding Singer, Charlie's Angels, and 50 First Dates. She is a successful producer and the host of the popular daytime talk show, The Drew Barrymore Show, which notably hosted the 40th-anniversary cast reunion.
    • Current Status: Host of a major talk show, actress, producer, and entrepreneur (Flower Beauty).
  • Dee Wallace (Mary Taylor)
    • Role: Elliott, Michael, and Gertie’s single, overworked mother who is the last to learn the truth about E.T.
    • Born: December 14, 1948, in Kansas City, Kansas.
    • Career Highlights Post-E.T.: A prolific and celebrated "Scream Queen," Wallace is a horror movie icon, starring in classics like Cujo, The Howling, and Critters. She continues to be one of the busiest working actors in Hollywood, often appearing in independent and genre films.
    • Current Status: Highly active film actress and motivational speaker.
  • Robert MacNaughton (Michael Taylor)
    • Role: Elliott’s older brother, who transitions from a skeptical teenager to a supportive protector of E.T.
    • Born: December 19, 1966, in New York, New York.
    • Career Highlights Post-E.T.: MacNaughton had a few subsequent acting roles but largely stepped away from Hollywood, eventually taking a job with the U.S. Postal Service in Arizona. He has returned to acting in recent years, appearing in a few independent films and participating actively in the 40th-anniversary reunion events.
    • Current Status: Part-time actor and former postal worker, occasionally appearing at fan conventions.
  • Peter Coyote (Keys)
    • Role: The mysterious government agent whose face is never clearly shown until the end, named only "Keys" because of the keys he wears on his belt.
    • Born: October 10, 1941, in New York, New York.
    • Career Highlights Post-E.T.: Coyote is a highly respected actor, author, and Zen Buddhist priest. He is perhaps best known to modern audiences as a prolific and distinctive narrator for countless documentaries, particularly those by Ken Burns, such as The Vietnam War and The National Parks.
    • Current Status: Active actor, author, and one of the most recognizable voices in documentary film.

The Enduring Magic: E.T. 40th Anniversary Reunion and Current Projects

The bond between the cast members, particularly the children, was a major theme of the film, and it has proven to be a lifelong connection. The 40th anniversary of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, which occurred in 2022, sparked a wave of nostalgia and fresh content centered around the cast.

In a significant and highly publicized event, Drew Barrymore hosted a special cast reunion on her talk show, The Drew Barrymore Show, bringing together Henry Thomas, Dee Wallace, and Robert MacNaughton. This reunion offered a rare, candid look back at the filming process, with the cast sharing heartwarming memories of working with Steven Spielberg and the unique magic that surrounded the set.

Henry Thomas, who was just 10 years old when he landed the career-defining role of Elliott, discussed his continued work in Hollywood. He has found a niche in the horror genre, moving from the innocence of E.T. to the gothic terror of Mike Flanagan’s Netflix projects. His ability to maintain a steady, respected career decades later is a rare success story among former child stars.

Meanwhile, Dee Wallace, the matriarch of the Taylor family, has embraced her status as a horror icon. Her longevity in the industry, including recent roles in 2024 and 2025 projects, demonstrates her enduring appeal to fans of genre cinema.

From Child Star to Media Mogul: The Drew Barrymore Phenomenon

No member of the E.T. cast has achieved the level of global celebrity and professional reinvention quite like Drew Barrymore. Her role as Gertie, the youngest Taylor sibling, was her breakthrough, launching a life in the public eye that has been anything but ordinary.

Barrymore has successfully transitioned from an actress to a major media personality and business owner. Her talk show is a platform where she often discusses her past, including her relationship with her godfather, Steven Spielberg, and the profound impact E.T. had on her life. The show itself has become a central hub for new content related to the film, solidifying her status as the most visible and influential member of the original cast today.

The cast's willingness to celebrate the film’s legacy, particularly through the recent reunion events, is a testament to the positive experience they had making the movie. For fans, it’s a comforting reminder that the magic of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and the heartfelt performances of its cast, continues to resonate across generations. The film remains a timeless classic, and its stars are still telling fascinating stories—both on and off the screen.

The E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Cast: 5 Iconic Stars and Where They Are Now After The 40th Anniversary Reunion
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