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The E.T. Revelation: 7 Shocking Secrets About Drew Barrymore’s Iconic Role And Her Lifelong Bond With Steven Spielberg

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Decades after its release, *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial* remains one of the most beloved and influential films in cinematic history, but the story of its youngest star, Drew Barrymore, is perhaps the most fascinating and enduring. As of late 2025, the film's 40th anniversary celebrations have brought a fresh wave of revelations, confirming the depth of the experience for the then-six-year-old actress and the profound, lifelong impact director Steven Spielberg had on her.

The role of Gertie, the adorable little sister who first sees the alien and utters the iconic line, "I think it's a goblin," launched Barrymore from a young Hollywood scion into a global phenomenon. Recent cast reunions and candid interviews have peeled back the layers on the film's production, revealing shocking secrets about improvisation, parental figures, and the innocent delusion that shaped one of the 80s' biggest blockbusters.

Drew Barrymore: Biography and Profile

  • Full Name: Drew Blythe Barrymore
  • Date of Birth: February 22, 1975
  • Place of Birth: Culver City, California, U.S.
  • Family Lineage: Member of the famous Barrymore acting family, including grandfather John Barrymore and great-aunt Ethel Barrymore.
  • Breakthrough Role: Gertie in *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial* (1982) at age 7.
  • Key Films (Child/Teen): *Firestarter* (1984), *Irreconcilable Differences* (1984), *Poison Ivy* (1992).
  • Key Films (Adult): *Scream* (1996), *The Wedding Singer* (1998), *Ever After* (1998), *Charlie's Angels* (2000), *50 First Dates* (2004).
  • Current Endeavor: Host of the syndicated talk show, *The Drew Barrymore Show* (launched 2020).
  • Godfather: Steven Spielberg (director of *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial*).
  • Accolades: Golden Globe Award, Screen Actors Guild Award nominee, multiple Emmy nominations for her talk show.

The Innocent Deception: Why Drew Thought E.T. Was Real

One of the most heartwarming and surprising facts about the filming of *E.T.* is the extent to which Steven Spielberg went to protect the young actress’s innocence and enhance her performance. Drew Barrymore was only six years old when she played Gertie, and her belief in the extra-terrestrial was entirely genuine.

Spielberg, recognizing the power of a child’s imagination, deliberately fostered this belief. He ensured that the E.T. puppet was treated like a real person on set, often having the crew talk to it and even assigning a few crew members to operate it in a way that made it seem alive between takes. Barrymore herself recently recalled on her talk show that she would eat lunch with the puppet and cover it with a blanket to keep it warm.

This innocent delusion was a secret weapon for the director. When it came time for the famous goodbye scene, Barrymore's raw, tearful emotion was the result of her genuinely believing she was saying farewell to a real friend. This commitment to authenticity, even through a gentle deception, is a testament to Spielberg's legendary ability to direct child actors and is a key reason why Gertie’s performance remains so captivating four decades later.

Improvised Lines and Reese's Pieces: Behind-the-Scenes Secrets

The magic of *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial* wasn't just in the script; it was in the spontaneous, natural energy of its young cast. Recent retrospectives, particularly during the film’s 40th anniversary, have highlighted how much of Gertie’s dialogue was actually improvised by the six-year-old Drew Barrymore.

Spielberg described the young actress as "irrepressible" and encouraged her natural creativity. Two of Gertie’s most memorable and charming lines were entirely her own invention: the already-mentioned "I think it's a goblin" and the line "Give me a break!" when her older brother, Elliott (Henry Thomas), tells her to be quiet. These unscripted moments brought a genuine, childlike realism to the character that a writer could never have manufactured.

Another fascinating production detail that Barrymore shared was the reason for the famous candy choice. The film originally wanted to use M&M's, but the company declined the product placement. This led the production team to turn to Hershey's, which agreed to allow the use of Reese's Pieces. The resulting surge in sales for the peanut butter-flavored candy was so enormous that it became a legendary case study in effective, accidental product placement, all thanks to the scene where Gertie and Elliott use the treats to lure E.T. out of hiding.

Steven Spielberg: The Director Who Became a Parental Figure

The bond forged on the set of *E.T.* between the director and his young star transcended a typical professional relationship, developing into a lifelong familial connection. Steven Spielberg, who is Drew Barrymore's godfather, has been described by the actress as "the only person in my life to this day that ever was a parental figure."

The connection began during filming when Barrymore, who was experiencing a turbulent home life, would stay with Spielberg and his wife, Amy Irving, on weekends. The director, seeing her difficult circumstances, took on a protective role. He recently recalled feeling "helpless" watching her home life after casting her, which led him to step in as a mentor and guide.

This enduring relationship is a powerful piece of Hollywood history. Spielberg didn't just give Barrymore her breakthrough role; he provided stability and love during her formative years, a fact she frequently discusses with deep gratitude. This topical authority is central to understanding Barrymore's career trajectory and her personal resilience, as Spielberg remained a constant positive influence through her well-documented struggles in her teens and her eventual, successful comeback.

The E.T. Cast Reunion: A Fresh Look at a Classic

The lasting impact of the film was celebrated with a special 40th-anniversary reunion on *The Drew Barrymore Show*. In a moment that delighted fans globally, Barrymore (Gertie) was joined by her on-screen brothers, Henry Thomas (Elliott) and Robert MacNaughton (Michael), as well as her on-screen mother, Dee Wallace (Mary).

The reunion provided the latest and freshest insights into the production, with the cast reminiscing about the unique atmosphere Spielberg created. They discussed everything from the props they kept—a key entity for fans and collectors—to the emotional weight of the film’s message. The reunion underscored that the chemistry and familial warmth seen on screen were a reflection of the real-life bond that formed between the actors, a bond that remains strong four decades later.

For Drew Barrymore, the film is not just a career milestone but a foundational memory. She has expressed being "forever grateful" for the experience, which she credits with shaping her entire life and career. Her role as Gertie, the curious, wide-eyed child who helps save an alien, continues to define her early career, a testament to the timeless power of *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial* and the profound story of the little girl at its heart.

drew barrymore in e.t.
drew barrymore in e.t.

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