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The E.T. Cast Of 1982: 5 Shocking 'Where Are They Now' Updates For 2025

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Forty-three years after Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi masterpiece, *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial*, redefined cinema, the cast remains one of the most beloved ensembles in Hollywood history. Released in 1982, the film launched the careers of its young stars and cemented its place as a cornerstone of 1980s pop culture, blending childhood wonder with profound emotional depth. As of December 23, 2025, the central figures—Elliott, Gertie, and Michael—have all forged fascinating, and sometimes surprising, career paths, from daytime television mogul to master of modern horror.

The timeless story of an alien stranded on Earth and the lonely boy who befriends him continues to resonate across generations. While the film’s 40th-anniversary reunion in 2022 brought the core cast back together for a nostalgic look back, their individual careers have seen dramatic, high-profile developments in the years leading up to 2025. This is the definitive, up-to-the-minute look at the *E.T.* cast and what they are doing now.

The Core E.T. Cast: Full Biography and Current Status (2025)

The heart of *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial* was the Taylor family, whose raw, emotional performances anchored the fantastical story. Here is a complete profile of the main actors and their current professional lives.

  • Henry Thomas (Elliott)
    • Full Name: Henry Jackson Thomas Jr.
    • Date of Birth: September 9, 1971
    • Role in E.T.: Elliott Taylor, the lonely 10-year-old boy who discovers and befriends the alien.
    • Current Status (2025): Thomas has successfully transitioned from child star to a versatile adult actor, most notably becoming a frequent collaborator with horror auteur Mike Flanagan. His recent work includes leading roles in critically acclaimed Netflix series like *The Haunting of Hill House*, *The Haunting of Bly Manor*, and *Midnight Mass*. In 2025, he continues to be a fixture on the convention circuit and is involved in new, darker film projects, proving his enduring range far beyond the BMX-riding boy from the 80s.
  • Drew Barrymore (Gertie)
    • Full Name: Drew Blythe Barrymore
    • Date of Birth: February 22, 1975
    • Role in E.T.: Gertie Taylor, Elliott’s adorable, precocious little sister who first mistakes E.T. for a plant.
    • Current Status (2025): Barrymore is arguably the most recognizable name from the cast, having transformed into a media mogul and daytime television icon. Her career, which includes founding the production company Flower Films (*Charlie's Angels*, *50 First Dates*), is now centered on *The Drew Barrymore Show*. The talk show continues to be a major success in 2025, solidifying her status as a producer, author, and businesswoman. Her openness about her troubled childhood and subsequent comeback has made her a celebrated figure in Hollywood.
  • Robert MacNaughton (Michael)
    • Full Name: Robert MacNaughton
    • Date of Birth: December 19, 1966
    • Role in E.T.: Michael Taylor, Elliott’s older brother, who initially teases him but becomes a protective ally.
    • Current Status (2025): After *E.T.*, MacNaughton took a significant step back from acting, pursuing a career as a postmaster in Arizona. He returned to the spotlight for the film's 40th-anniversary events and has since taken on sporadic film roles. His 2025 status reflects a quieter, family-focused life outside the Hollywood machine, though he remains a beloved figure at fan expos, often reuniting with his former on-screen family.
  • Dee Wallace (Mary)
    • Full Name: Deanna Bowers (Dee Wallace Stone)
    • Date of Birth: December 14, 1948
    • Role in E.T.: Mary Taylor, the overwhelmed but loving single mother of Elliott, Gertie, and Michael.
    • Current Status (2025): Dee Wallace is a celebrated veteran actress, often dubbed a "Scream Queen" for her prolific work in the horror genre, including classics like *Cujo* and *The Howling*. In 2025, she maintains an extremely active career with dozens of film and television credits, frequently appearing in independent horror films, and is also an author and motivational speaker focused on self-healing and empowerment.

From Child Star to Horror Icon: Henry Thomas's Dark Evolution

While Drew Barrymore's path to talk show host was an expected trajectory for a charismatic star, Henry Thomas’s transformation has been a genuine surprise to many fans. His career post-*E.T.* was marked by a steady, though less frantic, stream of work in films like *Gangs of New York* and *Legends of the Fall*.

The 2010s and 2020s, however, saw Thomas find a new, unexpected niche: the psychological horror universe of writer-director Mike Flanagan. Beginning with *Ouija: Origin of Evil*, Thomas became a key member of Flanagan's repertory company. His roles in *The Haunting of Hill House*, where he played the adult Hugh Crain, and *The Haunting of Bly Manor*, where he portrayed the unsettling Henry Wingrave, have redefined his public image.

This shift has allowed Thomas to showcase a depth and darkness that contrasts sharply with the innocent, tear-streaked face of Elliott, proving his acting chops to a new generation of viewers who may not even realize his connection to the 1982 classic. His presence in the modern horror landscape ensures his career remains fresh and highly relevant in 2025.

The Drew Barrymore Empire: Daytime TV and Media Mogul Status

Drew Barrymore’s journey from a six-year-old sensation to a powerful media figure is one of Hollywood’s most compelling comeback stories. After a well-documented troubled youth, she successfully reinvented herself in the 1990s and 2000s with hit films like *The Wedding Singer* and the *Charlie's Angels* franchise, produced through her company, Flower Films.

In 2020, Barrymore launched *The Drew Barrymore Show*, which quickly established her as a major force in daytime television. Her signature blend of genuine warmth, emotional transparency, and quirky humor has made the show a success, earning her high praise and solidifying her status as a producer and host.

Her role as Gertie, the child who first sees E.T.’s unique beauty, seems to have foreshadowed her adult career, which is built on empathy and connection. As of 2025, she continues to leverage her massive platform, not just as an actress, but as a lifestyle brand entrepreneur and author, making her the wealthiest and most commercially active member of the original cast.

The Enduring Legacy of Steven Spielberg, John Williams, and Amblin Entertainment

The enduring relevance of the *E.T.* cast is inseparable from the creative team that brought the film to life. The film was a triumph for director Steven Spielberg and his production company, Amblin Entertainment, establishing the blueprint for the modern blockbuster that balances spectacle with heart. The film’s success allowed Spielberg to launch a golden age of filmmaking, with Amblin producing classics throughout the 80s and 90s.

Composer John Williams’s iconic score, particularly "E.T. and Me" and the soaring music accompanying the flying bicycle scene, is universally recognized and remains one of the most celebrated soundtracks in film history. The emotional power of the film, written by Melissa Mathison, is often cited as the perfect fusion of Spielberg's vision and Williams's musical genius.

The film’s 40th anniversary in 2022 saw a major push for re-engagement, including a highly emotional cast reunion on *The Drew Barrymore Show* and the release of the popular Xfinity commercial "A Holiday Reunion," which featured Henry Thomas reprising his role as Elliott, now an adult with his own family who introduces E.T. to his children. This short sequel demonstrated the timeless appeal of the characters and provided a canonical update to Elliott's life, showing that the friendship never truly ended.

Key E.T. Entities & LSI Keywords:

  • Steven Spielberg (Director)
  • John Williams (Composer)
  • Melissa Mathison (Screenwriter)
  • Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall (Producers)
  • Amblin Entertainment (Production Company)
  • Universal Pictures (Distributor)
  • Sci-Fi Classic (Genre)
  • 1980s Cinema (Cultural Context)
  • Child Stars (Theme)
  • BMX Bikes (Iconic Prop)
  • Reese's Pieces (Iconic Prop)
  • The Flying Bicycle Scene (Iconic Scene)
  • "I'll be right here" (Famous Quote)
  • The Heartlight (Film Element)
  • Xfinity Commercial (2019 Sequel Short)
  • The Haunting of Bly Manor (Henry Thomas's recent work)
  • The Drew Barrymore Show (Drew Barrymore's current career)
  • Scream Queen (Dee Wallace's Nickname)
  • Robert MacNaughton Postmaster (Career Shift)

The continued success and surprising career turns of the *E.T.* cast—from Henry Thomas embracing the horror genre to Drew Barrymore becoming a daytime TV powerhouse—ensure that the 1982 film remains a vital topic of discussion. Their willingness to embrace the film’s legacy while forging unique paths proves that the magic of *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial* is not just a memory, but a living, evolving story.

The E.T. Cast of 1982: 5 Shocking 'Where Are They Now' Updates for 2025
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et cast 1982

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