Home Poal8

43 Years Later: The E.T. Original Cast—Where Are They Now In 2025?

• minute read
Contents

Few films in cinematic history have achieved the cultural ubiquity and emotional resonance of Steven Spielberg's 1982 masterpiece, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. The story of a lonely boy named Elliott and his alien friend captured the hearts of a generation, launching the careers of its young stars into the stratosphere. Now, over four decades later, fans are constantly curious about the fate of the iconic cast.

As of December 23, 2025, the lives and careers of the original cast members—the beloved child stars and the mother who anchored the family—have taken fascinating and often unexpected turns. From a major daytime television empire to a surprising pivot into the world of modern horror, here is the definitive, up-to-date look at what the E.T. original cast is doing today.

The E.T. Original Cast: Full Biography and Film Profile

The core cast of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial created one of the most memorable on-screen families in cinema history. Here is a quick look at the main actors who brought the magic of the Taylor family to life:

  • Drew Barrymore (Gertie Taylor):
    • Role: Elliott's adorable, youngest sister who first sees E.T. and calls him a "goblin."
    • Born: February 22, 1975, in Culver City, California.
    • Career Highlights: *Firestarter* (1984), *Poison Ivy* (1992), *The Wedding Singer* (1998), *Charlie's Angels* (2000), *50 First Dates* (2004), and *The Drew Barrymore Show*.
  • Henry Thomas (Elliott Taylor):
    • Role: The sensitive, lonely 10-year-old boy who discovers and befriends the extra-terrestrial.
    • Born: September 9, 1971, in San Antonio, Texas.
    • Career Highlights: *Cloak & Dagger* (1984), *Legends of the Fall* (1994), *Gangs of New York* (2002), and a successful collaboration with Mike Flanagan on horror projects like *The Haunting of Hill House* and *Midnight Mass*.
  • Dee Wallace (Mary Taylor):
    • Role: The kind, single mother of Elliott, Michael, and Gertie, who is initially unaware of the alien living in her home.
    • Born: December 14, 1948, in Kansas City, Kansas.
    • Career Highlights: A true "Scream Queen," with iconic roles in *The Hills Have Eyes* (1977), *The Howling* (1981), *Cujo* (1983), and *Critters* (1986).
  • Robert MacNaughton (Michael Taylor):
    • Role: Elliott's older, initially skeptical brother who evolves into a protective ally.
    • Born: December 19, 1966, in New York, New York.
    • Career Highlights: Primarily known for *E.T.*, he later appeared in *I Am the Cheese* (1983) and *Frankenstein vs. The Mummy* (2015).

Drew Barrymore: From Child Star to Daytime TV Mogul in 2025

Of all the *E.T.* child stars, Drew Barrymore, who played the lisping, wide-eyed Gertie, has undoubtedly had the most public and enduring career. After a tumultuous adolescence, she successfully reinvented herself as a major Hollywood star, a producer through her company Flower Films, and now, a television host.

Stepping Back from the Big Screen: In recent years, Barrymore has made a conscious decision to step back from major film acting roles to focus on her family and her successful television venture.

The Talk Show Empire: Her main focus in 2024 and heading into 2025 is *The Drew Barrymore Show*, a daytime talk show that has proven to be a massive success.

The show, which began in 2020, has been renewed and continues to be a staple of daytime television for the 2024-2025 season. Barrymore has spoken openly about prioritizing her role as a parent, which is a major reason for her shift away from the demanding schedule of film production.

Her work as a producer and entrepreneur, including her Flower Beauty and Flower Home lines, has expanded her net worth and influence far beyond her original acting career, cementing her status as a multi-hyphenate mogul.

Henry Thomas and Dee Wallace: The Horror Renaissance and 2025 Projects

While Drew Barrymore became a comedy and romance icon, Henry Thomas (Elliott) and Dee Wallace (Mary) have forged powerful, successful second careers in the horror and thriller genres, a surprising but fitting path for actors from a film that blended sci-fi, family drama, and suspense.

Henry Thomas: The New King of Horror

Henry Thomas has become a modern horror icon, largely due to his extensive, fruitful collaboration with writer and director Mike Flanagan.

Flanagan-Verse Star: Thomas has appeared in a string of critically acclaimed Netflix horror series, including *The Haunting of Hill House*, *The Haunting of Bly Manor*, *Midnight Mass*, and *The Fall of the House of Usher*. This body of work has introduced him to a new generation of fans, far removed from his famous bicycle ride with E.T.

2025 Appearances: His commitment to the genre is ongoing. Fans can look forward to seeing him at various conventions, including a confirmed appearance at CreepyCon 2025 in August.

Dee Wallace: The Unstoppable Scream Queen

Dee Wallace, who was already a horror veteran before E.T., is showing no signs of slowing down. Her career remains incredibly active, with multiple projects in 2024 and 2025.

Recent and Upcoming Films: In 2024, Wallace starred in the film *Cash Out*. Looking ahead to 2025, she has been cast in the indie thriller *Godmother* and is involved in a movie filming in Columbus, Georgia, showcasing her continued demand in the industry.

Her longevity and consistent work in independent and genre films make her a powerhouse entity in the world of acting, a true testament to her talent beyond her role as Mary Taylor.

Robert MacNaughton and The Enduring Legacy of Michael

Robert MacNaughton, who played the skeptical but ultimately protective older brother Michael, took a different and less conventional path than his on-screen siblings.

A Career Pivot: After a few subsequent roles, MacNaughton largely stepped away from the acting world in the late 1980s. He famously took on a new career path as a mail handler in Phoenix, Arizona, prioritizing a quiet, private life outside the Hollywood spotlight.

Recent Acting: While his mail handler career was long-running, he has made sporadic returns to acting, including the 2015 films *Frankenstein vs. The Mummy* and *Laugh Killer Laugh*.

His story is a unique one among child stars, demonstrating that a return to a non-Hollywood life can be a fulfilling choice. Updates into 2025 confirm his status as an actor who chose a different path but remains a cherished part of the E.T. legacy.

Topical Authority: The 2024–2025 E.T. Reunions and Celebrations

Despite the film's 40th anniversary technically occurring in 2022, the cast continues to honor the film's legacy with recent public appearances and reunions, proving the emotional impact of the Steven Spielberg classic is timeless.

Podcast Reunion: In a delightful surprise for fans, Henry Thomas and Dee Wallace reunited for a podcast episode in December 2024, offering fresh insights into their experiences on the set and their decades-long friendship.

Comic Con Panel: Henry Thomas also participated in a panel at Nickel City Comic Con in June 2024, where he discussed the movie, his experiences, and answered fan questions, keeping the spirit of Elliott alive for the convention circuit.

The film's enduring popularity has led to its re-release in IMAX theaters for the anniversary celebration, allowing a new generation of audiences to experience the Amblin Entertainment masterpiece on the big screen.

The story of Elliott, Gertie, Michael, and their extraterrestrial friend remains one of cinematic history's most powerful explorations of childhood, friendship, and the concept of "home." The cast's varied and vibrant careers in 2025—from Drew Barrymore's influential daytime presence to Henry Thomas's horror pivot and Dee Wallace's prolific film work—ensure that the magic of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial continues to resonate with audiences around the world.

et original cast
et original cast

Detail Author:

  • Name : Dr. Clarissa Windler
  • Username : ricky.ullrich
  • Email : borer.camylle@yahoo.com
  • Birthdate : 2002-07-28
  • Address : 605 Grant Ridge O'Keefemouth, FL 91833
  • Phone : +12812770602
  • Company : Fay-Cruickshank
  • Job : Umpire and Referee
  • Bio : Inventore molestiae voluptates id cupiditate dolorum dolor. Natus ut blanditiis consequatur est dignissimos recusandae. Repudiandae quibusdam totam facilis sint et commodi. Quam nobis aut voluptas.

Socials

tiktok:

facebook:

linkedin:

Random Posts