7 Shocking Secrets About Drew Barrymore’s Iconic Role In E.T. That Steven Spielberg Just Revealed

Drew Barrymore’s portrayal of Gertie in the 1982 blockbuster *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial* remains one of the most iconic child performances in cinematic history. At just seven years old, her natural charm and emotional depth captured the hearts of a generation, catapulting her to immediate global superstardom. But behind the scenes of the legendary film lay a series of surprising moments, deep personal bonds, and never-before-heard stories that continue to surface even today, as the film's legacy is celebrated.

The latest wave of revelations, many shared during the recent 40th-anniversary celebrations and on *The Drew Barrymore Show*, highlight a fascinating dynamic between the young actress and director Steven Spielberg, a relationship that fundamentally shaped her life. This article dives deep into the most current and compelling facts about Drew Barrymore’s experience making the sci-fi classic.

Drew Barrymore: Complete Biography & Profile (Focus on E.T. Era)

Drew Blythe Barrymore’s life story is inextricably linked to Hollywood royalty and a childhood spent in the spotlight, with her role as Gertie serving as the ultimate launchpad.

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• Full Name: Drew Blythe Barrymore
• Date of Birth: February 22, 1975
• Birth Place: Culver City, California, U.S.
• Parents: John Drew Barrymore (Actor) and Ildiko Jaid Barrymore (Actress/Manager). Her parents separated before she was born.
• Family Legacy: She is a member of the legendary Barrymore family of American actors, which includes her grandfather John Barrymore and great-uncle Lionel Barrymore, linking her to one of the most famous acting dynasties in history.
• Early Career Start: Drew began acting in a commercial when she was just 11 months old.
• Breakthrough Role: Gertie in *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial* (1982). She was six years old during filming and seven when the movie was released.
• Notable Pre-E.T. Filmography: *Altered States* (1980) as Margaret Jessup.
• Post-E.T. Career Transition: Following a highly publicized and troubled childhood, Barrymore successfully transitioned into an adult star, producer (Flower Films), director, and talk show host (*The Drew Barrymore Show*).
• Godfather: Steven Spielberg, the director of *E.T.*, became her godfather and a lifelong mentor.

The Shocking Truth: She Thought E.T. Was Real

One of the most heartwarming and surprising recent revelations about the filming experience is just how deeply the young Drew Barrymore was immersed in the fantasy.

During the 40th-anniversary reunion of the cast on *The Drew Barrymore Show*, Drew confirmed that she genuinely believed the alien puppet, E.T., was a real creature.

Steven Spielberg and the crew went to great lengths to preserve this illusion for the child star, treating the E.T. prop with the utmost care and respect, as if it were alive. This belief directly contributed to the genuine, tear-filled emotion Barrymore brought to her scenes, particularly the iconic farewell sequence. Her authentic connection with the character of E.T. is what made Gertie's performance so unforgettable.

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The Never-Before-Heard Story Spielberg Shared

In a recent interview, director Steven Spielberg recounted a sweet, previously untold story about working with the young actress. He revealed that during a particularly cold day on set, he noticed Drew was shivering.

When he asked her why she wasn't wearing the coat she had, she innocently replied, "E.T. needs it more." The director discovered that she had wrapped her coat around the E.T. puppet, believing the alien was cold.

This anecdote perfectly encapsulates the profound empathy and imagination Barrymore brought to the role, demonstrating her innate ability to care for the "creature" and solidifying the director's protective, father-figure role in her life.

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Steven Spielberg: The Father Figure and Godfather

The relationship between Drew Barrymore and Steven Spielberg extends far beyond a typical director-actor collaboration; it is one of the most significant and enduring bonds in Hollywood history.

Spielberg became her godfather, stepping in as a protective and guiding force during her tumultuous childhood. This relationship was crucial, especially as Drew faced highly publicized struggles with substance abuse and a "wild reputation" in her early teens.

The director has often spoken about his feelings of helplessness while watching her early struggles, a testament to his deep, parental concern for her well-being.

Drew has openly referred to Spielberg as "the first person to ever care about me," highlighting his pivotal role in her life.

The emotional connection formed on the set of *E.T.* provided a foundation of stability for the young star, something she desperately needed amid her family's challenges.

The E.T. Cast Reunion: A Celebration of Lifelong Bonds

The 40th anniversary of *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial* in 2022 brought the cast back together for a highly anticipated and emotional reunion on *The Drew Barrymore Show*.

Drew was joined by her former co-stars: Henry Thomas (Elliot), Dee Wallace (Mary), and Robert MacNaughton (Michael). The reunion was a powerful moment of reflection, showcasing the enduring friendship between the child actors who shared this monumental experience.

During the reunion, Henry Thomas, who played her older brother Elliot, praised Spielberg for helping to bring out the best in the young cast, echoing the sentiment that the set environment was uniquely nurturing.

This public celebration underscored the film's cultural impact and the unique, shared history of the ensemble, proving that the magic of *E.T.* was not just on screen but in the connections forged behind the camera.

The Legacy of Gertie: From Child Star to Mogul

The role of Gertie, the sweet, inquisitive, and slightly bewildered little sister, established Drew Barrymore's career trajectory and defined her early public image.

Her natural and endearing performance, especially the scene where she first encounters E.T. and screams, or the moment she dresses him up as a woman, showcased a charismatic talent that was impossible to ignore.

Despite the challenges of growing up in the public eye, Barrymore managed to reinvent herself, transitioning from a troubled teen star to a highly successful actress, producer (with her production company Flower Films), and entrepreneur.

Her ability to navigate the pitfalls of child stardom and emerge as a beloved figure is often cited as a true Hollywood success story, with the foundation of her resilience arguably starting with the protective environment cultivated by Steven Spielberg on the set of *E.T.*

Today, as a talk show host, she continues to revisit and celebrate this pivotal chapter of her life, ensuring the story of Gertie and E.T. remains fresh and relevant for new audiences.