5 Surprising New Careers Of The 'E.T. Extra-Terrestrial' Actors: Where The Cast Is Now In 2025

Over four decades have passed since Steven Spielberg’s cinematic masterpiece, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, first captivated audiences worldwide, launching the careers of several young actors into the stratosphere. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the original cast members—Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, and Robert MacNaughton—continue to work in and around the entertainment industry, but their careers have taken incredibly diverse and often surprising turns, from major talk show host to a research scientist in Canada. The deep-seated curiosity about what happened to the child stars who helped E.T. "phone home" remains a major point of interest for fans of 80s cinema and pop culture.

This comprehensive update for late 2024 and 2025 reveals the latest projects and unexpected career shifts of the main actors, providing a fresh look at their lives today. While some have embraced continuous acting careers, others have found success in entirely different fields, proving that life after a blockbuster film can be just as fascinating as the movie itself. We delve into their current roles, recent film appearances, and the lasting legacy of their iconic performances.

The Core Cast of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial - A Modern Biography

The success of the 1982 film was built on the authentic, emotional performances of its central cast. Here is a quick profile of the main actors and the roles that cemented their place in film history:

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• Henry Thomas (Elliott Taylor): Born September 9, 1971. He was 10 years old when he played the lonely boy who discovers and befriends the extraterrestrial. His emotional audition remains legendary in Hollywood lore.
• Drew Barrymore (Gertie Taylor): Born February 22, 1975. She was just six years old when she charmed the world as Elliott’s younger sister, Gertie, who famously exclaims, "I'll believe you, E.T.!"
• Robert MacNaughton (Michael Taylor): Born December 19, 1966. He played the role of Michael, Elliott’s skeptical but protective older brother. MacNaughton won a Young Artist Award for his performance.
• Dee Wallace (Mary Taylor): Born December 14, 1948. A veteran actress who played the children's single mother, Mary. She was already a known figure in the horror genre before E.T..
• Peter Coyote (Keys): Born October 10, 1941. He played the mysterious government agent known only as "Keys," whose face is not fully revealed until the end of the film.
• C. Thomas Howell (Tyler): Born December 7, 1966. Howell played Tyler, one of Michael’s friends who helps with E.T.’s escape.

The Unlikely Paths: Where The E.T. Actors Are Now

The paths taken by the child stars and adult actors of E.T. are a testament to the unpredictable nature of a long career in show business. Many have found success by pivoting into new genres, while one has left the spotlight entirely for a career in science.

1. Drew Barrymore: From Child Star to Daytime TV Mogul

Drew Barrymore's career trajectory is perhaps the most well-known and successful. Following her breakout role as Gertie, she navigated a tumultuous adolescence before re-emerging as one of Hollywood's most bankable stars in the 1990s and 2000s, starring in hits like The Wedding Singer and Charlie's Angels.

Her current and most prominent role is as the host and executive producer of The Drew Barrymore Show, a syndicated daytime talk show that premiered in 2020 and continues to air in 2024 and 2025. This pivot has established her as a major force in television production and a beloved, relatable personality in the talk show landscape, demonstrating her evolution from an iconic child actress to a media entrepreneur.

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2. Henry Thomas: The Haunting Universe and Horror Resurgence

Henry Thomas, who played the protagonist Elliott, has maintained a steady and critically acclaimed acting career, often gravitating towards independent films and television. In recent years, he has found a major career resurgence through his frequent collaborations with horror filmmaker Mike Flanagan.

Thomas has become a staple in Flanagan's "Haunting Universe," starring in Netflix series like The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, and Midnight Mass. More recently, his work continues in the horror genre, with a starring role in the film The Curse of the Necklace, and he was noted for his attendance at the 2025 Saturn Awards. This phase of his career has solidified his status as a respected character actor, far removed from the innocent boy on the bicycle.

3. Robert MacNaughton: From Hollywood to Geological Scientist

The story of Robert MacNaughton (Michael) is arguably the most surprising. After a few subsequent acting roles, he largely stepped away from Hollywood. While he took on sporadic roles later in life, his main career path took an unexpected scientific turn.

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Today, MacNaughton is no longer a full-time actor but works as a Research Scientist at the Geological Survey of Canada, which is part of Natural Resources Canada. This dramatic career shift from a major motion picture star to a respected figure in Earth Science is a unique and fascinating detail, highlighting a life lived outside the persistent glare of the entertainment industry.

4. Dee Wallace: The Enduring Scream Queen

Dee Wallace, who portrayed Mary Taylor, has enjoyed one of the most prolific careers in Hollywood, particularly within the horror and sci-fi genres. Long before E.T., she was known for roles in classics like The Hills Have Eyes and The Howling, and shortly after, Cujo.

In 2024 and 2025, Wallace remains incredibly active, often appearing at conventions and continuing her work in genre films. She was recently involved in the filming of a horror-mystery and supernatural thriller titled Southern Scares in Columbus, Georgia. Her enduring presence in film and her ability to maintain a consistent acting career for over four decades makes her a true Hollywood veteran and a consistent entity in the horror film landscape.

5. Peter Coyote: The Voice of Activism and Documentary

Peter Coyote, who played the government agent Keys, has leveraged his distinctive, authoritative voice into one of the most successful narration careers in the industry. While he continues to act, his work as a narrator for documentary films is his most recognizable contribution today.

In 2024, Coyote narrated Ken Burns' new film, The American Revolution, continuing his long-standing collaboration with the acclaimed documentarian. Looking into 2025, he is slated to narrate the series The Climate Restorers for EarthxTV. Beyond his voice work, Coyote is a well-known activist and a practicing Zen Buddhist Priest, having recently published a book, Zen in the Vernacular. His career is a powerful blend of acting, political activism, and spiritual practice.

The Extended Cast and Their Recent Projects (2024-2025)

The supporting cast members have also forged notable careers, with recent projects keeping them relevant in the current entertainment landscape.

C. Thomas Howell (Tyler)

C. Thomas Howell, who played Michael's friend Tyler, has a long list of credits, including his breakout role in The Outsiders. In 2023, he had a main role as Hagerty in the Netflix action-comedy series Obliterated. His 2024 projects include portraying Caspar Weinberger in the biographical film Reagan and the film Ride. He also has the upcoming 2025 movie Where The Wind Blows, demonstrating a busy and diverse career across film and streaming television.

The Enduring Cultural Impact of E.T. and Its Legacy

The film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is not just a beloved movie; it is a cultural touchstone that continues to influence filmmaking and pop culture. Its themes of friendship, childhood innocence, and the fear of the unknown resonate across generations. The film's enduring success is a major reason why the careers of the "actors et" remain a subject of intense interest.

The film's legacy was notably revisited in 2019 with a Christmas-themed commercial for Xfinity, which reunited Henry Thomas as an adult Elliott with E.T., a moment that brought a new wave of attention to the original cast. The fact that the core cast members—Drew Barrymore, Henry Thomas, Robert MacNaughton, Dee Wallace, and Peter Coyote—have all gone on to such varied and interesting lives only adds to the mystique of the film. Whether they are hosting a talk show, starring in a horror series, or studying the Earth's geology, the actors of E.T. have all found their way home.