5 Shocking New Details About Drew Barrymore's Role In E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (Updated 2025)

Yes, Drew Barrymore was an integral part of the beloved 1982 sci-fi classic, *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial*, a fact that remains one of the most heartwarming and fascinating stories in Hollywood history. As of today, December 11, 2025, the enduring legacy of her breakthrough role as Gertie, the adorable younger sister of Elliott, continues to generate fresh and often surprising anecdotes, thanks to recent retrospectives and conversations with director Steven Spielberg. Her performance, captured when she was just six years old, set the stage for a decades-long career defined by resilience, creativity, and a magnetic screen presence.

The film, which became a cultural phenomenon and cemented Spielberg's reputation, introduced the world to a remarkably natural and "irrepressible" young talent. While many know she was in the movie, what remains less known are the profound, recent revelations—some shared as recently as 2024 and 2025—about her audition, her deep connection to the character, and the unique parental bond she formed with the legendary director.

Drew Barrymore: A Biographical Snapshot

Drew Barrymore's life and career have been inextricably linked to her breakout role in *E.T.* The Extra-Terrestrial. Her lineage places her within the storied Barrymore acting dynasty, yet her own journey is marked by an early start, intense public scrutiny, and a powerful resurgence as a mogul and talk show host.

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• Full Name: Drew Blyth Barrymore
• Born: February 22, 1975, in Culver City, California
• Age at *E.T.* Filming: 6 years old (released when she was 7)
• Breakthrough Role: Gertie in *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial* (1982)
• First Film Role: *Altered States* (1980)
• Godfather: Steven Spielberg
• Godmother: Sophia Loren and Anna Strasberg
• Key Films (as Adult): *Poison Ivy* (1992), *Boys on the Side* (1995), *The Wedding Singer* (1998), *Never Been Kissed* (1999), *Charlie's Angels* (2000), *Donnie Darko* (2001), *50 First Dates* (2004)
• Production Company: Flower Films (Founded 1995)
• Directorial Debut: *Whip It* (2009)
• Current Role: Host of *The Drew Barrymore Show* (Since 2020)
• Recent News: Scheduled to appear with Steven Spielberg for a conversation at the TCM Film Festival in January 2025.

The Audition Story: How Gertie Was Cast in a Single Scream

The story of how Drew Barrymore landed the role of Gertie is a testament to Steven Spielberg’s eye for raw, authentic talent. It’s a narrative that has been revisited in recent years, highlighting the director’s immediate conviction that she was the perfect fit.

Barrymore initially auditioned for a small role in Spielberg's production of *Poltergeist*. While she didn't get that part, the director was captivated by her unique energy. For the *E.T.* audition, a young Barrymore, barely taller than the table, delivered a performance so memorable that it sealed the deal instantly. She famously recalls going into the audition and simply screaming. Spielberg later described her as "irrepressible" and knew immediately that she possessed the natural, unstudied charm required for the role of the curious, imaginative little girl who first encounters the alien.

Spielberg’s decision to cast her was based on this raw emotional display, a choice that proved pivotal not only for the film’s success but for Barrymore's entire life. The director took a deeply personal interest in protecting and nurturing her talent, a bond that would extend far beyond the movie set.

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Fresh Revelations: The Magic Behind Gertie’s Performance

In recent years, as the cast and crew have celebrated anniversaries, new details have surfaced that provide a deeper understanding of the magic behind Drew Barrymore's breakout performance. These anecdotes, often shared by Steven Spielberg himself, ensure the story remains fresh and current, even decades later.

1. She Thought E.T. Was a Real Alien

One of the most touching recent revelations is that Spielberg went to great lengths to ensure the young actress believed E.T. was real. During filming, he made sure the E.T. puppet was always functional and had operators inside so that when Barrymore spoke to the alien, it could always respond and interact. This commitment to maintaining the illusion meant that her on-screen reactions of wonder, fear, and love were entirely genuine. She would even eat lunch with the E.T. puppet on set.

2. She Improvised Some of Her Most Famous Lines

Spielberg revealed that some of Gertie’s most memorable lines were not in the script but were ad-libbed by the six-year-old. The director recalls that she was so immersed in the character that she would spontaneously come up with dialogue. This includes the iconic moment when she first sees the alien and screams, "I hate her hair!" which perfectly captured the innocent, unfiltered perspective of a child.

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3. Asking Steven Spielberg to Be Her Dad

Perhaps the most profound recent story is the emotional connection Barrymore formed with Spielberg. She was only seven when the film was released, and during the production, she asked the director to be her father. Spielberg, who became her godfather, has since spoken about this, acknowledging that he became "the only person in [her] life to this day that ever was a parental figure." This deep, protective relationship highlights the personal impact the film had on her life beyond her career.

4. The Cast Reunion for the 40th Anniversary

In a major update, Drew Barrymore, through her talk show, reunited the core child cast for the film's 40th anniversary, bringing together Henry Thomas (Elliott) and Robert MacNaughton (Michael), along with Dee Wallace (Mary). This 2022 reunion, which remains a key piece of the film's modern history, demonstrated the enduring family bond between the actors, who grew up together under the guidance of Spielberg.

5. The Upcoming 2025 Conversation

To demonstrate the current relevance, Drew Barrymore and Steven Spielberg are scheduled to appear together for a special conversation hosted by TCM in January 2025. This event, announced in late 2024, ensures that the discussion around their relationship and the legacy of *E.T.* remains a front-page topic, providing fans with the most up-to-date insights into the making of the film and its lasting impact on both of their lives.

The E.T. Cast: Where Are They Now?

While Drew Barrymore's career took her from "Rom-Com Queen" to a successful producer and talk show host, the other central cast members also continued their work in the industry, often reuniting to celebrate their shared legacy.

• Henry Thomas (Elliott): After *E.T.*, Thomas struggled with the pressures of child stardom but successfully transitioned into a prolific adult career, notably starring in several Mike Flanagan horror projects, including *The Haunting of Hill House* and *Midnight Mass*.
• Robert MacNaughton (Michael): The actor who played the eldest brother, Michael, stepped away from the spotlight for a time, working as a postmaster. He has since returned to acting and has been a key participant in the anniversary reunions.
• Dee Wallace (Mary): Known as the mother of the children, Wallace has had a long and successful career, particularly in the horror genre, appearing in films like *Cujo* and *The Howling*. She remains a beloved figure and an active participant in the film's anniversary events.
• Peter Coyote (Keys): The government agent, Keys, has continued a successful career in film and television, but is perhaps more famous now as a prolific voice-over artist and narrator for documentaries, including those by Ken Burns.

The question of "was Drew Barrymore in *E.T.*" is not just a simple yes; it’s an entry point into a multi-decade story of a child star who found a surrogate family on a movie set. The recent, heartfelt recollections from Steven Spielberg and the ongoing reunions prove that the magic of Gertie and her alien friend is a story that continues to evolve and touch new generations.