E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Cast Now: 5 Stars Who Found New Worlds Decades Later

Forty-three years after the world watched a boy named Elliott whisper "I'll be right here" to a homesick alien, Steven Spielberg's masterpiece, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, remains a cinematic touchstone. The film launched the careers of its young stars, who, as of late 2024 and into 2025, are more active and successful than ever, with one even becoming a major daytime talk show host. The story of a suburban family's encounter with a gentle visitor from the stars captivated a generation, and today, the actors who brought those characters to life continue to shape the entertainment landscape in surprising and diverse ways.

The enduring legacy of E.T. is less about the alien itself and more about the human connection. The film’s core cast—Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Robert MacNaughton, and Dee Wallace—have recently celebrated the film's milestone anniversaries, offering fresh perspectives on their childhood experience and what their lives look like in 2025. Here is an in-depth look at where the stars of the 1982 classic are now, highlighting their latest projects and career evolutions.

The E.T. Cast: A Complete 2025 Biography and Current Status

The core Taylor family and the man who voiced the alien have all had fascinating career trajectories since the film's release.

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• Henry Thomas (Elliott Taylor)
  • Born: September 9, 1971 (Age 53 as of late 2024)
  • Role in E.T.: Elliott, the lonely boy who discovers and bonds with E.T.
  • Current Status (2025): Active actor, frequent collaborator with director Mike Flanagan.
  • Recent Projects: The modern Western thriller High Ground (set for digital release on March 18, 2025) and various roles in Flanagan's 'Flanaverse' horror series.
• Drew Barrymore (Gertie)
  • Born: February 22, 1975 (Age 49 as of late 2024)
  • Role in E.T.: Gertie, Elliott's younger sister who famously shouts, "He's a man from outer space!"
  • Current Status (2025): Major television personality, host, producer, and entrepreneur.
  • Recent Projects: Host and Executive Producer of the syndicated The Drew Barrymore Show, which earned her a 2025 Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host.
• Robert MacNaughton (Michael Taylor)
  • Born: December 19, 1966 (Age 57 as of late 2024)
  • Role in E.T.: Michael, Elliott's older brother.
  • Current Status (2025): Occasional actor, primarily focused on personal life and convention appearances.
  • Recent Projects: Appeared in the 2015 films Frankenstein vs. The Mummy and Laugh Killer Laugh, and remains a popular guest at comic conventions.
• Dee Wallace (Mary Taylor)
  • Born: December 14, 1948 (Age 75 as of late 2024)
  • Role in E.T.: Mary, the children's single mother.
  • Current Status (2025): Highly prolific actress, author, and spiritual healer, known as a 'Scream Queen'.
  • Recent Projects: Continues to star in numerous independent and horror films, with a 2025 appearance at Popcorn Frights.
• Pat Welsh (Voice of E.T.)
  • Born: January 11, 1915
  • Role in E.T.: Provided the iconic, gravelly voice of E.T.
  • Status: Passed away in 1995. Her unique voice was blended with sounds from 18 different sources, including a raccoon and a sea otter, to create the final sound.

Henry Thomas (Elliott): From Crying Boy to Master of Horror

Henry Thomas’s performance as Elliott, particularly his tearful audition that won over director Steven Spielberg, is legendary. His career, however, has been anything but a one-hit wonder.

In 2025, Thomas is deeply entrenched in the world of high-quality horror and drama, largely due to his fruitful collaboration with writer-director Mike Flanagan. He has become a staple in the 'Flanaverse,' starring in critically acclaimed Netflix series like The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, and Midnight Mass.

Beyond the horror genre, Thomas is generating buzz for his role in the 2025 modern Western thriller, High Ground, directed by James Bamford. The film is scheduled for a digital release in March 2025.

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This phase of his career showcases his range, moving easily between the emotional depth of his early work and the complex, often dark, roles he now takes on. Fans can also catch him discussing his career at various conventions, including a panel appearance at Terrificon 2025.

Drew Barrymore (Gertie): Daytime TV Icon and Media Mogul

Drew Barrymore’s journey from the adorable, scene-stealing Gertie to a major Hollywood star and media mogul is arguably the most dramatic transformation of the cast. Her career is a testament to resilience and reinvention.

Today, in 2025, Barrymore is best known as the host and executive producer of the nationally syndicated The Drew Barrymore Show, which launched in 2020.

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This role has cemented her status as a beloved daytime personality, recognized for her earnest, revealing interview style. Her success was recently highlighted by her win for Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host at the 2025 Daytime Emmy Awards and her induction into the 2025 Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame.

Barrymore also remains active as an entrepreneur through her production company, Flower Films, which has produced hits like Charlie's Angels and Never Been Kissed. Her focus has shifted from blockbuster acting to building a lifestyle brand and a platform for authentic celebrity conversations.

Dee Wallace (Mary): The Unstoppable Scream Queen

As the children's single mother, Mary Taylor, Dee Wallace grounded the emotional reality of E.T., but her career is defined by her prolific work in the horror genre, earning her the title of "Scream Queen."

Wallace’s filmography is staggering, with credits in classics like Cujo, The Howling, and Critters.

In 2025, she shows no signs of slowing down. She continues to be a highly sought-after actress in the independent film and horror circuits, maintaining a consistent presence at fan conventions and film festivals, including a 2025 appearance at Popcorn Frights.

Beyond acting, Wallace has also embraced a role as a public speaker, author, and spiritual healer, focusing on self-creation and personal healing. Her ability to balance mainstream movie roles with her passion for genre films and personal development makes her one of the most unique and enduring figures from the E.T. cast.

Robert MacNaughton (Michael): A Life Beyond the Bicycle Chase

Robert MacNaughton, who played the protective older brother Michael, has had a different career path than his younger co-stars. After E.T., he continued acting for a period, famously winning a Young Artist Award for his role, but eventually stepped away from the spotlight.

While some sources suggest a retirement from acting in the early 2000s, MacNaughton has made occasional returns to the screen and remains connected to the film's legacy. He appeared in a few independent films in 2015, demonstrating his passion for the craft.

Crucially, MacNaughton has been an enthusiastic participant in the film's anniversary celebrations. He joined Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, and Dee Wallace for a special 40th-anniversary reunion on The Drew Barrymore Show, sharing behind-the-scenes anecdotes and reflecting on the film's impact.

His appearances at fan conventions, such as a 2023 interview with Mad Bros Media, keep him current and accessible to the fanbase, proving that while his career may not be in the Hollywood mainstream, his connection to the beloved sci-fi classic is stronger than ever.

The Enduring Magic of the E.T. Family

The bond forged on the set of the 1982 film remains a palpable part of the cast's public life. The 40th-anniversary reunion, orchestrated by Drew Barrymore, was a heartfelt reminder of the family Steven Spielberg created, both on and off-screen.

From Henry Thomas's collaborations with Mike Flanagan to Drew Barrymore's success as a talk show host and Dee Wallace's continued reign as a horror icon, the E.T. cast continues to defy expectations. Their individual careers in 2025 prove that the magic of their childhood performances was not a fluke, but the beginning of truly remarkable and diverse professional lives.