The E.T. Cast: Where Are They Now? Shocking New Paths For Hollywood’s Most Iconic Child Stars In 2025

Few films in cinematic history capture the global imagination quite like Steven Spielberg’s 1982 masterpiece, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. The story of Elliott and his alien friend became an instant cultural phenomenon, launching the careers of its young stars into the stratosphere. However, for many child actors, the transition to adult stardom can be a complex and challenging journey. Decades later, as of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the primary cast members have followed incredibly diverse and often surprising career paths, maintaining their connection to the film while forging new identities in Hollywood and beyond.

The term "et casr" often pops up in searches, a phonetic echo of "E.T. cast," demonstrating the enduring curiosity fans have about the actors who brought the beloved Taylor family to life. From major network television deals to becoming modern horror icons and even a career change into scientific research, here is the definitive, up-to-date look at where the core cast members are now, detailing their most recent and upcoming projects for 2025.

The E.T. Cast: Complete Biographical Profiles and Latest Career Updates

The success of the film, produced by Amblin Entertainment, rested entirely on the shoulders of its small, talented ensemble. Here is a look at the core Taylor family cast and their current professional lives.

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• Henry Thomas (Elliott Taylor)
  • Role in E.T.: Elliott, the lonely 10-year-old boy who befriends E.T.
  • Born: September 9, 1971 (Age 54 in 2025)
  • Hometown: San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
  • Current Career Focus: Prolific character actor, especially known for his work in the modern horror genre.
  • Latest Projects (2024/2025): Starred in the 2024 horror film The Curse of the Necklace and continues his long-running collaboration with director Mike Flanagan in various Netflix projects.
• Drew Barrymore (Gertie Taylor)
  • Role in E.T.: Gertie, Elliott's younger sister, famous for her adorable, high-pitched line, "I'll believe in you, E.T."
  • Born: February 22, 1975 (Age 50 in 2025)
  • Hometown: Culver City, California, U.S.
  • Current Career Focus: Major television personality, talk show host, producer, and entrepreneur.
  • Latest Projects (2024/2025): Her daytime talk show, The Drew Barrymore Show, has been renewed for a sixth season through the 2025-2026 broadcast season. She is also set to join the reboot of Hollywood Squares on CBS, premiering in January 2025.
• Dee Wallace (Mary Taylor)
  • Role in E.T.: Mary, the single, compassionate mother of Elliott, Michael, and Gertie.
  • Born: December 14, 1948 (Age 76 in 2025)
  • Hometown: Kansas City, Kansas, U.S.
  • Current Career Focus: Highly prolific film and TV actress, a true 'Scream Queen' icon of the horror genre.
  • Latest Projects (2024/2025): Continues her relentless work schedule with roles in the 2024 horror films The Forest Hills (October 2024) and Stream (August 2024).
• Robert MacNaughton (Michael Taylor)
  • Role in E.T.: Michael, Elliott's older brother, initially skeptical but eventually a key protector of E.T.
  • Born: December 19, 1966 (Age 58 in 2025)
  • Hometown: New York City, New York, U.S.
  • Current Career Focus: Largely retired from acting, he pursued a career as a Research Scientist.
  • Latest Projects (2024/2025): Occasionally returns for cast reunion events, including a 2024 appearance at the Nickel City Comic Con alongside Henry Thomas and Dee Wallace.

Henry Thomas: From Bicycle-Riding Kid to Mike Flanagan’s Muse

Henry Thomas, who delivered the film's emotional core as Elliott, has perhaps had the most consistent, yet understated, career among the child stars. His tear-jerking performance as the boy who loved an alien was a defining moment of 1980s cinema. However, unlike some of his peers who chased blockbuster fame, Thomas chose a path focused on character work and genre projects, proving his versatility long after the initial fame subsided.

In the late 1990s and 2000s, Thomas appeared in notable films like Legends of the Fall (1994) and Gangs of New York (2002). His career experienced a massive resurgence thanks to his collaboration with horror director Mike Flanagan. Thomas has become a key member of Flanagan's repertory company, starring in major Netflix series that have captivated millions of viewers.

Thomas’s work in the "Flanagan-verse" includes his roles in The Haunting of Hill House, where he played the young Hugh Crain, and The Haunting of Bly Manor. He also starred in the critically acclaimed series Midnight Mass and The Fall of the House of Usher. This partnership has cemented his status as a modern horror icon, a surprising turn for the boy who once rode a bicycle across the moon. His latest projects in 2024 and 2025, such as the film The Curse of the Necklace, continue this pivot into the supernatural and psychological thriller genres, proving he is a dedicated, working actor who has successfully navigated the pitfalls of early fame.

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Drew Barrymore: From Child Star to Daytime Television Mogul

Drew Barrymore, the youngest of the main cast at age seven when E.T. was released, has had the most high-profile and transformative career trajectory. Following a tumultuous period in her youth, she successfully reinvented herself as a leading lady in the 1990s and 2000s with romantic comedies like The Wedding Singer and action franchises such as Charlie's Angels. Her production company, Flower Films, became a powerhouse, demonstrating her keen business acumen.

Today, Barrymore is best known as a daytime talk show host. The Drew Barrymore Show premiered in 2020 and has become a major success, praised for its warmth, positivity, and high-quality celebrity interviews. The show's renewal for a sixth season, extending through the 2025-2026 season, is a testament to her enduring appeal and her ability to connect with a modern audience.

Adding to her busy 2025 schedule, Barrymore is set to return to a more game-show-oriented format by joining the cast of the Hollywood Squares reboot. This move further solidifies her status as a television mogul, successfully transitioning from a beloved child star to a versatile media personality and entrepreneur with her own beauty brand, Flower Beauty.

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The Enduring Legacy of Dee Wallace and Robert MacNaughton

The remaining members of the Taylor family have also carved out fascinating lives that continue to intersect with the film's legacy.

Dee Wallace: The Undisputed Queen of Horror

Dee Wallace, who played the mother, Mary Taylor, was already an established actress before E.T., having starred in major horror films like The Hills Have Eyes and The Howling. After E.T., she cemented her status as a 'Scream Queen' with her iconic role in Cujo. Her career has never slowed down; she is one of the most consistently working actors in Hollywood, often appearing in independent genre films and television series.

In 2024, Wallace continued her prolific output, starring in films like The Forest Hills and Stream. Her dedication to the craft and her consistent presence in the horror and thriller genres make her a beloved figure at comic conventions and fan events worldwide. She also works as an author and motivational speaker, sharing her insights on self-love and healing, adding another dimension to her public life.

Robert MacNaughton: A Life Beyond Michael

Robert MacNaughton, who played the older brother Michael, had a few roles after E.T. but ultimately chose a different path. He largely retired from acting to pursue a more stable career, eventually becoming a Research Scientist with the Geological Survey of Canada. This dramatic shift from the bright lights of Hollywood to the world of science is one of the most compelling and unique stories among the cast members, demonstrating that success can be found in many different fields.

Despite stepping away from the industry, MacNaughton is a cherished guest at comic-con and reunion events. His willingness to participate in recent 2024 and 2025 cast interviews alongside Henry Thomas and Dee Wallace, often reminiscing about the magic of working with Steven Spielberg and the close bond of the cast, keeps the spirit of the film alive for new generations of fans.

The journey of the "et casr" is a powerful reminder that the magic of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial was just the beginning. The actors who brought the Taylor family to life have all found unique ways to navigate fame, proving that the bond forged on the set of a cinematic classic can lead to a lifetime of diverse and successful endeavors, whether under the spotlight of a talk show, in the shadows of a horror film, or in the quiet pursuit of science.