E.T. Movie Cast Now: Where Are Elliott, Gertie, And Mary 43 Years Later? (2025 Update)

Forty-three years after the release of Steven Spielberg's timeless masterpiece, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, the iconic cast members who brought the Taylor family to life have all embarked on fascinating and diverse career paths. The film, which premiered in 1982, launched the careers of its young stars and cemented the legacy of its veteran actors. Today, in December 2025, the stars who helped E.T. 'phone home' are thriving in Hollywood, on the talk show circuit, and even in the world of finance and activism, proving that the magic of their childhood roles was just the beginning.

From a celebrated daytime talk show host to a prolific horror genre veteran and an Emmy-winning activist-narrator, the original cast of E.T. remains firmly in the public eye. This in-depth look explores the current status, latest projects, and surprising life changes of the actors who made us believe in friendship beyond the stars.

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

The core cast of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial consists of four main human actors who shared the screen with the beloved alien. Here is a detailed look at their background and what they are doing right now.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

1. Drew Barrymore (Gertie Taylor)

• Role in E.T.: Gertie, the adorable, curious little sister who first sees E.T. and utters the famous line, "I'll believe in you, E.T."
• Born: February 22, 1975, in Culver City, California.
• Current Status (2025): Actress, producer, director, entrepreneur, and, most prominently, a daytime talk show host.
• Recent Projects & Career Highlights: Barrymore is the host and executive producer of the hugely popular The Drew Barrymore Show, which continues to air daily. In a major career move for 2025, she is also set to host a revival of the classic game show Hollywood Squares, which will air in a prime-time slot. She is the founder of the cosmetics line Flower Beauty and an active philanthropist.

2. Henry Thomas (Elliott Taylor)

• Role in E.T.: Elliott, the lonely 10-year-old boy who discovers and befriends the extra-terrestrial.
• Born: September 9, 1971, in San Antonio, Texas.
• Current Status (2025): Prolific character actor in film and television, and a musician.
• Recent Projects & Career Highlights: Thomas has built a successful career, often collaborating with director Mike Flanagan on acclaimed horror and supernatural projects like The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, and Midnight Mass. His recent film roles include the 2023 prequel Pet Sematary: Bloodlines and the 2024 horror film The Curse of the Necklace. He remains a fan favorite, recently appearing at a Terrificon 2025 panel to discuss his iconic role.

3. Dee Wallace (Mary Taylor)

• Role in E.T.: Mary, the single mother of Elliott, Michael, and Gertie, who is initially oblivious to the alien living in her home.
• Born: December 14, 1948, in Kansas City, Kansas.
• Current Status (2025): Veteran actress, author, and spiritual teacher.
• Recent Projects & Career Highlights: Known as a "legendary scream queen" for her roles in films like Cujo and The Howling, Wallace remains incredibly active in the horror genre, with recent projects including the film Southern Scares. Beyond acting, she is an author and spiritual counselor, hosting workshops and webinars—including a "Project 2025 Webinar"—focused on self-creation and energetic belief systems on her personal platform. She also discussed her extensive horror legacy at Popcorn Frights 2025.

4. Robert MacNaughton (Michael Taylor)

• Role in E.T.: Michael, the older brother of Elliott and Gertie.
• Born: December 19, 1966, in New York, New York.
• Current Status (2025): Actor and finance professional.
• Recent Projects & Career Highlights: MacNaughton's career took a unique turn. While he stepped away from major acting for a time, he did participate in the 40th-anniversary reunion on The Drew Barrymore Show. Interestingly, some reports indicate he has a successful career in the finance world, working as a Portfolio Manager and Head of US Credit at Aperture Investors, with over two decades of experience in credit investing.

5. Peter Coyote (Keys)

• Role in E.T.: Keys, the mysterious government agent whose face is never seen until the end, representing the adult world's pursuit of E.T.
• Born: October 10, 1941, in New York, New York.
• Current Status (2025): Emmy-winning narrator, actor, author, activist, and ordained Buddhist Priest.
• Recent Projects & Career Highlights: Coyote is one of the most recognizable voices in documentary filmmaking, having won two Emmy Awards for his narration work. In 2025, he released a new documentary, Smothered by Riches, and remains a dedicated activist, participating in events focused on pro-democracy and environmental causes. His work as a Zen Buddhist Priest further showcases his commitment to a life of service and education.

The Enduring Legacy: E.T. Cast Reunion and Current Collaboration

The bond formed on the set of the 1982 film has proven to be an enduring one, demonstrating that the 'family' dynamic of the Taylor household was more than just acting. The most significant recent event for the cast was their 40th-anniversary reunion in 2022, which was a major television special.

Drew Barrymore hosted her former co-stars—Henry Thomas, Dee Wallace, and Robert MacNaughton—on her talk show for a heartfelt interview. During the reunion, the cast shared intimate memories of their time filming with director Steven Spielberg, highlighting his unique approach to protecting the children on set and fostering genuine emotional performances. This reunion was a massive hit, reminding fans worldwide of the film's cultural impact and the genuine affection the cast still holds for one another.

More Than Just Acting: The E.T. Stars' Surprising Career Shifts

What makes the current status of the E.T. cast so compelling is how they have leveraged their early fame into multi-faceted and often surprising careers, extending far beyond the traditional Hollywood path. Their trajectories offer a masterclass in career reinvention and diversification.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

From Child Star to Media Mogul: Drew Barrymore's Empire

Drew Barrymore's career is arguably the most public and successful transition from child star to adult media personality. Her decision to launch a popular talk show allowed her to move from being solely an actress to a major media figure and producer. Her move into business with Flower Beauty and her upcoming role hosting Hollywood Squares in 2025 solidify her status as a versatile entrepreneur and television personality. She has successfully navigated the challenges of child stardom to build an empire on authenticity and relatability.

Henry Thomas: The King of Modern Horror

While Henry Thomas will forever be known as Elliott, his adult career has found a rich vein in the horror and thriller genres, particularly through his consistent work with director Mike Flanagan. This partnership has allowed him to showcase his dramatic range in critically acclaimed series, establishing him as a go-to actor for complex, emotionally layered roles in the modern horror landscape. His recent casting in The Curse of the Necklace in 2024 further proves his commitment to this genre.

Dee Wallace: Actress, Author, and Spiritual Guide

Dee Wallace has combined her enduring acting career with a second life as an author and spiritual teacher. Her work, which focuses on self-healing and conscious creation, demonstrates a deep personal commitment to helping others. By maintaining her status as a horror icon while also building a platform as a wellness expert, Wallace exemplifies a career that embraces both the creative and the spiritual, offering a unique dual legacy to her fans.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

Peter Coyote: The Voice of Conscience

Peter Coyote’s path is marked by a profound dedication to social and political activism, seamlessly integrated with his professional work. His Emmy-winning narration often lends authority and gravitas to documentaries focused on critical issues. As a Buddhist Priest and an active panelist on topics like democracy and environmentalism in 2025, Coyote has used his fame not for personal spotlight but as a powerful microphone for social change.

The cast of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial has successfully transitioned from a single, iconic film to a collective of highly successful and diverse professionals. Their continued relevance in 2025, whether through hosting major television shows, starring in new films, or dedicating their lives to activism, ensures that the magic of their story—the power of connection and friendship—lives on in their adult careers.