5 Shocking Secrets About How Old Drew Barrymore Was During E.T. Filming

The iconic image of a tiny, expressive Drew Barrymore as Gertie in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial remains one of cinema's most enduring childhood performances. Today, in late 2025, as Barrymore continues her reign as a beloved talk show host and entrepreneur, fans often look back to her breakthrough role and ask a simple, yet fascinating question: exactly how old was she when she made movie history? The answer—a surprisingly young age that highlights her prodigious talent—comes with a wealth of fresh, emotional, and recently shared stories from the 40th-anniversary celebrations that reveal the true magic (and a little bit of the chaos) of the 1982 set.

The core fact is that Drew Barrymore was just six years old when she started filming the Steven Spielberg masterpiece, making her one of the youngest breakout stars in Hollywood history. Her performance as the sweet, spectacle-wearing little sister who first spots the alien is a masterclass in naturalistic acting, which, as it turns out, was largely due to her genuine, childlike belief in the character and her extraterrestrial co-star. This look back at her formative role is essential to understanding the trajectory of one of the most famous members of the legendary Barrymore acting dynasty.

Drew Barrymore: Full Biography and Current Profile

Drew Barrymore's life has been a public saga of child stardom, personal struggles, and a remarkable comeback as a producer, director, and successful talk show host. Born into a family of acting legends, her career was predestined, but her path was entirely her own.

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• Full Name: Drew Blythe Barrymore
• Date of Birth: February 22, 1975
• Current Age (as of late 2025): 50 years old
• Birth Place: Culver City, California, U.S.
• Parents: John Drew Barrymore (father) and Ildiko Jaid Barrymore (mother)
• Notable Professions: Actress, Producer, Director, Talk Show Host, Author, Businesswoman (Flower Beauty)
• Breakthrough Role: Gertie in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
• Estimated Net Worth: Between $85 million and $125 million (2024–2025 estimates)
• Current Project: Host and producer of The Drew Barrymore Show

The Real Story: How Old Drew Barrymore Was During *E.T.* Filming

The question of Drew Barrymore’s age during the filming of *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial* is crucial because it contextualizes the sheer wonder and authenticity of her performance. She was cast in the film after Steven Spielberg saw her auditioning for another project, instantly recognizing her unique spark.

The Age Timeline: Six and Seven Years Old

Drew Barrymore was six years old when principal photography for *E.T.* began in 1981. The movie premiered in June 1982, meaning she was seven years old when the world first saw her as Gertie.

The difference between a 6-year-old and a 7-year-old is significant, especially in terms of emotional development and understanding of a film set. Her youth explains many of the heartwarming, and sometimes challenging, stories that came out of the production.

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Secret 1: Drew Thought E.T. Was a Real Alien

Perhaps the most charming revelation, which she confirmed during the film's 40th-anniversary reunion, is that young Drew genuinely believed E.T. was a real creature. Steven Spielberg and the crew went to great lengths to preserve this illusion for her. She recalls that she would talk to the E.T. puppet and ask the crew if the alien was warm, often checking on it between takes.

This belief is credited with giving her performance as Gertie its raw, unfiltered emotion, particularly in the scenes where she interacts with the creature. For her, it wasn't acting; it was interacting with a new, strange friend.

Steven Spielberg’s Paternal Role and the E.T. Set Secrets

The set of *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial* was a unique environment, largely shaped by director Steven Spielberg's efforts to protect and nurture his young cast, particularly the six-year-old Barrymore. The relationship forged on set proved to be a lasting one, evolving into a quasi-parental bond.

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Secret 2: Spielberg Became Her 'Set Dad'

Drew Barrymore has openly discussed how Steven Spielberg became a father figure to her during a tumultuous time in her childhood. She even famously asked him to be her actual dad while on set. Spielberg took his responsibility seriously, often shielding her from the more complex or adult aspects of filmmaking.

He would reportedly read her bedtime stories and was deeply protective. This paternal dynamic is a key piece of the *E.T.* legacy, highlighting the director's commitment to his cast's well-being.

Secret 3: The 'Helpless' Moment That Concerned Spielberg

In a recent profile, Spielberg recalled a moment where he "felt helpless" watching the young star. This wasn't about her acting, but about her personal life. He noted that as she began to exhibit signs of a troubled home life, he felt a deep sense of responsibility. This moment underscores the intense pressure and early exposure Barrymore faced, even on a set designed to be magical.

Co-star Dee Wallace (who played Gertie’s mother, Mary) also recently recounted that she "knew from day one" that Barrymore was destined for success, noting her unique talent and confidence even at six years old.

From Child Star to Talk Show Host: Drew Barrymore's Lasting Legacy

After *E.T.*, Drew Barrymore's career took a famously rocky turn, but her eventual rise to become one of Hollywood's most respected and successful producers and businesswomen is a testament to her resilience. Her work now spans multiple successful ventures, showcasing her evolution from a child star to a mogul.

Secret 4: The 40th Anniversary Reunion Was Her Idea

In 2022, to celebrate the film's 40th anniversary, Drew Barrymore reunited the core cast—Henry Thomas (Elliott), Dee Wallace (Mary), and Robert MacNaughton (Michael)—on her show, *The Drew Barrymore Show*. This reunion was a major television event and provided the most recent, fresh material about the film's production, proving her continued connection to the project.

The emotional reunion, hosted by Barrymore herself, gave fans an updated look at the cast's lasting bond and allowed them to share new, candid memories, cementing the film's place in pop culture history.

Secret 5: The Business Mogul Behind the Star

While many know her for her acting roles in films like *The Wedding Singer*, *50 First Dates*, and *Charlie's Angels*, her current success is largely driven by her production company, Flower Films, and her lifestyle brand, Flower Beauty. These ventures demonstrate her savvy business acumen and her ability to pivot and control her own narrative.

Her daytime talk show, which she hosts and produces, has cemented her status as a genuine, empathetic, and optimistic media personality, a far cry from the troubled child star narrative of the 1980s. Her current platform allows her to continuously revisit and celebrate her past, including the enduring magic of the film she made when she was just six years old.