The E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Cast: Where Are They Now? (2025 Updates On Elliott, Gertie, And Mary)

Forty-three years after the release of Steven Spielberg's cinematic masterpiece, *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial*, the film remains a cultural touchstone that defined a generation. Released in 1982, the story of a lonely boy named Elliott and his alien friend captured hearts worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing film of its time. The child stars at the center of this phenomenon—Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, and Robert MacNaughton—were instantly cemented in Hollywood history, but their lives and careers have taken fascinating, and very different, paths in the decades since. As of today, December 10, 2025, the core cast members continue to be active in the industry, with several exciting projects slated for late 2025 and 2026.

The enduring legacy of *E.T.* is a testament not just to Spielberg's direction, but to the raw, emotional performances of its young cast. From the heartbreaking audition that won Henry Thomas the role of Elliott to the impressive career resurgence of Dee Wallace, we dive deep into the full biography and latest professional endeavors of the cast, including the surprising reveal of the three unique performers who physically brought E.T. to life.

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Core Cast: Full Biography & Profile

The film's success hinged on the believability of the central family unit. Here is a look at the main actors who created movie magic, including their key biographical details and primary roles in the film.

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• Henry Thomas (Elliott Taylor)
  • Born: September 9, 1971, in San Antonio, Texas.
  • Role in E.T.: The middle child who discovers and befriends the alien, hiding him from his family and the government.
  • Career Highlights: *Legends of the Fall* (1994), *Gangs of New York* (2002), and a prolific collaboration with director Mike Flanagan in series like *The Haunting of Hill House* (2018), *Midnight Mass* (2021), and *The Fall of the House of Usher* (2023).
• Drew Barrymore (Gertie Taylor)
  • Born: February 22, 1975, in Culver City, California.
  • Role in E.T.: Elliott's adorable, inquisitive, and initially terrified little sister, who famously delivers the line, "I'll believe you, Elliott."
  • Career Highlights: *Charlie's Angels* (2000), *50 First Dates* (2004), *Scream* (1996), and her current role as a television host and producer.
• Dee Wallace (Mary Taylor)
  • Born: December 14, 1948, in Kansas City, Kansas.
  • Role in E.T.: The loving, single mother of Elliott, Gertie, and Michael, who is initially unaware of the alien presence in her home.
  • Career Highlights: A 'Scream Queen' icon, known for horror classics like *The Howling* (1981), *Cujo* (1983), and *Critters* (1986).
• Robert MacNaughton (Michael Taylor)
  • Born: December 19, 1966, in New York City, New York.
  • Role in E.T.: Elliott's older brother, who transitions from teasing skeptic to E.T.'s loyal protector and accomplice.
  • Career Highlights: Primarily focused on stage acting and a career outside of Hollywood after *E.T.*, with a few minor film roles in the 2010s.
• Peter Coyote (Keys)
  • Born: October 10, 1941, in New York City, New York.
  • Role in E.T.: The mysterious, sympathetic government agent who pursues E.T. He is never named on-screen, only referred to as "Keys."
  • Career Highlights: Known for his distinctive voice work as a narrator in countless documentaries, and acting roles in films like *Jagged Edge* (1985) and *A Walk to Remember* (2002).

The Cast Now: 2025 Projects and Current Endeavors

The stars of *E.T.* have evolved into seasoned actors, producers, and television personalities. Here is what the main cast has been up to, with the latest 2025 updates that keep their careers in the spotlight.

1. Drew Barrymore (Gertie) – The Daytime TV Icon

Drew Barrymore’s career is arguably the most high-profile and diverse of the entire cast. After a tumultuous youth, she successfully transitioned into one of Hollywood's most bankable leading ladies and, more recently, a media mogul.

• The Talk Show Success: Her primary focus remains *The Drew Barrymore Show*, which is scheduled to kick off its sixth season in September 2025.
• 2025 Television Reboot: In a major announcement, Barrymore revealed she will be joining the reboot of the classic game show *Hollywood Squares*, which is set to premiere on CBS in January 2025.
• Lifestyle Brand: Beyond acting and hosting, she continues to expand her lifestyle brand, Flower Beauty, and is designing a wellness room for the 2025 REAL SIMPLE Home.

2. Henry Thomas (Elliott) – The Master of Modern Horror

Henry Thomas successfully navigated the transition from child star to adult actor by consistently choosing challenging roles, often finding a niche in the horror and psychological thriller genres.

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• Mike Flanagan Collaborator: Thomas has become a favorite collaborator of horror director Mike Flanagan, starring in nearly all of his Netflix projects, including *The Haunting of Bly Manor* and *Midnight Mass*.
• Upcoming 2025 Release: His latest confirmed project is the intense modern Western thriller *High Ground*, which is slated for a digital release on March 18, 2025, where he stars alongside Jon Voight.
• A Holiday Reunion: In 2019, Thomas reprised his role as Elliott for a commercial titled “A Holiday Reunion,” a short sequel to *E.T.*, which thrilled fans by showing Elliott as an adult with his own family.

3. Dee Wallace (Mary) – The Reigning Scream Queen

Dee Wallace has maintained an incredibly prolific career, appearing in over 250 film and television roles, cementing her status as a true veteran of the industry, particularly in the horror world.

• 2025 Horror & Thriller Films: Wallace shows no signs of slowing down. Her upcoming projects for 2025 include the Lifetime movie *The Lies We Bury* and the horror film *INCUBUS: NEW BEGINNINGS*.
• Genre Staple: Her work in *E.T.* is often overshadowed by her legendary status in the horror genre, with roles in classics like *Cujo* and *The Howling*. She continues to be a favorite at fan conventions.

4. Robert MacNaughton (Michael) and Peter Coyote (Keys)

Robert MacNaughton, after a few post-*E.T.* roles, largely retired from Hollywood, choosing a quieter life focused on regional theater and working as a postmaster in Arizona. He occasionally participates in fan conventions and cast reunions, such as the 40th-anniversary celebration on *The Drew Barrymore Show*.

Peter Coyote, on the other hand, has had a consistent and varied career, becoming one of the most recognizable voices in documentary filmmaking. He is an accomplished author, Zen Buddhist priest, and continues to take on acting roles, recently appearing in TV series like *The Disappearance of Alice Creed* and continuing his narration work for Ken Burns documentaries.

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The Untold Story: The Three Actors Who Were E.T.

One of the most fascinating aspects of *E.T.* is the character himself, who was brought to life by a combination of animatronics, special effects, and three unique performers. This is a key piece of topical authority and an essential, often-missed part of the cast.

The physical body of E.T. was primarily portrayed by three individuals, each selected for their specific ability to execute different movements:

• Matthew De Meritt: An 11-year-old boy who was born without legs. He was able to walk on his hands, perfectly executing E.T.'s distinctive waddle and the scenes where the alien walks.
• Pat Bilon: A little person who was approximately 2 feet 10 inches tall. He performed many of the walking scenes and coordinated movements.
• Tamara De Treaux: Another little person, standing 3 feet 7 inches tall, who was primarily used for the scenes requiring intricate hand movements or when E.T. was standing.

The iconic voice of E.T. was provided by Pat Welsh, a chain-smoking woman with a unique, raspy vocal quality, who was paid $380 for 9.5 hours of work. The combination of these five people—three physical performers, a voice actor, and the puppeteer team led by Carlo Rambaldi—created one of the most beloved characters in movie history.

The Audition That Made Spielberg Cry

The casting of Elliott is a legendary piece of Hollywood lore. Henry Thomas, then nine years old, was asked by Steven Spielberg to improvise a scene where a government agent tries to take E.T. away from him.

Thomas's improvised performance was so raw and emotionally devastating that he began to cry uncontrollably. Spielberg was so moved that he immediately stopped the audition, telling the child actor, "Okay kid, you got the job." That spontaneous, genuine emotional intensity was exactly what the director needed to anchor the entire film, proving that the magic of *E.T.* began long before the cameras started rolling.