Discovering The Iconic ET Film Cast: Where Are They Now?

Ezekiel Dickens 24 Jul 2025

The film that made bicycles take to the sky and sent sales of Reese's Pieces through the roof, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, truly captured hearts. It did this with its blend of wonder, the deep feeling of friendship, and a bit of otherworldly magic, you know. More than 40 years since its first showing, people still talk about this picture. It's a story that follows an alien, stranded on Earth, who finds an unexpected friend in a young boy. This tale, about believing and true friendship, really comes alive because of the people who played the parts.

So, a big part of why E.T. connects with so many of us, even today, is the group of performers who brought the characters to life. When they were first chosen for the roles, honestly, not many people knew who these folks were. Yet, their portrayals, every single one, were magnificent. They helped tell a story where a troubled child finds the bravery to help a friendly alien. It’s a powerful story, and the actors really made it something special, you know.

This article takes a look at the key people who were part of the E.T. film cast. We will explore what happened to them after the movie became such a huge hit. We will also check out what some of them are doing all these decades later. It's interesting to see how their careers unfolded, and what paths they chose after being part of such a well-loved movie. So, let's get into the details of the actors who made this film an experience that stays with you, even now.

Henry Thomas: The Boy Who Befriended an Alien (Elliott)
- Henry Thomas: Personal Details
Drew Barrymore: The Youngest Star (Gertie)
Dee Wallace: The Concerned Mother (Mary)
Peter Coyote: The Mysterious Government Agent (Keys)
Robert MacNaughton: The Older Brother (Michael)
C. Thomas Howell: One of the Friends (Tyler)
The Enduring Magic of E.T.
Frequently Asked Questions About the E.T. Film Cast

Henry Thomas: The Boy Who Befriended an Alien (Elliott)

Henry Thomas, who played Elliott, the boy at the very heart of the film, had a role that truly defined his early career. He began his journey as a child actor, and playing Elliott Taylor in E.T. was his big step into the public eye. This character, Elliott, had to find a way to help E.T. along with his friends and family. It was a big ask for a young performer, and he carried it off with a lot of skill. His portrayal of a child who feels a deep connection with an alien creature was, you know, really quite touching. It was his work that helped make the film's themes of friendship and belief feel so real to people watching.

After E.T., Henry Thomas continued to build a Hollywood career. He has appeared in a wide range of projects over the decades. For instance, he showed up in "To All the Boys: Always and Forever" on Netflix, which is quite a different kind of story from his early work. His career has been steady, with roles that show his growth as a performer. He is, in a way, one of those actors who started young and just kept going, always finding new things to do. It’s pretty neat to see how he has navigated the acting world for so long, you know.

Henry Thomas, born on September 9, 1971, has really stayed active in the film and television world. He's taken on parts that are quite varied, showing his ability to play different kinds of people. From that child who made bicycles fly, to the adult roles he takes on now, his work has been consistent. It is, in some respects, a testament to his dedication to acting. People often remember him as Elliott, but he has certainly made a name for himself beyond that one, very famous part. He has, apparently, kept busy with a lot of projects, and that's something to admire.

Henry Thomas: Personal Details

Full Name	Henry Jackson Thomas
Born	September 9, 1971
Birthplace	San Antonio, Texas, USA
Notable Role	Elliott Taylor in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Career Start	Child Actor
Recent Work (Example)	"To All the Boys: Always and Forever" (Netflix)

Drew Barrymore: The Youngest Star (Gertie)

Drew Barrymore, who played Gertie, Elliott's little sister, was truly a very young performer when she took on the role. Her character brought a lot of innocence and curiosity to the film, seeing E.T. with wide-eyed wonder. She was, you know, just a kid when this supernatural film came out. Her portrayal was so charming, and it really helped to make the alien's presence feel even more magical and believable to the audience. She had a way of reacting to E.T. that was just, well, completely genuine.

After E.T., Drew Barrymore's career took off in a big way. She has become one of Hollywood's most recognized faces. From her early child acting days, she has grown into a versatile performer, a producer, and even a talk show host. She has built a Hollywood career that has lasted for more than 40 years since E.T. first appeared. She's had a really interesting path, and it’s been quite a journey to watch her grow from that little girl into the successful person she is today. She has, you know, done a lot of different things in the entertainment world.

Drew Barrymore has, in fact, reunited with some of the E.T. cast members over the years. These reunions often bring back a lot of good feelings for fans who remember the film fondly. It’s pretty cool how she stays connected to her roots, and it shows how much that film meant to her and to the people who made it. She has, basically, maintained a presence in the public eye for a very long time, which is quite something for someone who started so young. Her story is, you know, a pretty good example of how a child actor can really thrive.

Dee Wallace: The Concerned Mother (Mary)

Dee Wallace played Mary, the mother of Elliott, Michael, and Gertie. Her character had to deal with the strange events happening in her home, all while trying to keep her family together. She brought a sense of everyday reality to the story, a parent trying to make sense of things that were beyond normal understanding. Her reactions, from confusion to worry, felt very real to people watching. She was, in a way, the grounding force for the family as they encountered this visitor from another place.

Dee Wallace has had a long and varied career in film and television, even before E.T. She is known for her work in many horror and science fiction films, which is, you know, a bit of a niche she has carved out. Her role in E.T. showed a different side of her acting abilities, portraying a mother who eventually comes to terms with the extraordinary circumstances. She has, in fact, continued to work steadily in the industry for many decades, taking on many different kinds of parts. It's quite something to have such a lasting career, really.

Her presence in the film was important for showing the human side of the alien encounter. She represented the adult world trying to cope with something truly unexpected. Dee Wallace, along with Henry Thomas, Peter Coyote, and Robert MacNaughton, helped create the family dynamic that made the story feel so believable. She is, in some respects, a veteran performer who brings a lot of experience to every role she takes on. Her work in E.T. is certainly one of her most remembered performances, you know, and for good reason.

Peter Coyote: The Mysterious Government Agent (Keys)

Peter Coyote took on the role of Keys, the government agent who is trying to find E.T. His character starts out as a somewhat shadowy figure, representing the authority that Elliott and E.T. are trying to avoid. But, you know, as the story unfolds, we see that Keys has a more complex motivation. He is, in a way, also driven by a sense of wonder and curiosity about the alien. He's not just a bad guy; he's someone who also wants to connect with this new life form, which is, honestly, a pretty neat twist.

Peter Coyote has had a distinguished career that goes beyond acting. He is also a well-known voice artist, author, and even an ordained Zen Buddhist priest. His work often involves projects that are thoughtful and meaningful. His performance in E.T. was, in fact, a key part of the film's tension and its eventual resolution. He brought a quiet intensity to the role, which was really quite effective. He has, apparently, continued to take on a variety of roles in film and television, showing his range as a performer.

His presence in the film helped to show the contrast between the innocent wonder of the children and the more organized, yet still curious, efforts of the adults. Peter Coyote, like Henry Thomas and Drew Barrymore, has built a solid career in Hollywood in the 40 years since E.T. His work has been consistent, and he has taken on roles that are often quite thought-provoking. It's pretty cool to see how he has managed to combine his acting with his other interests, you know. He's a performer who brings a lot of depth to his work.

Robert MacNaughton: The Older Brother (Michael)

Robert MacNaughton played Michael, Elliott's older brother. Michael's character initially views E.T. with some skepticism, but he quickly becomes a crucial ally in helping Elliott protect the alien. He is, in a way, the practical one in the group, helping to plan how to keep E.T. hidden and safe. His role was important for showing the family's collective effort to help E.T. It was a good portrayal of an older sibling stepping up to help, even when things are, you know, completely unbelievable.

After E.T., Robert MacNaughton continued acting for a time, but his career path took a different turn compared to some of his co-stars. He has, in fact, explored other interests outside of Hollywood. While people often wonder what happened to him, he has, basically, lived a life that is perhaps more private than some of the other cast members. It’s interesting to see what the cast has been up to, and for Robert MacNaughton, his journey has been a bit different. He has, apparently, found other things that he enjoys doing.

His performance as Michael was a key part of the film's success, providing that older brother dynamic that many people can relate to. He was one of the friends and family members who had to help Elliott find a way to help E.T. His role in the film is remembered fondly by fans, and he is certainly an important part of the E.T. legacy. It's pretty neat how each member of the cast, even those who didn't stay in the spotlight, contributed to making the film something special, you know. They all played their part in a big way.

C. Thomas Howell: One of the Friends (Tyler)

C. Thomas Howell made his acting debut in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial as Tyler. He was one of Michael's friends who helps Elliott and E.T. try to outrun the authorities during the climax of the film. His role, while not as central as Elliott's or Gertie's, was important for showing the wider circle of friends who rallied to help the alien. He was, in a way, part of that group of kids who were willing to do something truly brave for their friend and his unusual companion. It was, honestly, a pretty memorable scene he was in.

After E.T., C. Thomas Howell went on to have a very successful career, particularly in the 1980s, with roles in popular films like "The Outsiders" and "Soul Man." He became a well-known face in Hollywood, taking on many different kinds of parts. He has, in fact, continued to work steadily in film and television for many decades. His career shows how a small role in a big film can lead to many other opportunities. It's pretty cool how he built on that early start, you know.

He was just a kid when he was in E.T., but he went on to achieve a lot in the acting world. His involvement in the film, even in a supporting capacity, is a part of its enduring appeal. He was one of those young performers who helped make the movie feel so real and exciting. It's interesting to see how the cast of E.T. has been up to all these decades later, and C. Thomas Howell is certainly one of the ones who has kept busy. He has, apparently, been involved in a lot of projects since then.

The Enduring Magic of E.T.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, released in 1982, is a film that has stayed with people for generations. It is, in a way, a film of believing and friendship, and it shows the power of compassion. The magnificent performances from the entire cast, many of whom were just kids when they were chosen, helped bring this story to life. The film made bicycles fly and, you know, sent sales of Reese's Pieces soaring, capturing hearts with its blend of wonder, friendship, and that otherworldly magic. It’s a story that feels timeless, really.

More than 40 years after its first showing, the film continues to be celebrated. For instance, there was a 40th anniversary celebration in IMAX theaters in August 2022, which allowed new generations to experience its magic on a big screen. This shows how much the film still means to people, and how its themes of connection and acceptance resonate across time. It is, basically, a story that reminds us of the importance of kindness and understanding, no matter where someone comes from. It's pretty amazing how a movie can do that, you know.

The film's impact goes beyond just entertainment; it has become a part of our shared cultural memory. People often talk about its emotional depth and how it makes you feel. The detailed bios, filmographies, and the creative team's insights available at places like TV Guide help us learn more about the full cast of E.T., and the people behind the scenes. You can get actor roles, casting info, images, and more, which is pretty neat. To learn more about the making of classic films on our site, you can check out our other articles. Also, for more detailed information about the cast and crew, you can explore this page, which offers detailed bios, filmographies, and the creative team's insights, allowing you to dive into the heart of this movie.

Frequently Asked Questions About the E.T. Film Cast

People often have questions about the performers who brought E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial to life. Here are some common inquiries:

What happened to Henry Thomas from E.T.?

Henry Thomas, who played Elliott, has continued to work as an actor since E.T. He began his career as a child actor and had the lead role of Elliott Taylor in the film. He has appeared in many films and television shows over the decades. For instance, he was in "To All the Boys: Always and Forever" on Netflix. He has, apparently, maintained a steady career in the entertainment world, taking on various roles that show his acting range. He's been quite busy, really, with a lot of different projects.

How old was Drew Barrymore when she was in E.T.?

Drew Barrymore was quite young when she played Gertie in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. She was just a kid when the supernatural film came out. Her exact age at the time of filming was around six or seven years old. She brought a lot of youthful charm to her role. Her performance was, you know, really quite memorable for someone so little. She has, basically, grown up in the public eye, becoming a very well-known figure in Hollywood.

Are the E.T. actors still friends?

While specific details about their personal friendships are not always public, some of the E.T. cast members, like Drew Barrymore, have reunited over the years. These reunions, often for special anniversaries of the film, show that there is still a connection among them. It’s pretty cool to see them together, and it suggests a lasting bond from their shared experience on such a special movie. They have, in some respects, shared a unique part of their lives, which can create lasting connections, you know.

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Discovering The Iconic ET Film Cast: Where Are They Now?

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