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Where Are They Now? The E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Cast Of 1982—And Their Shocking New 2025 Projects

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Forty-three years after the world first witnessed a glowing fingertip and a bicycle silhouette against the moon, the cast of Steven Spielberg’s 1982 masterpiece, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, remains one of cinema's most iconic ensembles. The film launched the careers of its young stars into the stratosphere, but their paths diverged dramatically in the decades that followed. From talk show host to horror veteran and even a mail handler, the lives of Elliott, Gertie, and Michael are a fascinating study in post-child-star success and reinvention. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the original cast is more active than ever, with major new projects and a heartwarming reunion that brought them back together.

The enduring magic of this sci-fi classic continues to resonate, thanks in part to the genuine, emotional performances of the young cast. Their recent 40th-anniversary reunion provided a fresh look at their bond, proving that the on-screen family connection is still very much alive. Here is a definitive, up-to-date look at the main actors from the 1982 film and their latest career developments, including announcements for 2025.

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Main Cast: A 2025 Biography and Profile

The core Taylor family and their alien friend created a cultural phenomenon. Here is a brief profile of the main actors who brought the 1982 film to life.

  • Henry Thomas (Elliott Taylor):
    • Role in E.T.: Elliott, the lonely 10-year-old boy who discovers and befriends the extraterrestrial.
    • Born: September 9, 1971, in San Antonio, Texas.
    • Age: 53 (as of late 2024).
    • Career Highlights: Gangs of New York (2002), The Haunting of Hill House (2018), Doctor Sleep (2019), Midnight Mass (2021).
  • Drew Barrymore (Gertie Taylor):
    • Role in E.T.: Gertie, Elliott’s adorable, curious, and initially frightened 6-year-old sister.
    • Born: February 22, 1975, in Culver City, California.
    • Age: 49 (as of late 2024).
    • Career Highlights: Charlie's Angels (2000), The Wedding Singer (1998), 50 First Dates (2004), Host of The Drew Barrymore Show.
  • Robert MacNaughton (Michael Taylor):
    • Role in E.T.: Michael, Elliott's older, protective, and initially skeptical brother.
    • Born: December 19, 1966, in New York City, New York.
    • Age: 57 (as of late 2024).
    • Career Highlights: E.T. was his most famous role. He later worked in theater and as a mail handler before returning to film.
  • Dee Wallace (Mary Taylor):
    • Role in E.T.: Mary, the single mother of Elliott, Gertie, and Michael, who is initially unaware of the alien presence in her home.
    • Born: December 14, 1948, in Kansas City, Kansas.
    • Age: 75 (as of late 2024).
    • Career Highlights: Known as a "Scream Queen," with roles in Cujo (1983), The Howling (1981), and Critters (1986).

The Emotional 40th Anniversary Reunion and Enduring Friendship

The bond between the on-screen Taylor family proved to be a lifelong friendship. In 2022, to celebrate the film's 40th anniversary, the main cast—Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Robert MacNaughton, and Dee Wallace—reunited for several public appearances, including a special segment on *The Drew Barrymore Show* in May 2023.

During the reunion, the actors shared heartwarming memories, including how director Steven Spielberg fostered a genuine family environment on the set. Drew Barrymore, who was only six years old during filming, revealed that she genuinely believed E.T. was real and that the cast's connection was instrumental to the film’s authenticity.

This event served as a major update, showing the cast together for the first time in a major public forum in years, and highlighted the lasting impact of the film on their personal lives. The reunion coverage provided a fresh wave of media attention, reminding fans of the classic film's legacy and the careers of its stars.

The reunion also featured a discussion about the themes of childhood, friendship, and loss, which remain central to the film's success. The actors discussed how their own experiences with fame and growing up in the spotlight shaped their later lives and career choices.

From Talk Show Empire to Horror Veteran: The Cast's Latest 2024/2025 Projects

While all four main actors are still active in the entertainment industry, their career trajectories are wildly different. Here is the most current information on what the E.T. cast is doing now, with specific updates for 2025.

Drew Barrymore (Gertie Taylor): The Media Mogul

Drew Barrymore has arguably had the most high-profile career, transitioning from a troubled child star to a successful actress, producer (through her company Flower Films), and entrepreneur.

Her focus in recent years has been her successful daytime talk show. *The Drew Barrymore Show* was renewed for the 2023-2024 television season, solidifying her status as a major player in the daytime media landscape.

The 2025 Update: Barrymore is not slowing down. She recently announced that she will be joining the reboot of the classic game show *Hollywood Squares* on CBS, which is set to premiere in January 2025. This move showcases her versatility and commitment to television production and hosting.

Henry Thomas (Elliott Taylor): The Mike Flanagan Muse

Henry Thomas successfully navigated the transition from child star to adult actor, finding a new niche in the horror and thriller genres, often collaborating with director Mike Flanagan.

His work with Flanagan has been extensive, including starring roles in *The Haunting of Hill House*, *Doctor Sleep*, and *Midnight Mass*. This partnership established Thomas as a highly respected character actor, known for his subtle, emotional performances.

The 2024/2025 Update: Thomas continues to work steadily. He recently starred in the horror film *The Curse of the Necklace* and was scheduled to appear at fan conventions like Geek’d Con in 2024, maintaining a strong connection with his audience.

Dee Wallace (Mary Taylor): The Horror Legend and Author

Dee Wallace, who played the mother, Mary, has maintained a prolific career, particularly in the horror genre, earning her the title of "Scream Queen." Her filmography includes over 250 credits.

Beyond acting, Wallace is a motivational speaker and author, sharing her insights on life, self-love, and the creative process.

The 2025 Update: Wallace is attached to a new indie horror production, demonstrating her enduring commitment to the genre. Most significantly, she is joining the cast of *The Boroughs*, a new series from the creators of Netflix's *Stranger Things*. This high-profile casting connects the E.T. star with the next generation of sci-fi/horror storytelling, making it one of her most anticipated projects.

Robert MacNaughton (Michael Taylor): The Reinventor

Robert MacNaughton, who played the older brother Michael, had a less conventional post-*E.T.* career. After a few more acting roles and theater work, he stepped away from Hollywood in the early 2000s and moved to Arizona, where he worked as a mail handler for the U.S. Postal Service.

He eventually returned to acting in the mid-2010s, appearing in independent films like *Frankenstein vs. The Mummy* (2015) and *Laugh Killer Laugh*.

The 2024 Update: While MacNaughton's acting projects are less frequent than his co-stars, his participation in the 40th-anniversary reunion was a major public event. A recent report from August 2024 mentioned his involvement in christening a new L.A. spot, indicating he remains publicly active and connected to the industry, often appearing at conventions to discuss his iconic role.

The Enduring Legacy of E.T. and Topical Authority

The success of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial was not just a box office triumph; it was a cultural touchstone that redefined the family film genre. The movie's themes of childhood innocence, government paranoia, and the power of friendship established a blueprint for countless films that followed.

The continuing careers of the cast members, particularly their recent high-profile projects in 2024 and 2025, ensure that the film remains relevant. Drew Barrymore’s talk show provides a constant platform for nostalgia and new content, while Henry Thomas and Dee Wallace continue to dominate the modern horror landscape. The reunion proved that the magic of 1982 is still a powerful force, captivating new audiences and older fans alike with the story of a boy and his alien friend.

Where Are They Now? The E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Cast of 1982—And Their Shocking New 2025 Projects
e.t cast 1982
e.t cast 1982

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