The Cast Of “E.T.” At Its 40th Anniversary: How They Have Changed

“E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial" is one of the most classic films for kids, with themes dealing with love, space, family, friends, and a bit of seeming magic. It is a very simple story about an alien (E.T.) who gets left on earth and finds his way to go home. The story is fantastical in many ways, easily capturing kids' imaginations about what an alien looks like.
It's been 40 years since the release of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. The film, which stars Dee Wallace, Henry Thomas, Peter Coyote, Robert MacNaughton, and Drew Barrymore, brings us a lot of nostalgia’s sake. These actors became iconic thanks to the success of the movie and starred in other movie projects. And E.T has continued inspiring the young generations for four decades.
Today, let’s take a look at what the amazing cast looked like then and now. Scrolling down and enjoy!!!

#1 Henry Thomas as Elliott

Source: Universal,  Henry Thomas/Instagram

After starring as 10-year-old Elliott in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in 1982, Henry Thomas returned to his hometown to focus on his teaching. Back to acting, Thomas appeared in some prominent films such as Suicide Kings (1997), All the Pretty Horses (2000), Gangs of New York (2002), and The Last Ride (2011). Recently, he has been seen playing music and singing with the Los Angeles band Farspeaker.

#2 Drew Barrymore as Gertie

Source: Universal, Drew Barrymore/Instagram

Drew Barrymore took her to people's hearts at age seven with her role in E.T.: The Extraterrestrial. She soon found trouble during her childhood because of her wild reputation. Barrymore co-established Flower Films in 1995 and has since regained success as a talented actress, producer, and businesswoman, starring in such films as The Wedding Singer, Charlie's Angels, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, and Music and Lyrics.

#3 Robert MacNaughton as Michael

Source: Universal, ROBYN BECK / Getty Images

Before starring as Michael in the E.T. MacNaughton started out in a few TV movies, most prominently Angel City (1980), Big Bend Country (1981), and The Electric Grandmother (1982). After E.T., MacNaughton’s career was mainly focused on theater, he also appeared in some TV Shows such as Amen, Newhart, and Vietnam War Story.

#4 Dee Wallace as Mary (Elliott's mom)

Source: Universal, Stefanie Keenan/gettyimage

Dee Wallace played flustered single mom Mary on E.T. After E.T. , Wallace has gone busy in Hollywood by appearing in over 100 films. She’s gained cult icon status in the horror flick genre, with roles in The Hills Have Eyes (1977), The Howling (1981), Cujo (1983), and most recently, Halloween (2007). 

#5 Peter Coyote as "Keys"

Source: Universal, sfzendog

Peter Coyote successfully played the mysterious agent "Keys" in E.T. Coyote was a prominent force in the counter-culture theatrical movement in San Francisco from the mid-1960s to 1970s long before the E.T.

#6 C. Thomas Howell as Tyler

Source: Universal, CBS Photo Archive /gettyimage

He took a small role as Tyler who is one of Elliott’s friends. Many theatregoer remember him from a string of cinematic 80s hits like The Outsiders (1983), The Hitcher (1986), and Soul Man (1986). 

#7 K. C. Martel as Greg

Source: Universal, Steve Granitz/gettyimage

K.C. Martel is known to have appeared in over 20 shows and movies during his acting career. He took his role in E.T the extra-terrestrial in the year 1982. Since the start of his career, Martel has been a part of many series such as Lucan in the year 1978, and Fantasy Island. His role in the Growing Pains was the most prominent TV series.

#8 Sean Frye as Steve

Source: Universal, Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images

Sean Anthony's best-known role was as Steve, the sunglass-toting friend of Elliott’s older brother in the E.T. His last made-for-television film was Toughlove 1985). Maybe you missed it: Frye was born in Hollywood, California.

#9 Erika Eleniak as "Pretty Girl"

Source: Universal, Presley Ann/gettyimage

Erika is remembered for her TV appearances in Charles in Charge, Full House, and Baywatch. Her film roles in The Beverly Hillbillies (1993) and Chasers (1994) are also worth mentioning to her successful acting career.

#10 And finally, just for funsies, director Steven Spielberg and now:

Source: Universal, Steve Granitz / Getty Images

Steven Spielberg became the globally successful and Academy Award-winning director thanks to such films as Schindler's List, The Color Purple, E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, Saving Private Ryan, Catch Me If You Can, Lincoln, and Bridge of Spies. In 1994, he co-established the studio Dreamworks SKG, which was purchased by Paramount Pictures in 2005.