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'E.T.' 40th anniversary: The cast then and now, including Drew Barrymore, Henry Thomas

USA TODAY
Forty years ago, a young boy (Henry Thomas) befriended a gentle alien stranded on Earth in " E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, " which was released in theaters on June 11, 1982. Steven Spielberg ' s wistful sci-fi classic was a commerical and critical sensation, earning nearly $800 million worldwide and nine Oscar nominations including best picture, taking home four. It also made stars of its cast, many of whom can still be seen on the big and small screen.
Forty years ago, a young boy (Henry Thomas) befriended a gentle alien stranded on Earth in "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," which was released in theaters on June 11, 1982. Steven Spielberg's wistful sci-fi classic was a commerical and critical sensation, earning nearly $800 million worldwide and nine Oscar nominations including best picture, taking home four. It also made stars of its cast, many of whom can still be seen on the big and small screen.
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Thomas was just 9 years old when he played the lonely Elliott Taylor, who discovers a curious creature from space and takes him in.
Thomas was just 9 years old when he played the lonely Elliott Taylor, who discovers a curious creature from space and takes him in.
LM/UNIVERSAL & AMBLIN
Thomas, pictured in 2018, has appeared in films such as 1994 ' s " Legends of the Fall " and 2002 ' s " Gangs of New York " since starring in " E.T. " He most recently portrayed Noah Centineo ' s father in last year ' s " To All the Boys: Always and Forever. "
Thomas, pictured in 2018, has appeared in films such as 1994's "Legends of the Fall" and 2002's "Gangs of New York" since starring in "E.T." He most recently portrayed Noah Centineo's father in last year's "To All the Boys: Always and Forever."
John Phillips, Getty Images
Dee Wallace, center, played distracted single mom Mary to Drew Barrymore ' s Gertie and Thomas ' Elliott. The actress got her start in mid- ' 70s horror films including " The Hills Have Eyes " and " The Stepford Wives. "
Dee Wallace, center, played distracted single mom Mary to Drew Barrymore's Gertie and Thomas' Elliott. The actress got her start in mid-'70s horror films including "The Hills Have Eyes" and "The Stepford Wives."
BRUCE MCBROOM, UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
Wallace, right, reunited with " E.T. " director Steven Spielberg at the 2022 TCM Classic Film Festival in April for the movie ' s 40th anniversary screening in Hollywood, Calif.
Wallace, right, reunited with "E.T." director Steven Spielberg at the 2022 TCM Classic Film Festival in April for the movie's 40th anniversary screening in Hollywood, Calif.
Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images
Gertie (Barrymore) kisses E.T. and gifts him a potted geranium in an emotional scene, before he tells her to " be good. "
Gertie (Barrymore) kisses E.T. and gifts him a potted geranium in an emotional scene, before he tells her to "be good."
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Barrymore, pictured in New York in May, has had a thriving career since playing the youngest member of the Taylor family in " E.T., " with a string of popular ' 90s movies including " Scream, " " Ever After " and " Never Been Kissed. " She now hosts her own daytime talk show, which was recently renewed for a third season.
Barrymore, pictured in New York in May, has had a thriving career since playing the youngest member of the Taylor family in "E.T.," with a string of popular '90s movies including "Scream," "Ever After" and "Never Been Kissed." She now hosts her own daytime talk show, which was recently renewed for a third season.
Arturo Holmes, Getty Images
Robert MacNaughton, right, played older brother Michael, who helps Elliott (Thomas) and Gertie (Barrymore) keep their new alien friend a secret from their mom.
Robert MacNaughton, right, played older brother Michael, who helps Elliott (Thomas) and Gertie (Barrymore) keep their new alien friend a secret from their mom.
BRUCE MCBROOM, UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
MacNaughton, pictured this past April, has primarily worked in theater and TV since starring in " E.T., " with roles in sitcoms " Newhart " and " Amen " in the late ' 80s.
MacNaughton, pictured this past April, has primarily worked in theater and TV since starring in "E.T.," with roles in sitcoms "Newhart" and "Amen" in the late '80s.
Emma McIntyre, Getty Images For TCM
Keys (Peter Coyote, left), a government agent intent on capturing E.T., speaks to Elliott (Thomas) during the film ' s gut-wrenching final third.
Keys (Peter Coyote, left), a government agent intent on capturing E.T., speaks to Elliott (Thomas) during the film's gut-wrenching final third.
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Coyote, pictured in 2015, appeared in movies such as " Erin Brockovich " and " A Walk to Remember " in the early 2000s. He later picked up an Emmy for outstanding narrator for his work on Ken Burns ' PBS miniseries " The Roosevelts. "
Coyote, pictured in 2015, appeared in movies such as "Erin Brockovich" and "A Walk to Remember" in the early 2000s. He later picked up an Emmy for outstanding narrator for his work on Ken Burns' PBS miniseries "The Roosevelts."
Phil McCarten, Invision/AP
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