Steven Spielberg Says 6-Year-Old Drew Barrymore Was ‘Irrepressible’ on “E.T.” Set and Made Up ‘a Lot’ of Her Own Dialogue

Drew Barrymore’s Irrepressible Presence on the Set of E.T.

In a recent panel at the TCM Classic Film Festival at 92NY in New York City, director Steven Spielberg and actress Drew Barrymore fondly reminisced about their time working together on the iconic film, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Barrymore, who was just 6 years old at the time, left a lasting impact on the film with her portrayal of Gertie, the character she shaped with her youthful energy and creativity.

Spielberg, now 78, recalled that Barrymore’s audition for the role stood out to him because instead of answering his questions, she took the lead and started interviewing him. This assertiveness and creativity extended into the filming process, where Barrymore’s improvisational skills led her to make up a significant amount of her own dialogue for the character.

The director praised Barrymore’s contributions, noting that her spontaneous reactions and ideas often brought a new dimension to the scenes. Screenwriter Melissa Matheson, who was present on set, was amazed by the young actress’s ability to improvise and constantly come up with fresh and engaging dialogue.

Barrymore herself reflected on her experience working on E.T., sharing that it was only in her adulthood that she fully appreciated the extent to which her ideas and contributions had been incorporated into the final film. Attending the 20th-anniversary celebration in 2002 allowed her to see the movie with a fresh perspective, realising the impact she had made on the beloved classic.

The actress expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of such a groundbreaking film and acknowledged Spielberg’s willingness to embrace her youthful creativity. She reflected on the collaborative nature of filmmaking and how the process of creating E.T. had a profound influence on her own understanding of storytelling and character development.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, released in 1982, went on to become the highest-grossing movie of all time at that point, solidifying Spielberg’s reputation as a master filmmaker. The film’s success was not only attributed to its captivating story but also to the talented cast, including Henry Thomas, Robert MacNaughton, Dee Wallace, and Peter Coyote, who brought the characters to life alongside Barrymore.

Looking back on her time filming E.T., Barrymore shared that her experience with the alien character was akin to having an imaginary friend, despite knowing that he wasn’t real. She reflected on the importance of belief systems and the power of imagination in helping us navigate the world with a sense of wonder and joy.

As fans continue to cherish the timeless magic of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, the behind-the-scenes stories shared by Spielberg and Barrymore serve as a testament to the enduring impact of collaborative creativity in the world of filmmaking. The film’s legacy lives on through its characters and themes, inspiring new generations to embrace imagination and empathy in their own adventures.