Steven Spielberg Reflects on Decades-Long Friendship with Drew Barrymore Since “E.T., ”Jokes ‘I Kind of Adopted’ Her

Steven Spielberg, the legendary filmmaker best known for his groundbreaking work in cinema, recently shared personal reflections during an event titled “Keynote: The Big Picture with Steven Spielberg” at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival. The discussion, held on March 13 in Austin, Texas, centred around his iconic film, “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” and its unexpected influence on his life, particularly regarding family and fatherhood.

At the age of 79, Spielberg revealed that “E.T.” profoundly impacted his desire to become a parent. He remarked, “E.T. made me want to have kids,” expressing how the experience of working with young actors during the film influenced his thinking about family. He fondly recalled not wanting the child actors to leave at the end of the filming process, saying, “I remember after making ‘E.T.,’ there was something about that, for me, I didn’t want those kids to go home.”

One of the child actors who made a lasting impression on Spielberg is Drew Barrymore, who played Gertie in the 1982 film. The director humorously noted that he “kind of adopted” Barrymore, who remains a significant figure in his life. Their bond has transcended the professional realm, with Spielberg describing his ongoing connection to her life, including recent conversations they have had via text.

Barrymore’s career took off after her role in “E.T.” which made her the youngest person to guest-host “Saturday Night Live” at just seven years old. Over the years, she has maintained a close relationship with Spielberg, who serves as her godfather. Despite her early struggles in life, including a very public battle with substance abuse during her teenage years, their bond has remained strong and supportive.

Spielberg also reflected on how the experience of working on “E.T.” led him to reconsider his own relationship with parenthood. Initially uncertain about having children due to the demands of his career, he began to think that perhaps he could envision a future as a father. “I started thinking, ‘Well, maybe this could be my real life someday. It was the first time that it occurred to me that maybe I could be a dad,” he noted during the SXSW keynote.

Their relationship has been punctuated by fond memories and gestures. In a previous encounter, after Barrymore posed for a Playboy cover in her early twenties, Spielberg sent her a heartfelt gift — a quilt with a message that read, “Cover up!” This story was recounted by Barrymore during her talk show in 2021, highlighting the protective and caring nature of their dynamic. Spielberg made a guest appearance, telling her, “Oh, Drewface, I still care about you. I’ve always cared about you.”

Reflecting on Barrymore’s early talent, Spielberg noted her improvisational skills during the filming of “E.T.,” stating, “Drew made up a lot of her own dialogue because she was irrepressible.” This innate talent and charm endeared her not only to audiences but also to Spielberg himself, who seems to view her as a pivotal figure in both his professional career and personal life.

In a recent reunion celebrating the 40th anniversary of “E.T.,” Barrymore invited her former co-stars, including Henry Thomas and Robert MacNaughton, onto her show. Reflecting on her time filming the movie, she expressed her profound belief in the character of E.T., stating, “I really loved [E.T.] in such a profound way. I would go and take lunch to him.” Such sentiments underscore the lasting impact of the film on all involved and their enduring connections.

As Spielberg continues to reflect on his illustrious career, it is evident that “E.T.” holds a special place in his heart, not only for its cinematic achievements but for the personal revelations it sparked. The bond between Spielberg and Barrymore serves as a testament to the power of creativity in forging meaningful relationships that transcend the confines of the film industry, showcasing how art can bring people together in deeply personal ways.