Henry Thomas, the renowned child actor who shot to fame with his role in *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial*, has been reflecting on his early experiences in the spotlight. In a recent appearance on *The Hollywood Reporter’s It Happened in Hollywood* podcast, the 54-year-old shared his thoughts on navigating the world of fame, particularly as a young performer.
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Released in 1982 when Thomas was only nine years old, *E.T.* quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The actor recalled that he was taken aback by his unexpected rise to stardom, stating, “I wasn’t ready for it and never saw it coming.” He described the initial experience of being recognised by fans as “bizarre,” highlighting the intense pressure that followed to replicate the success of the film.
To cope with the sudden fame, Thomas chose to remain in Texas for an extended period, a decision he believes positively influenced his career trajectory. He noted, “I didn’t approach my career in a strategic way. It was always about the experience or the people. Sometimes that worked, sometimes it didn’t.” Despite the various ups and downs in his career, he acknowledged that success in the film industry is often cyclical and lacks a definitive blueprint. “You don’t get a rule book,” he remarked. “You just keep showing up.”
In *E.T.*, Thomas portrayed Elliott Taylor, the young boy who forms a poignant bond with a stranded extraterrestrial. The film also featured Drew Barrymore, who was just six years old at the time. Thomas recounted a particularly heartwarming story about Barrymore’s innocence, revealing that she occasionally believed E.T. was genuinely real, attributing that belief to her young age. “She’d wrap a scarf around him so he wouldn’t get cold,” he recalled, contrasting Barrymore’s perspective with his own understanding of the complex mechanics behind the puppet.
Throughout the podcast, Thomas elaborated on his experiences working with celebrated director Steven Spielberg, who went to great lengths to make the production feel authentic for the child actors. This attention to detail included crafting an environment that allowed them to engage with the character of E.T. in a believable manner. However, Thomas admitted that knowing E.T. was a construction detracted from his ability to immerse himself fully in the fantasy.
As he reminisced about the enduring legacy of *E.T.*, Thomas acknowledged the film’s profound resonance with audiences around the globe. “It’s strange because it’s so far behind me now, but it’s also something people never stopped loving,” he reflected. He highlighted the film’s remarkable run in theatres, noting that it stayed on screens for over a year worldwide, a feat that is increasingly rare in modern cinema.
According to Thomas, the film’s timeless appeal can be attributed to its universal themes. “At its core, it’s about something very simple and human. And that’s what people respond to,” he explained. The interplay of nostalgia and genuine emotion in the film has allowed it to remain a beloved classic for generations.
As the 45th anniversary of *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial* approaches, Thomas’s reflections serve not only as a look back at his own childhood but as a reminder of the film’s impact on popular culture. It continues to inspire and touch the hearts of viewers, showcasing the power of storytelling and connection across diverse audiences.
In the years following *E.T.*, Thomas has successfully transitioned to a range of roles, including recent appearances in Netflix’s *The Haunting of Hill House* and *The Haunting of Bly Manor*. His ability to navigate the challenges of a long career in the entertainment industry exemplifies resilience and adaptability, traits that have undoubtedly contributed to his sustained presence in the craft.
As those who grew up with *E.T.* reminisce about the film that defined their childhoods, Thomas’s insights remind us of the magic created behind the scenes and the lasting connections formed on screen.