WHERE ARE THEY NOW: The cast of 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial' 39 years later

Talia LakritzFeb 19, 2021, 02:23 IST

Henry Thomas played Elliott in "E.T." in 1982.Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images, Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

The movie "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" came out in 1982.
Henry Thomas, who played Elliott, appeared in "To All The Boys: Always and Forever" on Netflix.
Drew Barrymore played Elliott's younger sister Gertie and now hosts a talk show on CBS.

It's been almost 40 years since E.T. phoned home in 1982. Since then, some of its young stars have gone on to achieve even greater Hollywood fame, while others took a break from the spotlight.

Here's where the cast of "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" is today.

Henry Thomas played the film's protagonist, 10-year-old Elliott.

Henry Thomas as Elliott in "E.T." Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images

After taking a break from Hollywood to finish school in Texas, Thomas returned to the screen. Most recently, he's appeared in projects for Netflix.

Henry Thomas in 2013. Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

Robert Macnaughton played Michael, Elliott's older brother.

From left to right: Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, and Robert Macnaughton in "E.T." Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images

After a few more TV movie appearances throughout the 1980s, Macnaughton quit acting and began working as a mail carrier.

Robert Macnaughton in 2015. Bobby Bank/Getty Images

Drew Barrymore was just 6 years old when she appeared in "E.T." as the boys' younger sister, Gertie.

Drew Barrymore in "E.T." Sunset Boulevard/Contributor/Getty Images

She went on to become an A-list Hollywood actress, and now hosts "The Drew Barrymore Show" on CBS.

Drew Barrymore today. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Image

Dee Wallace played the kids' mother, Mary.

Dee Wallace in "E.T." Universal Pictures

Wallace has continued acting, most recently in the series "9-1-1" on Fox, and also works as a healer.

Dee Wallace in 2019. Michael Tullberg/Getty Images

Peter Coyote played the government agent known as "Keys" investigating E.T.

Peter Coyote and Henry Thomas in "E.T." Universal/Getty Images

Coyote still acts, having most recently played Robert Mueller in the Showtime mini-series "The Comey Rule."

Peter Coyote in 2016. Kelly Sullivan/Getty Images

C. Thomas Howell, pictured left, played Elliott's friend Tyler, who helps E.T. hide from the authorities.

From left to right: C. Thomas Howell, Sean Frye, KC Martel, and Robert MacNaughton in "E.T." Universal/Getty Images

The film jumpstarted Howell's acting career, leading to roles in "The Outsiders" and "The Hitcher," as well as TV shows like "Criminal Minds."

C. Thomas Howell in 2017. Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images

Erika Eleniak played an unnamed classmate who Elliott had a crush on.

Erika Eleniak in "E.T." Universal Pictures

Eleniak went on to star in "Baywatch" as well as movies such as "Under Siege," "The Blob," and "The Beverly Hillbillies."

Erika Eleniak in 2019. Phillip Faraone/WireImage/Getty Images

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