Few films have captured the wonder of childhood quite like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Released in 1982, Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi classic became an instant phenomenon, touching hearts worldwide. But for one young actress—Drew Barrymore—the movie wasn’t just a story. It was real.
At just seven years old, Barrymore played Gertie, the spirited little sister in the film. Her performance was so natural, so full of genuine emotion, that audiences couldn’t help but be swept up in the magic. But what many don’t know is that Barrymore didn’t just act in the movie—she lived it. In interviews over the years, she’s revealed that she truly believed E.T. was a real alien, a belief that shaped her childhood and left an indelible mark on her life.
This article explores the fascinating story behind Barrymore’s belief, the psychological impact of blending fiction with reality, and how E.T. became more than a film—it became a defining moment in pop culture and Barrymore’s own journey.
Drew Barrymore’s Early Life: A Childhood Steeped in Hollywood
To understand why Drew Barrymore believed E.T. was real, we need to look at her upbringing. Born into the legendary Barrymore acting dynasty, Drew was destined for the spotlight. Her grandfather, John Barrymore, was a Hollywood icon, and her parents were deeply embedded in the entertainment industry.
By the time she was cast in E.T., Barrymore had already appeared in commercials and minor roles. But nothing prepared her for the emotional depth of Spielberg’s film. Unlike many child actors who were shielded from the intensity of their roles, Barrymore was fully immersed in the world of E.T.—so much so that the line between acting and reality blurred.
The Role of a Lifetime at Age Seven
Barrymore’s casting as Gertie was no accident. Spielberg was known for his ability to draw authentic performances from child actors, and he saw something special in her. During auditions, she reportedly bonded with the mechanical E.T. puppet as if it were alive, reacting to it with unscripted curiosity and affection. This natural connection convinced Spielberg that she was the perfect choice.
But what Spielberg may not have anticipated was how deeply Barrymore would internalize the experience. In a 2012 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Barrymore admitted:
“I thought E.T. was real. I didn’t think it was a movie. I thought we were documenting something that was actually happening.”
This belief wasn’t just childish naivety—it was a testament to the film’s power to suspend disbelief, even for those behind the camera.
The Psychology Behind Believing in E.T.: Why Drew Barrymore’s Mind Accepted the Fantasy
At seven years old, children are at a developmental stage where the boundary between imagination and reality is still fluid. Psychologists refer to this as magical thinking—the tendency to attribute supernatural causes to events. For Barrymore, the set of E.T. was a perfect storm of factors that reinforced her belief:
- The Realism of E.T.: The puppet, designed by Carlo Rambaldi, was incredibly lifelike, with expressive eyes and delicate movements. Combined with Spielberg’s direction, it felt alive.
- Immersive Filmmaking: Spielberg often shot scenes in sequence, allowing Barrymore to experience the story in real-time, as if it were unfolding naturally.
- Emotional Investment: The film’s themes of loneliness, friendship, and loss resonated deeply with Barrymore, who later revealed she was dealing with personal struggles at the time.
- Adult Reinforcement: Cast and crew members played along, treating E.T. as a real entity to maintain the illusion for the young actors.
Magical Thinking in Childhood Development
Dr. Jean Piaget, a pioneer in child psychology, theorized that children between ages 2 and 7 operate in the preoperational stage, where they struggle to distinguish between fantasy and reality. Barrymore’s age placed her right in this phase. Additionally, her upbringing in Hollywood—where make-believe is a profession—may have further blurred the lines.
In a 2017 interview with The Guardian, Barrymore reflected:
“I was a kid who believed in fairies, ghosts, and aliens. E.T. wasn’t just a character to me; he was a friend. And in a way, he still is.”
This statement underscores how the film didn’t just entertain her—it became a coping mechanism, a way to process complex emotions through the lens of fantasy.
Behind the Scenes: How Spielberg and the Crew Made E.T. Feel Real
Steven Spielberg is a master of creating cinematic illusions, but E.T. required an extra layer of authenticity—especially since the film’s success hinged on the audience believing in an alien. To achieve this, Spielberg employed several techniques that also convinced Barrymore:
The E.T. Puppet: A Marvel of Practical Effects
The E.T. puppet was a groundbreaking achievement in practical effects. Designed by Carlo Rambaldi (who also created the alien in Close Encounters of the Third Kind), the puppet had:
- Remote-controlled facial expressions, allowing for subtle emotions.
- A team of puppeteers operating its movements in real-time.
- Voice work by Pat Welsh (for E.T.’s growls and sounds) and Debra Winger (uncredited, for some vocalizations).
Barrymore later described interacting with the puppet as “like playing with a real creature.” The tactile experience—touching E.T.’s wrinkled skin, feeling his weight—made the illusion tangible.
Spielberg’s Directorial Techniques
Spielberg is known for his ability to elicit raw performances from child actors. For E.T., he:
- Shot in Chronological Order: Unlike most films, E.T. was filmed in sequence, allowing Barrymore to experience the story’s emotional arc naturally.
- Encouraged Improvisation: Many of Gertie’s lines and reactions were unscripted, including the famous “I’ll be right here” scene, which Barrymore ad-libbed.
- Created a Family Atmosphere: Spielberg fostered a close-knit environment on set, making the cast feel like a real family. For Barrymore, this meant E.T. wasn’t just a prop—he was part of the unit.
The Role of the Crew in Sustaining the Illusion
The crew played along with the fantasy, often referring to E.T. as if he were real. In a 2022 documentary, E.T. The Reunion, Barrymore recalled:
“The puppeteers would talk to me as E.T. They’d say things like, ‘E.T. wants to play with you today,’ and I’d believe it. It was like having an imaginary friend, but he was right there.”
This collective effort to maintain the illusion was crucial in shaping Barrymore’s perception. For her, E.T. wasn’t a puppet—he was a living, breathing entity who needed her help.
E.T.’s Cultural Impact: Why the Film Resonated So Deeply
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial wasn’t just a box office hit—it became a cultural touchstone. The film’s themes of friendship, loss, and the innocence of childhood struck a chord with audiences worldwide. But why did it resonate so deeply, and how did Drew Barrymore’s belief in E.T. reflect the collective emotional experience of viewers?
A Universal Story of Loneliness and Connection
At its core, E.T. is about two lonely beings—an alien stranded on Earth and a boy (Elliott, played by Henry Thomas) struggling with his parents’ divorce—who find solace in each other. This theme of connection in the face of isolation is universal. For Barrymore, who was dealing with her own family issues (her parents divorced when she was young), the film provided an emotional outlet.
In her memoir Little Girl Lost, Barrymore wrote:
“E.T. was my escape. He was someone who understood me, even if he wasn’t real. And in a way, that made him more real than anything else.”
The Power of Childhood Wonder
E.T. tapped into the nostalgic longing for childhood magic—a feeling that transcends generations. The film’s success proved that audiences, regardless of age, craved stories that reignited their sense of wonder. Barrymore’s genuine belief in E.T. mirrored the way many children (and even adults) wished the story were true.
This phenomenon isn’t unique to E.T.. Films like The NeverEnding Story and Harry Potter also blur the line between fiction and reality for young viewers. However, E.T. stands out because it grounded its fantasy in emotional realism, making the impossible feel possible.
E.T.’s Legacy in Pop Culture
The film’s impact extends beyond cinema. It influenced:
- Merchandising: E.T. became one of the most merchandised characters of the 1980s, with toys, lunchboxes, and even a video game (though the infamous E.T. game for Atari was a commercial flop).
- Language: The phrase “E.T. phone home” entered the lexicon, becoming shorthand for longing and connection.
- Sci-Fi Storytelling: E.T. redefined alien narratives, shifting from horror (Alien, The Thing) to heartfelt drama. Films like Super 8 and Stranger Things owe a debt to its tone.
For Barrymore, the film’s legacy is personal. It wasn’t just a role—it was a formative experience that shaped her career and her understanding of storytelling.
Drew Barrymore’s Adult Reflections: How She Views E.T. Today
Decades after E.T.’s release, Drew Barrymore’s perspective on the film has evolved, but her emotional connection remains. As an adult, she’s reflected on how her childhood belief in E.T. shaped her worldview and her approach to parenting.
From Belief to Nostalgia
In interviews, Barrymore has described her belief in E.T. as a “beautiful delusion”—one she doesn’t regret. She’s embraced the nostalgia of the film, often sharing stories about it with her own children. In a 2020 appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, she said:
“I tell my kids, ‘E.T. was real to me, and that’s okay.’ I want them to have that same sense of wonder, even if it’s just for a little while.”
This sentiment reflects a broader cultural shift toward valuing imagination, even in adulthood. Barrymore’s willingness to revisit her childhood belief without cynicism is a testament to the film’s enduring power.
The Role of E.T. in Her Parenting
As a mother of two, Barrymore has introduced her children to E.T., but she’s also used the film as a teaching tool. She’s spoken about how the movie’s themes of empathy and friendship are lessons she wants to pass down. In a 2021 interview with Parents Magazine, she explained:
“E.T. is about kindness and understanding someone who’s different. That’s a message I want my kids to grow up with.”
Her approach to parenting mirrors her own childhood experience—blending reality with fantasy to create a rich, imaginative environment.
Revisiting the Film: Emotional Reunions and Tributes
Barrymore has participated in several E.T. reunions and retrospectives, often becoming emotional when discussing the film. At the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival, she teared up while watching clips, saying:
“It’s like looking at a photo album of my childhood. I see myself in Gertie, but I also see the little girl who believed in something bigger than herself.”
These moments underscore how E.T. remains a touchstone
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