How Old Is Drew Barrymore In Et
The Little Girl Who Became a Legend You probably remember the scene where a tiny girl with a gap-toothed smile waves at a glowing alien from her bedroom window. That was Drew...
The Little Girl Who Became a Legend
You probably remember the scene where a tiny girl with a gap-toothed smile waves at a glowing alien from her bedroom window. That was Drew Barrymore, and she was barely old enough to ride a bike without training wheels when it all happened. She was only seven years old when she stepped onto the set of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and honestly, it blows people's minds even today.
How Old Was Drew Barrymore When Filming E.T.?
The Numbers Don't Lie
Drew Barrymore was born on February 22, 1975, which means she was six turning seven during most of the filming. E.T. was shot between September 1981 and January 1982, so depending on which scene you're looking at, she was either six or seven. That's younger than most kids in second grade, and yet she carried one of the most emotionally charged roles in movie history on her tiny shoulders.
What Was It Like Playing Gertie?
Playing Gertie, the younger sister of Elliott, required Drew to cry on cue, deliver lines with genuine emotion, and interact with a puppet that weighed over 30 pounds. The crew had to keep things light around her, so they often brought stuffed animals and snacks to set to make sure she stayed comfortable. Steven Spielberg himself has said that Drew's natural talent made the job feel effortless, even though it clearly wasn't.
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A Child Star Who Wasn't Like the Others
Drew's Unusual Childhood
Most seven-year-olds are worried about bedtime stories and recess, but Drew Barrymore was already a seasoned performer by that age. She had appeared in commercials and television shows before E.T., so the camera didn't scare her the way it might scare a normal kid. Still, the intensity of filming a major movie at such a young age took a toll on her later in life.
The Fame Hit Hard Early
After E.T. became a massive hit, Drew found herself thrust into Hollywood's spotlight before she even understood what fame meant. She was photographed on magazine covers, interviewed by adults, and expected to behave like a seasoned professional while she was still losing baby teeth. The pressures of early stardom eventually led her down a difficult path, but that's a story for another time.
Drew Barrymore through the years: see the star's transformation as the
Why Does It Matter How Old She Was?
Perspective Changes Everything
Knowing that Drew was just a child when she delivered one of cinema's most touching performances makes you appreciate her work on a completely different level. It's one thing to watch a great performance, but it's another to realize a little girl brought that magic to life. When you see Gertie sobbing over E.T. in the bedroom scene, you're not just watching acting — you're watching a real kid feel real emotions.
The Movie That Defined a Generation
E.T. was released in 1982 and became the highest-grossing film of all time at that point. Millions of people around the world fell in love with the story, and Drew Barrymore's performance was a huge part of why it resonated so deeply. She wasn't just a child actor in a big movie — she was the heart of it.
Drew Barrymore Still Keeps This E.T. Keepsake In Her Dressing Room
What Happened After E.T.?
Growing Up in Public
After E.T., Drew continued acting through her teenage years, but the transition wasn't easy. The same public that adored her as a child suddenly turned harsh when she started making mistakes, which is something every young person can relate to on some level. She has spoken openly about her struggles with addiction and self-image, and her honesty has inspired countless fans.
A Comeback Story We All Root For
Today, Drew Barrymore is a beloved actress, producer, and talk show host who has reinvented herself more times than most people can count. She turned 49 in February 2024, and looking back at her E.T. days must feel like watching a completely different person from the confident woman she is now. Her journey from a little girl waving at an alien to a Hollywood icon is genuinely one of the most heartwarming stories in entertainment.
The Takeaway
The next time you watch E.T., pay close attention to little Gertie and the way she lights up the screen. Remember that you're watching a child who was just figuring out the world while the rest of us were watching her figure it out too. Drew Barrymore's age in E.T. isn't just a fun fact — it's a reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary things are done by the youngest among us.
