E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, directed by Steven Spielberg, holds a cherished place in the hearts of countless people worldwide as a quintessential 1980s sci-fi masterpiece. Released in 1982, this film introduced audiences to the bond between a young boy and an extraterrestrial. Creating a touching story that transcended generations. However, for Spielberg, his experience directing the film left him with a lingering sadness. Especially when reflecting on Drew Barrymore’s life as a child star. The young actress, who played the endearing Gertie Taylor, faced challenges beyond her years. Challenges that left Spielberg feeling helpless as he watched her struggle through a turbulent childhood.
The Magic and Legacy of E.T.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial quickly became one of the most beloved films of the 1980s. It tells the story of 10-year-old Elliot Taylor, played by Henry Thomas, who discovers and befriends an extraterrestrial stranded on Earth. Elliot, along with his younger sister Gertie, played by Drew Barrymore, and their friends, work together to help the creature they name E.T. return home. The movie not only became the highest-grossing film of the decade but also cemented Spielberg’s reputation as a visionary director and catapulted Barrymore into the limelight. However, behind the scenes, Spielberg’s relationship with his young cast, particularly Barrymore, turned into a complicated and lasting bond. One that highlighted the pressures and pitfalls of early fame.
Spielberg’s Bond with Young Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore, only seven years old during the filming of E.T., connected with Spielberg on a personal level. Barrymore’s family life was tumultuous, with her father, John Drew Barrymore, struggling with alcoholism and abuse. This instability at home pushed her to seek comfort and support from those around her on set. Spielberg, sensing her vulnerability, tried to provide a sense of stability. She even asked Spielberg if he could be her father, a request that deeply moved him. Although he couldn’t adopt her, Spielberg became her godfather. Stepping into a protective, parental role that Barrymore would later describe as one of the most significant relationships of her life.
A Young Star in Hollywood
In an interview with Vulture, Barrymore reflected on her deep bond with Spielberg. She called him “the only person in my life to this day that ever was a parental figure.” This connection would endure throughout her life. Even as she navigated the many challenges that came with being a young star in Hollywood.
A Robbed Childhood and Spielberg’s Helplessness
Despite Spielberg’s best efforts to provide Barrymore with guidance, he could only do so much. Barrymore’s fame grew quickly after E.T., launching her into a life that would expose her to experiences far beyond her years. As she became increasingly involved in the Hollywood scene, Barrymore faced the pressures of child stardom. Reflecting on this, Spielberg said, “She was staying up way past her bedtime, going to places she should have only been hearing about, and living a life at a very tender age that I think robbed her of her childhood.”
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Addiction Paired With Self-Harm
The young actress was experimenting with illegal substances by age 10. She started with cannabis, and by age 12, she was using cocaine. Her struggles led her to rehab by age 13, and at 14, she attempted to take her own life. Although Spielberg was there to offer advice and a supportive presence, he often felt powerless to protect her. “I felt very helpless because I wasn’t her dad,” he admitted. “I could only kind of be a consigliere to her.”
Spielberg’s Attempts to Keep the Magic Alive
On the set of E.T., Spielberg went out of his way to preserve the sense of wonder and innocence for young Barrymore. He understood that the film’s magic and the innocence of childhood were crucial for her well-being during such a formative time. Spielberg told Barrymore that E.T. was real. Hoping to keep her engaged with the fantasy and shield her from the harsher realities of Hollywood.
One day, Barrymore discovered the men operating the animatronic E.T., threatening to shatter her belief in the character. Determined to maintain the magic, Spielberg told her, “E.T. is so special he has eight assistants. I am the director, I only have one.” His efforts to protect her innocence reflect his paternal instincts and the genuine concern he felt for her.
An Enduring Friendship Through Adulthood
Although Barrymore faced immense struggles throughout her childhood, her bond with Spielberg remained a steady influence. She legally emancipated herself from her parents at age 14, a decision that marked a significant turning point. In the years that followed, Barrymore worked hard to build a successful career and reclaim control over her life, ultimately achieving sobriety and becoming a celebrated talk show host on The Drew Barrymore Show.
Throughout it all, Spielberg remained a steadfast figure in her life, offering her the guidance and support she needed, even if he couldn’t shield her entirely from the hardships of fame. Today, at age 77, Spielberg still holds a special place in Barrymore’s life, a testament to the unique bond they formed on the set of E.T.
Conclusion: Spielberg’s Painful Reflection on Lost Innocence
Steven Spielberg’s experience directing E.T. is forever intertwined with his relationship with Drew Barrymore and the helplessness he felt watching her lose her innocence to the demands of Hollywood. He recognized the profound impact that fame had on Barrymore’s life, leaving her to grapple with the challenges of adulthood long before she was ready. His reflections on those years underscore the emotional complexities that often accompany child stardom, as well as the limitations even the most caring mentors face in protecting young actors from the realities of fame.
Despite the bittersweet memories, E.T. remains a landmark in cinema history and a poignant reminder of the sacrifices some make to bring beloved stories to life. The legacy of Spielberg and Barrymore’s bond serves as both a tribute to their shared memories and a sobering look at the cost of childhood fame.
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