Additional Coverage:
- Steven Spielberg Says Directing Drew Barrymore in ‘E.T.’ Made Him Want ‘To Be a Father for the 1st Time’ (newsbreak.com)
At the TCM Film Festival in New York City, director Steven Spielberg revealed that working with a young Drew Barrymore on “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” sparked his desire to be a father. He shared this during a panel discussion moderated by Dave Karger.
Barrymore, now 49, starred as Gertie in the 1982 film when she was just seven years old. Spielberg, 78, explained that making the movie shifted his focus from simply telling stories to wanting a family.
Barrymore, who joined Spielberg on stage, jokingly asked if she had “ruined” that for him. Spielberg responded with a heartwarming, “The opposite.”
The actress shared how deeply “E.T.” impacted her own life, calling it the film she’s most proud of. She credited Spielberg with believing in her and said she strives to honor that belief every day.
Spielberg, a father of seven and grandfather of six, admitted to watching “E.T.” more than any other film he’s directed. He often shows it to his children and grandchildren, preparing them for the emotional journey.
The director has previously discussed how his parents’ divorce influenced “E.T.”, positing the idea of the alien as part of a foreign exchange program and Elliott taking responsibility for it to fill a void in his life.
Upon its release, “E.T.” became a massive box office success, even surpassing “Star Wars” as the highest-grossing film at the time. It was a major summer hit in 1982.