The E.T. Effect: 5 Ways Drew Barrymore's Iconic Role Still Shapes Her Life And Career In 2025
Drew Barrymore’s connection to the iconic 1982 film *E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial* is not just a footnote in cinema history; it is the foundational story of her life and career. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the magic of playing Gertie at age seven remains a constant, emotional touchstone, influencing everything from her approach to her hit talk show to her recent announcement about joining the *Hollywood Squares* reboot. The film’s 40th anniversary reunion, which she hosted, brought to light new, deeply personal memories that confirm the movie’s lasting, tender impact on her.
The role launched a tumultuous but ultimately triumphant career, making her an instant global star under the guidance of legendary director Steven Spielberg. Today, as a successful actress, producer, and media personality, Barrymore frequently revisits the whimsical, innocent world of E.T., proving that the little girl who truly believed the alien was real is still very much at the heart of the woman she is today.
Drew Barrymore: Actress, Producer, and Talk Show Host Biography Profile
Drew Blythe Barrymore is a celebrated American actress, producer, director, talk show host, and businesswoman, representing the fourth generation of the famous Barrymore acting family. Her life is a story of early stardom, public struggle, and remarkable reinvention.
- Full Name: Drew Blythe Barrymore
- Born: February 22, 1975
- Birthplace: Culver City, California, U.S.
- Parents: John Drew Barrymore (actor) and Ildiko Jaid Mako (actress/manager)
- Godparents: Sophia Loren and Anna Strasberg
- Career Debut: *Suddenly, Love* (1978)
- Breakthrough Role: Gertie in *E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial* (1982)
- Production Company: Co-founder of Flower Films (1995) with Nancy Juvonen
- Directorial Debut: *Whip It* (2009)
- Current Projects (2024-2025): Host of *The Drew Barrymore Show*, panelist on the upcoming *Hollywood Squares* reboot (premiering January 2025).
- Notable Films (Flower Films): *Never Been Kissed*, *Charlie's Angels*, *50 First Dates*, *Music and Lyrics*.
The Enduring Magic of the E.T. Reunion and Barrymore’s Childhood Innocence
The 40th anniversary of *E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial* in 2022 and 2023 provided the most recent and insightful look into Barrymore's relationship with the film. She dedicated a special Halloween episode of *The Drew Barrymore Show* to a full cast reunion, featuring her co-stars Henry Thomas (Elliott), Dee Wallace (Mary), and Robert MacNaughton (Michael). This reunion was a powerful moment of generational nostalgia, but it also revealed a sweet, surprising detail about her time on set.
During the emotional on-air discussion, Barrymore admitted that she had genuinely believed E.T. was a real creature while filming at the age of six. She recalled being heartbroken when she learned the truth. Her on-screen mother, Dee Wallace, helped jog her memory, sharing that Drew would often go over to the E.T. puppet, talk to it, and even try to give it a scarf because she thought it was cold.
This anecdote is crucial to understanding the "E.T. Effect" on Barrymore. Her ability to fully commit to the fantasy—to genuinely care for the extraterrestrial—is what gave her performance as Gertie its unforgettable charm and emotional depth. Steven Spielberg, the film's director, was pivotal in fostering this environment, protecting the children's innocence and helping them connect with the character. Barrymore has often referred to E.T. as her "first imaginary friend," a sentiment that perfectly captures the film's theme of pure, unconditional love.
How E.T. Laid the Foundation for Her Current Career Empire
The success of *E.T.* did more than just make Drew Barrymore famous; it instilled in her a unique set of values and a creative blueprint that she applies to her work today, particularly through her multifaceted roles as a producer and talk show host. The film's themes of wonder, empathy, and family are evident across her entire career, from her production company, Flower Films, to her daily talk show.
The Flower Films Philosophy: Whimsy and Heart
Co-founded in 1995 with Nancy Juvonen, Flower Films was created with the goal of producing content that mirrors the lighthearted, optimistic, and often whimsical tone that defined *E.T.*. Their breakout hits, such as *Never Been Kissed* and *Charlie's Angels*, were characterized by female empowerment, genuine emotion, and a sense of fun—all elements that are spiritual successors to the magic of the 1982 sci-fi masterpiece. Even her directorial debut, *Whip It*, celebrated the spirit of finding your own unique family and path, a powerful parallel to Gertie's journey.
The E.T. Influence on The Drew Barrymore Show
Her daytime talk show, *The Drew Barrymore Show*, which continues to air new episodes in 2024, is arguably the clearest modern expression of the "E.T. Effect." The show is known for its genuine warmth, emotional interviews, and focus on positive, feel-good content. Barrymore's on-screen persona is one of vulnerability and enthusiastic joy, qualities she first showcased as the wide-eyed, bowl-cut-wearing Gertie. The show's success is rooted in her ability to create a safe, compassionate space, much like the one Steven Spielberg created for her as a child.
The talk show format also allows her to continually reconnect with her past, not just through the E.T. cast reunion, but by celebrating other nostalgic films, discussing her troubled but ultimately redemptive past, and promoting a message of resilience. This open, honest approach has resonated deeply with audiences, cementing her status as one of television's most beloved hosts.
Upcoming Projects: Carrying the E.T. Legacy into 2025
As Drew Barrymore moves into 2025, her career trajectory continues to blend her early stardom with her current role as a media mogul. Her announcement that she will be joining the reboot of the classic game show *Hollywood Squares* on CBS, set to premiere in January 2025, is a significant new venture.
This move is a testament to her enduring appeal and her ability to transition seamlessly between acting, producing, and hosting. She is no longer just the child star of *E.T.*, but a powerful businesswoman who uses her celebrity to create content that is both entertaining and meaningful. The legacy of Gertie—the child who saw the good in a strange, misunderstood alien—is the emotional core that grounds her entire brand, ensuring that every new project she undertakes carries a signature blend of curiosity, compassion, and pure, unbridled joy.
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