Steven Spielberg, renowned director and filmmaker, recently shared his feelings of helplessness as he witnessed Drew Barrymore‘s childhood slipping away during the production of the beloved 1982 film, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. At just seven years old, Barrymore became one of the most recognizable child stars of her time with her portrayal of Gertie in the iconic movie.
A Special Bond Between Spielberg and Barrymore
During the filming of E.T., Spielberg and Barrymore developed a close bond. Barrymore, now 48, even asked Spielberg to be her father, a request to which the director declined but agreed to be her godfather instead. In a profile of Barrymore by Vulture, she described Spielberg as the only person in her life who ever served as a parental figure.
“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,” Spielberg expressed to Vulture. “Yet I felt very helpless because I wasn’t her dad. I could only kind of be a consigliere to her.”
A Troubled Childhood and Spielberg’s Protective Role
Drew Barrymore’s own father, actor John Drew Barrymore, was an abusive alcoholic, which further complicated her upbringing. Barrymore has been open about her struggles with substance abuse, revealing that she began using marijuana at the tender age of 10 and even snorted cocaine by the age of 12. Her tumultuous journey led her to rehab at just 13 years old and even a suicide attempt at 14.
During the production of E.T., Spielberg observed Barrymore’s behavior and intervened when necessary. He would often notice her wearing red lipstick on set and gently ask her to remove it, concerned about the influence and experiences she was exposed to at such a young age.
“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.”
Sustaining the Magic of E.T.
Spielberg was dedicated to preserving the enchantment for Barrymore on set, maintaining her belief that E.T. was a real extraterrestrial being. However, after a few weeks of filming, Barrymore discovered the men who operated the E.T. puppet and insisted they leave the set. Spielberg, not wanting to shatter the illusion, calmly reassured her by explaining that E.T. had a team of eight assistants while he, as the director, had only one.
“I didn’t want to burst the bubble. So I simply said, ‘It’s okay, E.T. is so special. E.T. has eight assistants. I am the director, I only have one.'”
To further support Barrymore’s connection with the otherworldly character, Spielberg arranged for the puppet operators to be available during off-camera hours, enabling her to spend time with E.T. during lunch breaks. Their bond extended beyond the set as well, with Vulture reporting that she spent weekends with Spielberg. He even gifted her a cat named Gertie and treated her to visits at Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm.
A Lasting Friendship
Decades have passed since the production of E.T., but the friendship between Drew Barrymore and Steven Spielberg remains strong to this day. Barrymore, emancipated from her parents at the age of 14, has embarked on a successful career and has been sober since at least 2019. She currently hosts her talk show, The Drew Barrymore Show, where she continues to inspire and entertain audiences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How old was Drew Barrymore during the filming of E.T.?
Drew Barrymore was only seven years old when she played the character of Gertie in E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial.
2. Did Steven Spielberg agree to be Drew Barrymore’s father?
No, Steven Spielberg declined Drew Barrymore’s request to be her father but agreed to be her godfather instead.
3. What role did Steven Spielberg play in Drew Barrymore’s life?
According to Barrymore, Steven Spielberg was the only person in her life who served as a parental figure during her childhood.
4. How did Steven Spielberg protect Drew Barrymore during the filming of E.T.?
Spielberg kept a watchful eye on Barrymore’s well-being during the production of E.T. He would intervene when necessary, such as asking her to remove red lipstick, and made efforts to sustain the magic of the film by ensuring her belief in the reality of the character E.T.
5. Are Drew Barrymore and Steven Spielberg still close?
Yes, Drew Barrymore and Steven Spielberg maintain a strong friendship to this day, despite the passage of time. They continue to support and care for each other.
Source: Unilad
