Drew Barrymore's Age When Filming E.T.
Drew Barrymore was six years old when she was cast as Gertie, the younger sister of Elliott, in the 1982 film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Principal photography took place between 1981 and 1982, when she was in early elementary school.
How Old Was Drew Barrymore in the Movie
Because the story spans a short period, her character's age remains close to her real-life age at the time. At the start of production she was six, and she was still six during most of the filming. By the time the film premiered in June 1982, she had turned seven.
Casting and Early Career Context
Director Steven Spielberg selected Barrymore after a widely publicized audition process. Her casting made her one of the youngest stars in a major Hollywood production at that time. The role became a defining moment in her early career, which she has discussed in interviews and documentaries.
