When Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi masterpiece E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial landed in theaters in 1982, it captured the hearts of millions worldwide and became an instant cultural phenomenon. More than four decades later, fans still wonder about the child stars who brought Elliott, Gertie, and Michael to life. Today, we are taking a deep dive into the E.T. cast net worth landscape to see how Hollywood’s most famous young actors built—and sustained—their fortunes.
Drew Barrymore Net Worth: From Child Star to Multi-Millionaire Mogul
Playing the adorable little sister Gertie launched Drew Barrymore into unprecedented global stardom before she even turned eight. Despite navigating a notoriously rocky adolescence in the public eye, Barrymore transformed her early fame into a wildly successful multi-million dollar empire.
- Estimated Net Worth (2026): $125 Million
- Primary Income Streams: Flower Beauty, daytime talk show hosting, production deals, and blockbuster film salaries.
- Career Highlights: Star of Charlie’s Angels, Never Been Kissed, and host of the hit syndicated talk show The Drew Barrymore Show.
Henry Thomas: Life After Playing Elliott
As the heartbroken boy who befriended an stranded alien, Henry Thomas delivered one of the most iconic child performances in cinematic history. While he chose a quieter path than his co-star Barrymore, Thomas has maintained a steady, respected career in film and television.
- Estimated Net Worth (2026): $2.5 Million – $5 Million
- Primary Income Streams: Acting residuals, indie film projects, and frequent collaborations with director Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House, Midnight Mass).
Robert MacNaughton and Dee Wallace
Older brother Michael was played by Robert MacNaughton, who eventually stepped away from the relentless Hollywood spotlight to pursue a quieter life, working for a time as a U.S. Postal Service worker before returning to occasional acting. Meanwhile, screen mom Dee Wallace capitalized on her horror and sci-fi legacy, starring in cult classics like Cujo and Critters, building a respectable multi-million-dollar career spanning decades.
The Enduring Legacy of Spielberg’s Classic
The financial trajectories of the E.T. cast prove that surviving child stardom takes resilience, reinvention, and business acumen. Whether running global lifestyle brands like Drew Barrymore or perfecting the craft of character acting like Henry Thomas, these stars remain permanently etched in pop-culture history.