Drew Barrymore with her ET director Steven Spielberg – 30 years after he denounced her Playboy cover

Drew Barrymore with her ET director Steven Spielberg - 30 years after he denounced her Playboy cover

As a child of the ’80s, I can vividly remember the magic that E.T. brought into our lives. The story of a young girl and her extraordinary friendship with an alien was not just a movie for me; it was a defining moment in popular culture. And at the heart of this timeless tale was a young actress named Drew Barrymore, who captivated our hearts with her raw emotionality and innocence.


Drew Barrymore posed with a longtime friend on Sunday.

49-year-old talk show host was spotted at the red carpet event alongside director Steven Spielberg, aged 77, who is known for directing ET: The Extra-Terrestrial.

They attended the USC Shoah Foundation’s 30th Anniversary Gala, themed “Ambassadors For Humanity”, which took place in New York City.

Barrymore was covered up in a tuxedo with a crisp white shirt.

30 years have passed since he asked the rebellious starlet of Hollywood to hide herself, following her nude pose in the Playboy magazine, published by Hugh Hefner in January 1995.

Drew Barrymore with her ET director Steven Spielberg - 30 years after he denounced her Playboy cover

Drew Barrymore with her ET director Steven Spielberg - 30 years after he denounced her Playboy cover

In 1995, Steven Spielberg presented Drew Barrymore with a quilt and a note that read “Keep Warm” as a birthday gift.

Spielberg is Barrymore’s godfather. 

I took on a mentor role for Barrymore, treating her like family. I whisked her away on magical adventures to Disneyland, welcomed her into my home during weekends, and even gifted her a furry companion we called Gertie.

Barrymore referred to Spielberg as the only individual who, up until now, has served as a guiding or nurturing figure in her life.

Drew and Steven appeared very friendly together as they struck a pose alongside Meryl Streep, Debra Messing, and Whoopi Goldberg.

Became widely recognized when she was just six years old, for her endearing portrayal of Gertie in the timeless 1982 sci-fi film “E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial”.

2022 marked the 40th anniversary of the movie, and in celebration, the actress posted backstage images. These included some delightful shots where she posed alongside director Spielberg.

Drew Barrymore with her ET director Steven Spielberg - 30 years after he denounced her Playboy cover

40 years ago today, I got a glimpse into the magic that was being crafted behind the scenes of E.T., and it’s still an unforgettable moment for me as a die-hard fan! 🤩❤️ Here’s to the anniversary of this timeless classic! #EtBehindTheScenes #40YearsOfMagic

The Golden Globe Award winner beamed as she hugged Steven in one black and white photo. 

On the filming location, it was observed that the duo had a brief pause, with the younger Drew perched on the lap of the three-time Oscar laureate.

In another photo, Steven Spielberg, the director of Schindler’s List, was seen wearing a safety helmet while he held Drew up on his shoulders.

Drew Barrymore with her ET director Steven Spielberg - 30 years after he denounced her Playboy cover
Drew Barrymore with her ET director Steven Spielberg - 30 years after he denounced her Playboy cover
Drew Barrymore with her ET director Steven Spielberg - 30 years after he denounced her Playboy cover

In a couple of pictures, it’s evident that Steven engaged in conversation with the young actress and was seated nearby in close proximity to her on separate occasions.

Additionally, Drew shared a photo featuring herself alongside her co-star Henry Thomas (Elliott Taylor), the character they both portrayed on screen.

In the film, a ten-year-old boy named Elliott develops a friendship with a stranded alien, as his extraterrestrial companions leave Earth aboard their spaceship, forgetting to take him along.

Drew Barrymore with her ET director Steven Spielberg - 30 years after he denounced her Playboy cover

Later on, Elliott presents the extraterrestrial being, whom he calls E.T., to his sister Gertie and his brother Michael (played by Robert Macnaughton).

Together with their mom Mary (played by Dee Wallace), as well as Elliott’s pals, they later assist ET in evading the authorities and making his way back to his own planet.

In a picture that Drew posted, she was found alongside Henry, Robert, Steven, and the dog known as E.T., voiced by Pat Welsh. Steven gestured towards the sky, while the kids and E.T. gazed up curiously.

The Blended performer also shared a snap in which she was seen touching E.T.’s cheek. 

She posed a still of the famous scene in which Elliott flies through the sky on his bike with E.T.  Drew concluded her post with an image of the movie’s title in blue against a black backdrop.

1982 saw the release of E.T., which broke box office records by becoming the highest-earning film ever, a title it maintained for an impressive eleven years.

The film received nine Academy Award nominations and won for Best Original Score, Best Visual Effects, Best Sound, and Best Sound Editing. 

In April, Drew Barrymore reconnected with her on-screen mom Dee, who is 73 years old, during an episode of her own show, The Drew Barrymore Show. They reminisced about their time working together in the movie and recreated a famous photo from the film where Dee was pictured holding a young Drew Barrymore.

Drew Barrymore with her ET director Steven Spielberg - 30 years after he denounced her Playboy cover

Prior to the movie’s 40th anniversary, Drew spoke about her tight bond with Steven during an interview with People Magazine. Moreover, she shared her intentions for celebrating the milestone event alongside the director and her daughters, Frankie (7) and Olive (9).

As a devoted enthusiast, I can’t help but share this exciting revelation: I’ve had the privilege of engaging in conversations with none other than the legendary Steven Spielberg! You see, he has a special bond with my girls – the very same ones he tenderly held as infants. Over the years, their lives have intertwined, creating an extraordinary connection that transcends the boundaries of professional acquaintanceship.

I really want to savor this moment with them, involve them, and share the celebration with Steven, who plays a significant role as a mentor-like figure in my life.

Drew shared with People that Steven had reminded her that her daughters are about the same age as she was when she starred in E.T.

Drew Barrymore with her ET director Steven Spielberg - 30 years after he denounced her Playboy cover
Drew Barrymore with her ET director Steven Spielberg - 30 years after he denounced her Playboy cover
Drew Barrymore with her ET director Steven Spielberg - 30 years after he denounced her Playboy cover

In response, Drew stated, “We simply cannot afford to miss out on this time with your children.” To which I replied, “You make a valid point. We indeed shouldn’t.

She commented, ‘This feels incredibly emotional and complete. My children are about the same age as I was when E.T. first appeared. Frankie, in particular, is right at that age – she’s seven now and will soon be eight. Olive is nine, soon to turn ten. It’s a full-circle moment for me, and they both enjoy Steven.’

For quite some time now, I’ve often shared tales about my cherished friendship with Steven, a man I owe a great deal for kick-starting my professional journey.

During a September 2021  appearance on Dax Shepherd’s Armchair Podcast, she said, ‘I got lucky.

She continued, ‘He single-handedly changed my life. He was also someone who I didn’t realize until I was older was also very fatherly. 

‘He refers to me as his eldest child. He was taken aback when I wore red lipstick or posed for Playboy. He wrote me a message, asking me to conceal myself.’

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2024-10-14 19:10

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