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Real Stories. Hidden Legends.
(This post is part of our original storytelling series uncovering the truth behind the culture you think you know.)

It wasn’t just movie magic or animatronics. The heart of E.T. was human.

When Steven Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial hit theaters in 1982, it became an instant classic — a film about friendship, wonder, and the longing for home. The image of the glowing-fingered alien and that unforgettable bike ride across the moon are etched into pop culture history.

But behind the glowing eyes and gentle movements of E.T. was a fascinating and little-known truth: E.T. was brought to life not only by puppets and special effects but by a team of dedicated actors who physically inhabited the alien suit.

👦🏽 Matthew DeMeritt: The Boy Who Walked on His Hands Inside the Alien Suit

This blog post dives deep into the untold story of those actors — their unique challenges, their rare talent, and the lasting impact they made on cinema history.

The most widely recognized actor who portrayed E.T. in the suit was Matthew DeMeritt, a 12-year-old boy born without legs.

Why did Spielberg choose Matthew? Because the character of E.T. needed to move in a very particular way — low to the ground, childlike, curious, vulnerable. Matthew’s ability to crawl and balance on his hands allowed the alien to move with authenticity that puppets or animatronics couldn’t achieve.

“It was dark, hot, and exhausting inside that suit,” Matthew recalled in interviews years later. “But I loved crawling around like E.T. — I felt like I was part of something magical.”

Matthew spent hours inside the cumbersome costume, crawling through sets and delivering subtle physical nuances that helped audiences emotionally connect with the alien. His performance gave E.T. a soul.

👩🏽‍🦰 Tamara De Treaux: The Graceful Performer with a Big Heart

Another vital performer inside the E.T. suit was Tamara De Treaux, an actress standing just 2 feet 10 inches tall. Tamara was already a professional performer, known for her skill in expressing emotions through body language and movement.

Tamara took on scenes where E.T. needed to walk upright or show more deliberate gestures. Her physicality gave the alien moments of grace and quiet dignity.

Tragically, Tamara passed away in 1990 from respiratory complications. However, her contribution to one of the most beloved characters in film deserves to be celebrated and remembered.

👨🏻‍🦱 Pat Bilon: The Quiet Hero

Adding to this extraordinary trio was Pat Bilon, another actor with dwarfism who portrayed E.T. in certain upright scenes.

Standing 2 feet 10 inches tall, Pat brought a subtle authenticity to the alien’s posture and movements that helped cement E.T.’s unique presence on screen. Like Tamara, he passed away shortly after filming.

🤖 The Magic Behind the Alien: Animatronics and Puppetry

While the actors gave E.T. his physical movements, the alien’s iconic facial expressions and glowing finger were the work of special effects legend Carlo Rambaldi.

Rambaldi’s team designed an animatronic head capable of over 30 facial movements, operated by skilled puppeteers to create E.T.’s expressive eyes, mouth, and gestures. The finger that glowed and healed was a mechanical marvel controlled remotely.

Together, these elements combined human performance and technology to make E.T. feel real — a character with whom audiences could empathize and fall in love.

🎥 Behind the Scenes Challenges

Wearing the E.T. suit was no easy feat. The costume was bulky, hot, and difficult to move in. Actors inside had to endure long hours in uncomfortable conditions, with limited visibility.

Matthew DeMeritt has spoken about the physical challenges, especially crawling on sets that were sometimes uneven or cluttered with props.

Despite this, the actors’ dedication and professionalism brought E.T. to life in a way that special effects alone never could.

🌟 The Legacy of E.T.’s Human Heart

The question “Who played E.T.?” does not have a simple answer. It was the combined efforts of:

  • Matthew DeMeritt, the courageous young boy who moved with childlike curiosity.
  • Tamara De Treaux and Pat Bilon, the talented actors who added emotion and nuance through their physical performance.
  • The animatronics team, who gave E.T. his iconic face and gestures.

Together, they created a cinematic icon that transcends decades.

🤔 Why This Story Matters Today

In an era where CGI often replaces practical effects and live performances, the story of the actors behind E.T. reminds us of the power of human artistry in filmmaking.

It also shines a light on performers with disabilities and the important roles they’ve played in Hollywood history — often without the recognition they deserve.

Enjoyed learning the truth behind E.T.?
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Pikawil from Laval, Canada, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons