Sometimes, a single role can alter the course of a person’s life. This is true for an American actor who became a global sensation at the tender age of 11. Little did he know that his first audition would completely transform his life.
44 years ago, one of Steven Spielberg’s greatest films hit theaters: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. The film received a rating of 4.8 out of 5 from national critics and 4.4 from users on Allociné. This masterpiece, which could have had a sequel, left a lasting impression on generations of children (and adults) and launched the careers of talents like Drew Barrymore and Henry Thomas, who played Elliot, E.T.’s best friend. At the time, the future star of Gangs of New York was just eleven years old. Even at such a young age, he already possessed immense acting talent.
Henry Thomas’s Life-Changing Audition
It was in 1981 when Steven Spielberg first met young Henry Thomas. Back then, the little boy had just landed his first role in Raggedy Man directed by Jack Fisk, where he played the son of Sissy Spacek alongside actors like Sam Shepard, Eric Roberts, and William Sanderson.
Aware of the child’s talent, Spielberg auditioned him for the role of Elliott. The audition turned out to be a revelation. After just two minutes of improvisation, Henry Thomas went from tears to a burst of anger. It was a remarkable performance for a boy of just 11. At the end of the scene, you can even hear the filmmaker tell the young actor, “Okay, kid, you’ve got the job!” followed by a round of applause.
According to a 1991 TV Guide article, Henry Thomas was able to completely let go during his audition by thinking about his recently deceased dog. This was a challenging exercise, but the actor managed it with incredible ease. And it’s safe to say that Steven Spielberg made the right choice in casting him!
Henry Thomas’s portrayal of Elliott earned him two nominations: at the BAFTA Awards and the Golden Globes as the year’s best new male actor. After starting his career in a critically acclaimed fantasy film, he later ventured into horror with roles in series like The Haunting of Hill House and The Fall of the House of Usher.
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A passionate journalist, Iris Lennox covers social and cultural news across the U.S.