Steven Spielberg Credits ‘E.T.’ and Drew Barrymore for Inspiring His Fatherhood Journey
Drew BarrymoreSteven Spielberg, the legendary filmmaker behind some of Hollywood's most famous movies, has often spoken about how working with Drew Barrymore on the 1982 blockbuster E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial profoundly influenced his personal life. At a recent panel during the TCM Classic Film Festival in New York City, Spielberg, now 78, reiterated that directing the then-six-year-old Barrymore in the iconic film sparked his desire to become a father.
During the festival event, Spielberg vividly recalled how, before making E.T., his focus was solely on storytelling. "Up until that point, I was just making movies", Spielberg shared. "I was obsessed with telling stories, but making E.T. made me want to be a father for the first time. I never even thought about that until E.T." This significant revelation highlights how deeply the experience of working with Barrymore and the other child actors affected him.
Barrymore, who at 49 attended the same festival panel with Spielberg, echoed his sentiments, expressing gratitude for the impact Spielberg had on her life. "E.T. changed my life. There's no question about that", Barrymore said, emphasizing the mutual influence they had on each other's lives. On a lighter note, when asked if their experiences didn’t deter Spielberg from fatherhood, Barrymore joked, "I didn’t ruin that for you?" to which Spielberg sweetly replied, "The opposite".
Over the years, their unique bond has been publicly acknowledged. Spielberg, who eventually raised seven children and now has six grandchildren, served as a significant figure in Barrymore's life beyond their professional relationship. Barrymore has referred to Spielberg as a father figure and often speaks about how he supported her during her challenging childhood.
In interviews, Barrymore has shared personal anecdotes illustrating Spielberg’s influence, such as his advice on waiting to pierce her ears and their weekends spent watching movies at his house. She has described him as someone she could depend on, stating, "He was always showing movies, and he was such a good father figure. I knew he was going to be the best father".
Their relationship underscores the profound impact that filmmaking and shared creative pursuits can have on personal lives, especially when it leads to life-changing revelations and lifelong bonds. Spielberg’s journey from a focused filmmaker to a family man was greatly inspired by the very film that marked a pivotal moment in both his and Barrymore's lives.
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