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E.T. child star Henry Thomas looks unrecognisable 40 years on from playing Elliott

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial has become one of the most iconic films of all-time since its release in 1982.

The film followed a young boy named Elliott who befriends an extra-terrestrial after he becomes stranded on Earth.

E.T star Henry Thomas looks unrecognisable 40 years after playing Elliott
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E.T star Henry Thomas looks unrecognisable 40 years after playing Elliott
Henry played the adorable child who befriended an extra-terrestrial stranded on Earth
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Henry played the adorable child who befriended an extra-terrestrial stranded on Earth

Elliott was played by actor Henry Thomas, while Drew Barrymore played his younger sister Gertie.

Henry has been immortalised as the adorable 10-year-old boy, but now the actor is 50-years-old and has an impressive acting resume both on the big screen and TV.

In fact, many watching Netflix's recent horror series The Haunting of Bly Manor will be shocked to learn that Uncle Henry is in fact Elliott from E.T all grown up.

Henry also starred in the previous Netflix series, The Haunting of Hill House, while his other TV credits include Stargirl - where he played Dr. Mid-Nite and Betrayal.

On the big screen, Henry has had roles in Gangs of New York alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Daniel Day Lewis, Gerald's Game and Dear John.

Back in 2018, Henry appeared on ITV's Lorraine and spoke about his iconic role, and how he took a step back from the limelight for a while after the film became a massive hit.

He said: "It was mostly voluntary, but I think the overwhelming fame scared the hell out of my parents.

"My mother, who was very much into living a rural life, was not pleased at having to pack up and go off with me."

As for his own kids, Henry admitted: "This is kind of sad Lorraine but I'll tell you, I had kind of set up as a big reveal, because they hadn't seen the film.

"And I thought that I would introduce them to E.T. and they wouldn't know it was me.

"So I set it up and they were all in the room watching and when it started I said 'do you recognise that fellow right there?' and my daughter who was eight at the time turned around and said 'yes dad, it's you, we know it's you. We've already seen the previews on one of our dvd's, this was the film you made when you were a kid.'

"And I was like 'oh' and then I was off to the kitchen."

Henry starred in The Haunting of Bly Manor on Netflix
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Henry starred in The Haunting of Bly Manor on Netflix
Henry, now 50, has continued to act
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Henry, now 50, has continued to act
The actor has also appeared in films as well as TV shows
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The actor has also appeared in films as well as TV shows
Henry Thomas plays Elliot on E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial