Henry Thomas, known for his iconic role as Elliott in the beloved 1982 film E.T., recently shared a surprising revelation about his audition for the role. Despite rising to stardom with the success of the science fiction blockbuster, the now 54-year-old actor admitted that he initially thought he had completely bombed the audition for the iconic role.
In a candid interview on The Hollywood Reporter’s podcast It Happened in Hollywood, Thomas opened up about his doubts during the audition process. The emotional moment that sealed the deal for him was when Steven Spielberg asked him to act as if his friend was being taken away. Through tears, Thomas pleaded, “You can’t take him, he’s mine!” Spielberg, impressed by Thomas’ raw emotion and talent, ultimately offered him the role of Elliott.
Reflecting on the audition, Thomas revealed that he felt like he had performed poorly from the beginning. He expressed his initial self-doubt, feeling defeated as soon as he began reciting his lines. Despite these doubts, Spielberg saw the potential in Thomas and recognized the raw talent that would make him the perfect choice for the role.
Henry Thomas’ honest and vulnerable portrayal of Elliott in E.T. captured the hearts of audiences around the world and solidified his status as a talented actor. His emotional audition tape not only showcased his acting abilities but also revealed the depth of his passion for his craft.
Through his candid interview and emotional recounting of his audition experience, Henry Thomas reminds us of the power of perseverance and the importance of believing in oneself, even in moments of doubt.
Photo by John Phillips on Getty Images
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Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.