In the iconic film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Dee Wallace’s character arrives just in time to witness her son Elliott saying an emotional farewell to the titular alien. As Elliott hugs E.T., the tears flow both on-screen and off. “Director Steven Spielberg was a truly kind genius,” Dee recalls in an exclusive interview with Closer. “He knew exactly what he wanted, and he gave all of us the freedom to bring our ideas and follow our instincts, which is where the magic happens.”
With over 250 films, six television series, and more than 200 commercials under her belt, Dee, now 73, has created plenty of magic throughout her illustrious career. Yet, E.T. holds a special place in her heart as the film celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. A special screening of the beloved science fiction classic will kick off the 13th annual TCM Classic Film Festival on April 21 in Hollywood, bringing back memories of one of the most touching films ever made.
“My favorite scene is when I’m reading Peter Pan to Gertie [Drew Barrymore], and E.T. is peeking in on us,” Dee says. “It reminds me of all the beautiful moments I’ve shared with my own daughter when she was little. Those are the kind of connections that make movies truly memorable.”
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Favorite Memories from the Set of E.T.
Dee shares some of her fondest memories from filming E.T., which revolve around the camaraderie among the young cast members. “Watching the kids bond and play together was magical,” she recalls. “They’d play basketball, run around, and even Matthew De Meritt, the little boy with no legs, would zoom around on a skateboard. It was like a big, loving family, and that energy translated beautifully onto the screen.”
The Challenges of Making E.T.
While working on such a legendary film might sound like pure joy, Dee admits that waiting was one of the biggest challenges. “In the world of acting, there’s this saying: ‘They don’t pay you to act, they pay you to wait!’” she jokes. “Working with creative people means you’re often on standby, and waiting can be tough. But it’s all part of the process.”
Bringing E.T. to Life
Despite the challenges, Dee found it surprisingly easy to believe in the existence of E.T. “For me, E.T. was just another actor,” she explains. “The way he was designed and brought to life on set was so well thought out that it felt completely natural. It was magical, and I think that’s why audiences connected with him so deeply.”
When asked if she ever imagined the film would become such a massive hit, Dee shakes her head. “You never know with movies,” she says. “So many factors have to align—timing, marketing, whether the public is ready for the message. Most creatives just focus on doing their best, and that’s exactly what we did.”
From Dancer to Actress: Dee’s Journey
Dee didn’t always dream of becoming an actress. In fact, she started her career as a dancer. “I was a soloist with a couple of companies in the Midwest,” she says. “But my teacher pulled me aside one day and told me something that changed my life. ‘You’ll always be good, but you’ll never be great. If you want greatness, try something else.’ So, I turned to acting, inspired by my mother, who was a local actress in Kansas City. Watching her perform, I realized I wanted to move people the way she did.”
Dee’s family was incredibly supportive of her career choices. “They supported anything that made me happy,” she says. “And I try to carry that same spirit forward with my own daughter.”
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Following in Mom’s Footsteps
Dee’s daughter, Gabrielle Stone, has indeed followed in her mother’s footsteps. “She’s an actress, and we’ve worked on several projects together,” Dee shares proudly. “But she’s also a best-selling author who writes about finding your power and self-love after experiencing abandonment. She’s helped so many women, and we both believe that as long as we’re creating, we’re happy.”
Big Breaks and Favorite Co-stars
When asked about her big break, Dee points to her role on The Lou Grant Show. “I played a hooker, and it caught the eye of the biggest casting director in LA at the time, Lynn Stalmaster. She brought me in for 10 with Blake Edwards,” she explains. As for her favorite co-stars, Dee lights up when talking about the kids she worked with, especially Henry Thomas and Drew Barrymore from E.T. “And my husband, Christopher Stone—we worked on so many projects together. He passed away over 21 years ago, but our chemistry was unforgettable.”
Staying Healthy and Having Fun
To stay healthy, Dee power walks a mile every day with her rescue dog. “We do our gratitude list while we walk,” she says. “I eat healthy, avoid fried foods, and focus on fresh fish, vegetables, and fruits. I drink occasionally, but I’m mindful because my dad struggled with alcoholism, and I don’t want that for myself. I also work out with a trainer twice a week.”
For fun, Dee loves dancing, going to movies, and giving back through her healing practice, Conscious Creation. “I have a radio show every Sunday morning on BlogTalk, and I offer private sessions over the phone with clients all over the world. Teaching people to love themselves and use their creative power is incredibly rewarding.”
Dee’s Latest Book: Born
Dee’s latest book, Born, dives into the creation process in an engaging and accessible way. “If you want to create money, successful relationships, a thriving career, or great health, you need to understand the power of love,” she says. “How you see the world and yourself affects how much you
