Behind one of cinema’s most beloved aliens was not a high-tech robot or a team of animators — but a remarkable 12-year-old boy named Matthew De Merritt. Born without legs, Matthew’s story became an extraordinary chapter in movie history.
In 1981, Universal Studios reached out to doctors at UCLA, searching for someone with unique physical abilities to help bring Steven Spielberg’s extraterrestrial friend to life. Matthew, then just 11 years old and undergoing physical therapy at the hospital, was recommended for the role. His unusual skill — walking on his hands with natural grace and balance — turned out to be the perfect way to give E.T. his distinctive, almost childlike movements.
Matthew was fitted into a custom-made rubber E.T. suit that allowed him to move inside and manipulate the alien’s body. His hand-walking technique gave E.T. that unforgettable, otherworldly motion — the gentle sways and curious gestures that made audiences fall in love with the character. Though several techniques and puppeteers helped bring E.T. to life, Matthew’s contribution added a deeply human touch that no machine could replicate.
When the film was released in 1982, it became a worldwide phenomenon, enchanting millions and redefining what movie magic could be. Among the credits, eagle-eyed viewers can spot Matthew’s name listed modestly under “Special E.T. Movement” — a small note for an enormous impact.
E.T. was the only major film Matthew ever worked on, but his performance remains one of the most touching examples of how creativity and inclusion can merge to create something timeless. Through his talent, determination, and spirit, a young boy without legs helped the world believe in an alien with a heart.
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