E.T. and Me

In 1981, 11-year-old Matt DeMeritt got a call that would change his life. He wasn’t a child actor, or a performer of any kind. He was just a suburban kid enjoying his summer break. But Matt had something no other kid had — something Steven Spielberg needed to make his most ambitious movie yet.  * Note: This episode contains discussions of suicide. Please take care while listening. Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason EnglishWritten by Jake RossenProduced by Josh FisherStory Editor is Marisa BrownEditing and Sound Design by Mary Dooe, Jonathan Washington and Josh FisherMixing and Mastering by Baheed FrazierVoice Actors are Jess Krainchich and Juliet EnglishOriginal Music by Elise McCoyResearch and Fact Checking by Jake Rossen and Austin ThompsonShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason English Special thanks to Simon Brew. Check out the Film Stories podcast! Thanks for listening! If you're enjoying Very Special Episodes, please leave us a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. You can reach us at [email protected]. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.