E.T – The man behind the mask

Matthew DeMeritt, now 54, was born with no legs. He was just 11-years-old when he was invited to play the role of one of the most known aliens – E.T. In an interview, he revealed how he was undergoing physical therapy at UCLA medical centre at the time when Universal Studios got in touch with his doctors!

The schoolboy was cast alongside two little people, Tamara De Treaux and Pat Bilon, but Matthew landed some of the most famous scenes thanks to his ability to walk on his hands! The film credited him simply as ‘Special E.T. movement, and was Matthew’s only major big screen role.