Actress Jessica Chastain expressed complete shock on November 10 when host Drew Barrymore transformed into her iconic childhood character Gertie from the 1982 Steven Spielberg classic E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial during a live interview on The Drew Barrymore Show, Yahoo reported.
Jessica Chastain Receives a Surprise Wig on The Drew Barrymore Show
- Jessica Chastain appeared on The Drew Barrymore Show on November 10 to promote her new movie Heartland.
- Barrymore surprised the actress by pulling out a mannequin head wearing a blonde wig styled in Gertie’s signature bow-adorned pigtails.
- The daytime host previously pulled off the exact same surprise for Ryan Gosling back in March.
An Unexpected 1982 Revival on Live Television
Chastain, 51, sat down for an interview on the daytime talk show to discuss her role in the new thriller Heartland, according to Yahoo. During their conversation, the actress mentioned her deep fondness for Steven Spielberg’s 1982 sci-fi landmark.
That prompt gave Barrymore an opening. The host reached for a mannequin head fitted with a blonde wig and signature pigtails, immediately stepping into the role that launched her career at age seven.
Chastain dropped her jaw in disbelief at the sight. “No, you are not doing this!” she exclaimed as Barrymore put on the wig beside a statue of the famous alien.
Chastain Reacts to the Surprise and Pitches a Makeover
After Barrymore laughed off the bit by calling the situation “so weird,” Chastain pushed back immediately. “It’s not weird! This is why you are who you are and I love you,” Chastain said, adding that she never imagined she would actually meet Gertie.
Staying fully in character, Barrymore asked her guest if she had any questions for the fictional child. Chastain seized the moment to pitch a playful idea. “Next time I come here, can Gertie give me a makeover?” she asked, referencing the memorable makeup scene shared between Gertie and the alien.
Drew Barrymore surprised longtime ‘E. T.’ fan Jessica Chastain by dressing up as her character Gertie during their interview: ‘You are not doing this!’ https://t.co/ODmJi3JRh5
AOL reported that Barrymore has only pulled off this specific surprise once before for an actor. Back in March, Ryan Gosling experienced the exact same shock on the program, calling the surreal encounter “No way! Is this really happening!?”
Reflecting on a Lifelong Bond With Steven Spielberg
Working alongside Steven Spielberg at just seven years old left a permanent mark on Barrymore. Decades later, she remains deeply grateful for the experience and frequently speaks about the Oscar-winning director serving as a vital father figure in her life.
Drew Barrymore Makes Surprise Transformation into Her Famous ‘E. T.’ Character Gertie for a Stunned Jessica Chastain https://t.co/dpzIb3MFjS
Barrymore shared with People that Spielberg maintains a close connection with her family. “He calls my girls who he held when they were babies, and he’s known them throughout their lives,” Barrymore said when discussing how she included her daughters, Frankie and Olive, in celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of E.T. in 2022.
Recalling Spielberg’s insistence on marking the milestone together, Barrymore noted the director told her they could not miss the moment with her children. “This is very emotional and full circle,” Barrymore said at the time, noting her daughters were approaching the exact age she was when the film premiered.
| Guest Celebrity | Show Appearance Date | Promoted Project | Previous Surprise Recipient |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jessica Chastain | November 10 | Heartland | Ryan Gosling (March) |
